Cisco’s 2026 Data and Privacy Benchmark Study, based on a survey of 5,200 IT and security professionals across 12 global markets, reveals that 90% of organizations have expanded their privacy programs in response to AI initiatives, and 93% plan to increase investment further. The study highlights that 38% of companies spent at least $5 million on privacy programs last year—up from 14% in 2024—underscoring the strategic importance of scalable privacy frameworks. Despite this momentum, 65% of respondents report challenges in efficiently accessing high-quality data for AI, while 81% face pressure to localize data, and 83% support more harmonized international transfer rules to maintain seamless cross-border services.

Evercore ISI analysts raised their rating on Cisco from In Line to Outperform and increased the firm’s price target by 25%, reflecting confidence in Cisco’s ability to leverage its AI-driven security and networking portfolio. Evercore cited robust margin expansion from software subscriptions and anticipated accelerated revenue growth from Cisco’s AI security appliances as key drivers of shareholder value over the next 12 months.

In its most recent 13F filing, Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. disclosed a 4.3% increase in its Cisco holdings, adding 24,033 shares to reach a total of 588,908 shares valued at $40.3 million. This move follows similar incremental builds by other institutional investors, with hedge funds now accounting for roughly 73% of Cisco’s outstanding shares, signaling continued confidence among large investors in the company’s long-term growth prospects.