Juniper May Be Left Without a Dance Partner -- Market Talk Font size: A | A | A 4:20 PM ET 3/21/16 | Dow Jones

16:20 ET - SunTrust cuts Juniper Networks (JNPR) to reduce on worries about increased competition and after the shares' recent run-up. Analysts say JNPR's lack of a partner is already causing damage, as the Cisco (CSCO)/Ericsson (ERIC) alliance has "resulted in multiple recent customer wins." The two agreed to integrate equipment, likely a defensive move in light of Nokia's (NOK) takeover of Alcatel-Lucent. SunTrust sees limited options for JNPR, saying an alliance with a Chinese vendor is unlikely given national security concerns. SunTrust adds that customers are increasingly using software to do what JNPR's hardware does. With a 20% rise since early February through Friday, SunTrust calls shares "expensive," dropping the price target $3 to $22. JNPR falls 2.2% at $25.80. (patrick.sheridan@wsj.com)