Juniper’s Cloud Emphasis Is Paying off and the Results Are Evident as the Stock Rises

Rises

The networking giant and Cisco’s main rival, Juniper Networks (JNPR) has changed its revenue base thanks to its marketing focus on cloud-computing customers, says BMO Capital Markets, which upgraded the maker of computer networking gear to outperform. BMO analyst Tim Long raised his price target on the rival of Cisco Systems (CSCO) to 34 from 31. Juniper Networks stock rose 2.6% to 29.20 on the stock market today. With Monday's gain, Juniper Networks stock neared its 50-day moving average.

Juniper runs a diversified business selling switches, routers, controllers, and security software for computer networks. Its business is diversified among its customers as well, with Juniper reporting in its most recent 10-K filing with the SEC that "no single customer accounted for 10% or more of our net revenues" in 2014, 2015, or 2016.

"The cloud vertical is now 27% of revenues, highlighting Juniper's increased diversification and lesser reliance on the traditional Telco vertical," Long said in a report. "The cloud vertical has driven much of Juniper's recent growth and remains a significant growth opportunity as it architects its portfolio to meet cloud customer requirements."Juniper's cloud-computing growth is coming from many Fortune 100 companies.

The company has been seeking a turnaround under its new chief executive, Rami Rahim. "Juniper has underperformed year to date, and we believe the shares are ripe for a turnaround as more credit is given to the switching business, customer diversification strategy, strong operating expense management, and balance-sheet flexibility," Long added.

CREDITS: Juniper Networks.