The US results season is slowly winding down, but there are still a few important tech companies to report, not least networks giant and AI infrastructure enabler Cisco Systems (CSCO), which is due to post Q3 earnings after the US market close on Wednesday.
In Europe, earnings season is still in full swing with plenty of results and trading updates to come. We kick the week off with FTSE 100 foodservice and hospitality group Compass (CPG), which publishes its 1H earnings on Monday. Among the slew of UK results due on Thursday, we believe fashion house Burberry (BRBY) is one to watch.
Remember, if you value this content, or any of our analysis features and stories, let us know at editorial@sharesify.com. Also, like us on X, Bluesky, Facebook or LinkedIn and be sure to click that ‘follow’ button. And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where you’ll find a wealth of investing podcast material.
Cisco Systems (CSCO)
Retail investors watching Cisco Systems (CSCO) Q3 earnings on 13 May should focus less on whether Cisco beats consensus, and more on whether its AI networking story is translating into durable growth. Management previously guided for Q3 revenue of roughly $15.4–$15.6 billion and EPS of $1.02–$1.04, with Wall Street expecting another quarter of double-digit networking growth.
But the most important metric will likely be AI infrastructure orders. Cisco recently raised its FY2026 AI order target above $5 billion after reporting $2.1 billion in hyperscaler AI orders last quarter. Investors want evidence that demand from cloud and AI datacentre customers remains strong despite concerns over the possibility of slowing enterprise IT spending.
Margins are another critical issue. Although Cisco has delivered strong revenue growth, investors have worried about gross margin pressure caused by higher memory and component costs tied to AI hardware demand. Any indication margins are stabilising could support the stock.
Retail investors should also watch Splunk integration progress, recurring subscription revenue, and forward guidance. Cisco’s stock has rallied +21% YTD, meaning expectations are already elevated. That means even a solid quarter may not be enough to drive the stock higher unless management raises guidance or signals sustained AI momentum into the second half of 2026.
Analysts’ forecasts
| Q3 2025 | Q3 2026 | YoY Growth | Q4 2026 | YoY Growth | |
| Revenue | $14.15bn | $15.56bn | 10% | $15.82bn | 7.8% |
| EPS | $0.96 | $1.04 | 8.3% | $1.07 | 8.1% |
Why Cisco sell-off could be a great opportunity for investors
Burberry (BRBY)
Investors haven’t heard a peep out of Burberry (BRBY) since the British luxury label unfurled its Q3 update after Christmas. FY26 results on 14 May will give investors a chance to ‘check’ up on the FTSE 100 fashion house’s Q4 performance and progress under CEO Joshua Schulman’s ‘Burberry Forward’ turnaround strategy.
Back in January, the trench coats-to-cashmere scarves seller reported a 3% rise in comparable retail sales for the festive quarter. Schulman called out ‘continued brand momentum’ with Burberry’s ‘hero’ categories, namely outerwear and scarves, delivering double-digit growth. The market will be hoping strength in these categories has persisted, although the Middle East war has put the luxury sector recovery on pause.
Shareholders will learn more about the impact of the conflict on tourist spend in the EMEIA region, while Burberry’s performance in China and the US will be closely scrutinised. For FY26, the market expects 2% comparable retail sales growth and a jump in operating profit from £26 million to £154 million. For Q4, consensus calls for comparable retail sales growth of 5%.
Analysts’ forecasts
| FY26 | Q4 | |
| Comparable retail sales | 2% | 5% |
| Adjusted operating profit | £154m | n/a |
Source: Company-compiled consensus
LVMH shares hit 3-month low on weak sales
Compass (CPG)
After a strong run from mid-2022 to mid-2025, shares in Compass (CPG) have gone off the boil. From a high of around $36 (the stock now trades in USD not GBP), they are simmering around the $29 level.
On the conference call accompanying the Q1 results, CEO Dominic Blakemore said the firm had a strong start to FY26. Organic revenue growth was above 7%, with net new business running in the 4% to 5% range.
Outsourcing trends remain ‘robust’, said Blakemore, with new business wins up 10% to $4 billion. After the Vermaat acquisition in December and factoring in other synergies, the firm expects ‘good’ margin progress.
FY underlying profit growth is projected to be 10%, driven by 7% LFLs, 2% from M&A and margin improvements. Analysts are generally bullish, with 15 Buys, five Holds and no Sells, and an average price target of $53.
Analysts’ forecasts
| FY26 Est | FY27 Est | |
| Revenue | $50.5bn | $54.3bn |
| Organic growth | 7.2% | 6.9% |
| Underlying operating profit | $3.7bn | $4.1bn |
| Underlying growth | 10.7% | 9.1% |
Source: Company-compiled consensus
Why Compass shares are heading in the wrong direction
