Juniper Networks Faces Rating Cut Amid HPE Acquisition Anticipation Juniper Networks Faces Rating Cut Amid HPE Acquisition Anticipation

Written By Michael Gary Scott

Downgrade and Acquisition Anticipation

Juniper Networks (NYSE:JNPR) faced a rating downgrade to Hold by Needham after Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) announced its intention to acquire Juniper for approximately $14B. Needham expressed skepticism about the likelihood of competitive bids, prompting the downgrade. The firm also saw rating reductions at Evercore ISI and Barclays which downgraded the stock to Equal Weight from Overweight.

High Likelihood of Acquisition

Needham’s downgrade of JNPR from Buy to Hold was influenced by the perceived high probability of the HPE deal being completed. With the stock trading at less than 10% away from the takeout price, the analysts felt compelled to lower the rating. They emphasized Juniper’s compatibility with Hewlett Packard and anticipated the smooth completion of the deal.

Financial Implications

The $40/share offer values JNPR at EV/E (Enterprise Value/earnings) multiples of 19x and 14x on Needham’s CY24 and CY25 estimates, respectively. The analysts expressed confidence in the seamless closure of the deal, noting that the combined Juniper and Hewlett Packard are significantly smaller than market leader Cisco Systems (CSCO). Additionally, with minimal sales into China, the analysts anticipate no major hurdles to the completion of the acquisition.

Strategic Fit and Synergies

Hewlett Packard’s estimation of potential synergies of up to $500M in savings over time was highlighted. The combined company is expected to become more competitive in the market, particularly with value-added resellers and customers. Juniper’s presence in the Service Provider and Cloud sectors, as well as its Mist AI technology, were highlighted as strong complements to Hewlett Packard’s product line by the analysts.

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Market Ratings

Juniper Networks also received a Strong Buy rating from Seeking Alpha’s Quant Rating system, which has a track record of outperforming the market. However, the average rating from Seeking Alpha authors is Hold, while the average Wall Street analysts’ rating leans more positively towards Buy.

Final Remarks

The landscape for Juniper Networks has been altered significantly by HPE’s acquisition announcement. The picturesque view from the Hold rating is a reminder of the market’s cautious optimism in light of the impending deal. While the company’s fate hangs in the balance, the future appears anchored to the outcome of the HPE acquisition and the promise it holds for a potential transformation.