Cisco Systems Inc ( CSCO ) is among the many beneficiaries of the artificial intelligence (AI) trend.

The stock has underperformed the market over the last 12 months mainly due to weakness in Networking. However, the current estimates are "adequately low" and growth could accelerate from 2025 onwards, according to BofA Securities.

The Cisco Systems ( CSCO ) Analyst: Tal Liani upgraded the rating for Cisco Systems ( CSCO ) from Neutral to Buy, while raising the price target from $55 to $60.

The Cisco Systems Thesis: The company's Networking weakness is likely to be offset by Splunk, Security, and AI, Liani said in the upgrade note.

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The analyst termed these as the "three catalysts for growth acceleration" and elaborated on them:

Splunk's acquisition offers "great growth synergies."

Cisco ( CSCO ) confirmed on March 18 that it completed the $28-billion acquisition of Splunk.

Security growth is likely to accelerate, driven by firewall stabilization and the latest product launches.

Cisco Systems ( CSCO ) has recorded market share gains in the Ethernet-based AI buildouts of hyperscalers.

"While the next two quarters may remain pressured, we believe this weakness is fully reflected in Street expectations and management guidance is adequately conservative," he added.

CSCO Price Action: Shares of Cisco Systems ( CSCO ) had risen by 0.45% to $48.71 at the time of publication on Monday.

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