8 AI Stocks on Investors’ Radar

3. Juniper Networks Inc. (NYSE:JNPR)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 47

Juniper Networks Inc. (NYSE:JNPR) offers networking products and services, including routers, switches, security and network management solutions, firewall solutions, and software-defined technologies to leading service providers, enterprises, and government agencies. The company’s AI-Native Networking Platform, which leverages virtual network assistance and cloud to integrate network components, elevates network performance and user experience. AI products like the Marvis VNA, Marvis Minis, and Mist AI allow the company to reliably identify network issues, troubleshoot outages, and enhance help-desk processes with automated workflows.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE) is planning to acquire Juniper Networks Inc (NYSE:JNPR) in an all-cash transaction for $40 per share to accelerate AI-driven innovation. However, the deal might not go through due to a US Department of Justice lawsuit seeking to block the takeover.

However, Evercore ISI upgraded Juniper Networks Inc. (NYSE:JNPR) to “Outperform” from “In Line” with a $40 stock price target on February 4th, as the brokerage sees two potential scenarios for Juniper going forward, with both resulting in upside to the current share price. Analysts say that if the takeover is successful, Juniper Networks Inc. (NYSE:JNPR) shareholders will end up with $40 per share, or a 15% upside. If Hewlett Packard Enterprise (NYSE:HPE) loses the DOJ trial, the brokerage thinks there are “a host of fundamental levers” that would make Juniper Networks Inc. (NYSE:JNPR) a good stock in 2025.

“With or without HPE offer, we think the stock is likely to work higher,” Evercore ISI stated.