Analysts Cheer AppLovin, Adobe Gets Target Lift

AppLovin drew the headline move Friday. Analysts upgraded the ad-tech firm, pushing the consensus average target to $508. The stock carries a $95.7 billion market cap. Short sellers are light at just 4.2% of free float, a sign bears are not pressing their bets.

Adobe also caught attention. Analysts lifted their average price target to $279 from $278. The software giant sits at a $98.9 billion market cap. Short interest is similarly low at 4.5% of free float.

Travel names saw a wave of modest target increases. Airbnb, Expedia, and DoorDash all received upward revisions. Expedia's consensus target hit $340. That group appears to be riding firm consumer spending data.

Kroger bucked the trend. Analysts cut its average target to $68.52 from $69.77. The grocer faces ongoing margin pressure. Its consensus skews neutral, with 10 sell ratings against just one buy.

Paychex rounded out the movers. Its target edged up to $119.27. The payroll firm holds a relatively tight analyst distribution, with 12 holds and five buys.

The overall tone across Friday's revisions leaned bullish. Tech and travel led upgrades while defensive consumer names lagged.