Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-12-11 01:53Core Viewpoint - Cisco (CSCO.US) has returned to its historical high after a quarter of a century, driven by the surge in artificial intelligence (AI) spending [1][5]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Cisco's stock rose 0.9% to $80.25, surpassing a peak that had been maintained for over 25 years [1]. - The stock's previous high was seen as the peak of the internet bubble in March 2000, which was a significant milestone for tech stocks [1][4]. - The recent increase in Cisco's stock is part of a broader rise in the U.S. stock market following the Federal Reserve's third consecutive interest rate cut, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 also experiencing gains [1]. Group 2: Historical Context - Before the record in 2000, Cisco's stock price surged nearly 600% over two years, leading to a market capitalization exceeding $500 billion [4]. - Following the burst of the internet bubble, Cisco's market value plummeted by approximately 90%, reaching a low of around $60 billion by the end of 2002 [4]. Group 3: Current Market Sentiment - Since the low point, Cisco's stock has increased by over 800%, although its market capitalization remains more than 40% lower than its peak during the internet bubble [5]. - The recent stock recovery is viewed as a sign of returning investor confidence, although Cisco is now perceived more as a utility company rather than an innovator [5]. - The latest boost in Cisco's stock is attributed to strong revenue forecasts, which have fueled optimism regarding potential growth from AI spending in the coming years [5][6]. Group 4: Financial Outlook - Cisco anticipates sales could reach up to $61 billion for the current fiscal year, exceeding Wall Street expectations by approximately $1 billion [6]. - UBS analyst David Vogt upgraded Cisco's stock rating to "buy" based on the expected demand for AI infrastructure products [6].