Analysts Back Cardinal Health, Lift Merck

Cardinal Health is the day's standout. Two major banks raised their price targets within minutes of each other. Evercore ISI lifted its target to $270 from $265. Morgan Stanley moved to $265 from $255. Both analysts carry Buy ratings. The consensus target now sits at $263.60, up from $262.53. The $55.9 billion healthcare distributor carries just 2.9% short interest, so there is little short-seller resistance to a rally.

Merck drew the session's most aggressive single call. Daiwa Capital upgraded the pharma giant to Buy from Hold. The analyst set a $143 target — up sharply from $120. That implies roughly 19% upside from current levels. The upgrade lands as Merck's short interest sits at just 1.1% of free float. Daiwa's move pushed the consensus target to $143.

Super Micro Computer saw its consensus target jump to $41.38 from $37.81. That is a 9% lift in one session. Short interest remains elevated at 17.4% of free float. Availability is 168%, so new short positions are still easy to establish. Analysts are warming up — short sellers may not be done yet.

Marriott received a fresh Buy initiation from CICC, adding international coverage to the hotel giant.