SunTrust Downgrades Juniper Networks From Neutral To Reduce

SunTrust Robinson Humphrey’s Inder Singh downgraded the rating for Juniper Networks, Inc (NYSE: JNPR) from Neutral to Reduce, while reducing the price target from $25 to $22, citing several headwinds.

Analyst Inder Singh cited several headwinds expected to have a negative impact on Juniper Networks’ performance. These include increased competition in the service provider vertical due to the partnership between Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) and Ericsson (ADR) (NASDAQ: ERIC) and the merger of Nokia Corporation (ADR) (NYSE: NOK) and Alcatel Lucent SA (ADR) (NYSE: ALU).

Increased network virtualization among service providers is also exerting pressure on routing sales, Singh said. He added that Juniper Networks’ stock is expensive, following the recent run-up in shares.