The initiation of coverage by a major financial institution like Morgan Stanley generally brings increased attention to a stock. An Equal-Weight rating suggests that Morgan Stanley views Astera Labs as adequately valued at its current price, implying that the stock might perform in line with the market or sector averages. The price target of $81 provides a specific expectation for the stock's future price level, but since the rating is not Overweight or Underweight, the short-term impact is likely neutral.