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On Tuesday, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) adjusted its stance on Astera Labs (NASDAQ:ALAB), downgrading the stock from Overweight to Equalweight. The firm also set a price target of $142.00 for the company's shares. The decision to downgrade reflects a belief that the current stock valuation already accounts for the market's optimism regarding Astera Labs' new PCIe switch products and ASIC ramps.
The firm's analysts noted that while they remain positive on the broader AI connectivity theme, they do not foresee any significant catalysts that could drive a further re-rating of the stock. Despite this, Morgan Stanley anticipates that Astera Labs will surpass financial expectations in the upcoming quarters, bolstered by increased content on ASICs expected to ramp up throughout the calendar year 2025.
However, the analysts also highlighted potential challenges for Astera Labs, including the NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) transition from Hopper to Blackwell and heightened competition within the connectivity sector. These factors contribute to a less attractive risk/reward balance at the stock's current price level, leading to the Equalweight rating.
While the downgrade suggests a more cautious outlook, Morgan Stanley's analysts maintain their enthusiasm for Astera Labs' AI narrative and continue to predict strong performance from the company. The firm's assessment indicates that while the immediate upside may be limited, Astera Labs is still positioned to deliver solid results in the near term.
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