Cisco (CSCO) Stock: Ends Monday Slightly Lower as AI Security and Macro Data Await
Cisco Systems is drawing investor attention for both its growth in AI infrastructure and a critical security flaw. The company’s stock closed slightly down on December 22, 2025, at $78.11, before edging up in after-hours trading. Meanwhile, concerns over a zero-day vulnerability in its email security appliances have prompted urgent action from U.S. federal agencies.
Cisco’s stock saw minor fluctuations on December 22, trading between $77.96 and $79.15 before settling at $78.11, a 0.40% drop. After hours, the price rose marginally to $78.23. The company’s shares remain near the top of their 52-week range, between $52 and $81, with analysts maintaining a consensus 'Buy' rating and an average 12-month target of $84.88. Morgan Stanley recently raised its price target to $91, keeping an Overweight rating.
The focus on Cisco extends beyond stock performance. A zero-day vulnerability (CVE-2025-20393) in its AsyncOS software, used in email security appliances, is being actively exploited by the Chinese APT group UAT-9686. U.S. federal agencies received orders to apply mitigations before December 24, 2025. Despite this, Cisco’s AI security projects, including an 8B-parameter foundation model for Duo Identity Intelligence, continue to gain traction. Investors are also monitoring Cisco’s expanding role in enterprise AI infrastructure, with reports indicating rising orders and sustained demand into fiscal 2026. The company’s annualized dividend stands at $1.64 per share, with the next ex-dividend date set for January 2, 2026. Market watchers are now looking ahead to Tuesday’s U.S. economic data, including GDP estimates and consumer confidence figures, which could impact Cisco’s stock movement.
Cisco’s near-term outlook balances strong AI-driven growth with immediate security challenges. The company’s stock remains close to its yearly high, supported by analyst confidence and dividend stability. Federal agencies’ response to the zero-day exploit and upcoming economic data will likely shape investor sentiment in the coming days.
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