DELL vs. CSCO: Which AI Infrastructure Stock Is the Better Buy Now?

Core Insights - Dell Technologies (DELL) and Cisco Systems (CSCO) are key players in the AI infrastructure market, with DELL focusing on AI-optimized servers and Cisco on high-performance networking and security solutions [1][2] AI Infrastructure Market Overview - AI infrastructure spending is projected to exceed $758 billion by 2029, with 94.3% allocated to servers with embedded accelerators [2] - Global AI spending is expected to surpass $2 trillion in 2026, up from an estimated $1.5 trillion in 2025, benefiting both DELL and CSCO [2] Dell Technologies (DELL) Performance - DELL is experiencing strong demand for AI servers, with $12.3 billion in AI server orders in Q3 FY26, totaling $30 billion year-to-date [5][10] - The company reported a record backlog of $18.4 billion in AI server orders, indicating sustained demand [5] - DELL anticipates shipping approximately $9.4 billion worth of AI servers in Q4 FY26, with total shipments expected to reach $25 billion for FY26, reflecting a 150% year-over-year growth [6][10] Cisco Systems (CSCO) Performance - CSCO has integrated AI into its product offerings, with AI infrastructure orders from hyperscalers reaching $1.3 billion in Q1 FY26 [7] - The company expects $3 billion in AI infrastructure revenues from hyperscalers in FY26, supported by a $2 billion order pipeline [7][10] - CSCO's total Annual Recurring Revenues reached $31.4 billion, up 5% year-over-year, with remaining performance obligations at $42.9 billion, up 7% year-over-year [8] Valuation and Earnings Estimates - DELL shares are considered undervalued with a Value Score of A, trading at a forward Price/Sales ratio of 0.64X, while CSCO shares are viewed as overvalued with a Value Score of D, trading at 4.82X [14] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DELL's FY26 earnings is $9.95 per share, indicating a 22.24% year-over-year increase, while CSCO's estimate is $4.10 per share, reflecting a 7.61% increase [16] Earnings Performance - DELL has beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 0.23% [18] - CSCO has consistently beaten the Zacks Consensus Estimate in all four quarters, delivering a higher average surprise of 3.22% compared to DELL [18] Conclusion - Both DELL and CSCO are positioned to benefit from the growing AI infrastructure market, but CSCO is seen as having greater upside potential due to its robust AI-driven portfolio and higher earnings momentum [19]