Juniper Networks Shares Drop More Than 9% Following Earnings, Bank Of America Downgrade

In a noted released early Wednesday morning, Bank of America analyst Tal Liani downgraded shares of Juniper Networks (NYSE: JNPR) from Buy to Neutral following weak guidance on an otherwise solid second quarter earnings report.

In conjunction with the downgrade, he lowered his price objective from $34 to $28.

Liani noted the company was able to drive a $0.02 EPS beat with a higher gross margin and lower operating expenses. However, he believes there will be a lack of catalysts for the stock moving forward. On this point, he cited the company's weak guidance due to carrier project delays, as well as a two straight quarter declines in high-end security revenues.

Despite having a favorable opinion of management's long-term vision for the company, Liani has concerns surrounding the company's near-term growth potential, including project delays and Cisco's refreshed portfolio.