Cisco Soars on Forecast Boost, AI-Focused Job Cuts

Cisco Systems Inc. jumped by the most in more than 14 years after the company delivered a better-than-anticipated sales forecast and announced plans to cut thousands of jobs, an attempt to focus on the fast-growing AI market. Revenue will be $16.7 billion to $16.9 billion in the fiscal fourth quarter, which runs through July, the company said in a statement Wednesday. Analysts estimated sales of $15.8 billion, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. The news signaled that Cisco, a four-decade-old stalwart of Silicon Valley, is successfully pivoting to the AI economy. Orders from data center customers are accelerating, and the company's restructuring plan is designed to further improve its position. Bloomberg's Ryan Vlastelica takes a closer look.