UPDATE: Stifel Nicolaus Downgrades Aruba Networks to Hold Following Increased Cisco Competition

In a report published Friday, Stifel Nicolaus analyst Sanjiv Wadhwani downgraded the rating on Aruba Networks (NASDAQ: ARUN) from Buy to Hold, and removed the $28.00 price target.In the report, Wadhwani noted, “While Aruba has operated under the umbrella of strong competition from Cisco in terms of pricing and bundling, it seems to have taken a whole new dimension recently, which could have near-and-mid term impact on Aruba's growth and profitability. Specifically, while previously Cisco would bundle wireless with wired LAN switches, it seems to be now bundling wireless with larger infrastructure and data center projects, which is making it difficult for Aruba to compete. In terms of pricing, we believe that with the Catalyst 3850, Cisco has been able to offer better switch+controller economics than before (the 3850 comes bundled with a controller and is priced at the same level as the Catalyst 3750, which comes without a controller).”Aruba Networks closed on Thursday at $17.61.