Cisco (CSCO) Stock; Fall As Georgetown Wi‑Fi 7 Deal Highlights AI-Ready Network Push

TLDRs;

• Cisco shares fell 2.45% amid tariff concerns, ending $73.35 per share, below 52-week highs.
• Georgetown University Wi‑Fi 7 upgrade marks Cisco’s AI-focused campus networking expansion.
• SharonAI partnership strengthens Cisco’s high-performance AI cloud presence in Asia-Pacific.
• Investors await Feb. 11 earnings for signs of demand in tech infrastructure upgrades.

Shares of Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO) dropped 2.45% on Tuesday, closing at $73.35, trading about 9% below their 52-week peak. The decline came as Wall Street reacted to renewed tariff threats from the U.S. administration targeting European imports linked to Greenland. President Donald Trump announced a 10% tariff effective Feb. 1, rising to 25% by June, unsettling investors across the tech sector.

Market experts noted that Cisco’s performance often mirrors broader investor risk appetite. “Cisco tends to follow the market’s tone; rising geopolitical tensions could further pressure the stock,” said Jamie Cox, managing partner at Harris Financial Group. The broader market also braced for upcoming economic reports, including the third-quarter GDP update, January PMI, and PCE inflation data, which could further influence tech stock movements.

Georgetown Wi‑Fi 7 Deal Positions Cisco for AI

Despite the stock dip, Cisco made headlines by announcing a multi-year partnership with Georgetown University. The agreement will upgrade the campus network and implement Wi‑Fi 7 across classrooms, dormitories, and stadiums. This next-generation wireless technology promises faster speeds and lower latency, enabling AI-driven applications and research.

Cisco Systems, Inc., CSCO

Georgetown CIO Doug Little emphasized that the network upgrade aligns with the university’s long-term academic and research ambitions. Cisco’s Gary DePreta described the initiative as building an “AI-ready foundation” for the campus, signaling the company’s strategic focus on high-performance, future-proof networking.

Strategic Partnership with SharonAI Expands AI Cloud

Cisco also revealed a collaboration with Australian neocloud SharonAI and Digital Alpha. The partnership could bring up to $200 million in combined equity and revenue-share investments, enhancing AI and high-performance cloud infrastructure across Australia and the broader Asia-Pacific region.

Digital Alpha’s Rick Shrotri highlighted the significance of this collaboration, calling it “a major step for AI-driven computing in the region.” Cisco’s Will Eatherton added that the company is “thrilled to bring advanced AI platforms to market,” reinforcing Cisco’s commitment to AI-ready solutions alongside its core networking business.

Dividend and Partner Program Support Stock Stability

While trading pressures persist, Cisco remains appealing for income-focused investors. The company declared a quarterly dividend of $0.41 per share, payable Jan. 21 to shareholders of record by Jan. 2. Additionally, the upcoming launch of Cisco’s 360 Partner Program on Jan. 25 will replace the existing partner framework, realigning incentives and sales priorities for resellers and service partners.

Analysts caution that while the Georgetown and SharonAI deals showcase technological innovation, they are unlikely to materially lift revenue in the short term. Cisco remains sensitive to corporate tech budget shifts amid trade tensions, and a more pronounced risk-off sentiment could further depress the stock.

Investors Eye February Earnings

Market participants are now focused on Cisco’s Feb. 11 earnings report, which will provide insight into corporate demand for campus networking upgrades and the traction of AI-focused partnerships. Traders will be watching order momentum and customer behavior closely, as any hesitation could influence the company’s near-term growth prospects.

For now, Cisco’s stock reflects the balancing act between innovation-driven opportunities and macroeconomic risks, highlighting the challenges of navigating global markets while investing in AI-ready infrastructure.

The post Cisco (CSCO) Stock; Fall As Georgetown Wi‑Fi 7 Deal Highlights AI-Ready Network Push appeared first on CoinCentral.