UPDATE: Lazard Capital Markets Upgrades Moody's on Strong Business Model

In a report published Friday, Lazard Capital Markets analyst William Bird, CFA upgrades Moody's

to Buy from Neutral. Bird notes Moody's strong business model, inherent inflation-protection, and positive potential in the stock. Further “investment appeal is based on its durable franchise, attractive structural drivers, unique pricing power, high incremental margins, stock buyback capacity, and top-shelf management team.” The analyst maintains a $74.00 price target on MCO. Moody's closed at $63.62 on Thursday, September 5th.