Analysts Turn Bullish on Ad Tech and Fast Food

AppLovin picked up a fresh analyst upgrade this week. The ad-tech giant moved from Hold to Buy at consensus level. Its average target price sits at $508. The $98.6 billion company carries just 4.2% short interest as a proportion of free float.

Yum! Brands also earned an upgrade. Analysts lifted the fast-food owner to a higher rating. The consensus average target holds at $173.79. Short interest is just 3.4% of free float.

Adobe saw its target price nudge higher. The consensus average rose to $279.05 from $277.75. Adobe's $100 billion market cap keeps it a closely watched name. Short sellers hold 4.5% of free float.

Elsewhere, travel names got a boost. Airbnb and Expedia both saw targets lifted. Airbnb's average target rose to $182.98. Expedia's average hit $340.64.

Kroger was the lone notable casualty. Analysts cut the target price to $68.48 from $69.77. That marks a modest but clear step down for the grocery giant ahead of its next results.

Uber and Paychex also received target price increases. Both remain consensus Hold names with improving near-term sentiment.