Upgrades Target Software and Financial Data Giants

Analysts delivered two notable upgrades this week. ADSK and MCO both received fresh buy recommendations, standing out in an otherwise quiet session for rating changes.

Autodesk climbed the analyst rankings as consensus moved to an upgraded stance. The CAD and design software group carries a $315 average target price. The $45.5 billion company has short interest at just 3.5% of free float — bears are not crowding in.

Moody's got a similar lift. One analyst moved to a buy on the ratings giant. The consensus target sits at $562. At $85 billion in market cap, MCO is the larger call. Short interest is a negligible 1.5% of free float.

Elsewhere, CRM saw its average target price nudge up to $272 after a fresh raise. NOW went the other way — a target cut pushed the average down to $142.

Electronics manufacturer FLEX received a new initiation with a $161 target. All 11 covering analysts sit in the buy camp. The $40 billion company has low short interest at 2.5% of free float.

HON and APA saw minor target price adjustments. Both remain broadly held with buy-leaning consensus.