UPDATE: Stifel Upgrades Blackbaud on Good Market Position

In a report published Tuesday, Stifel analyst Tom Roderick upgraded the rating on Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB) from Hold to Buy, and named a $51.00 price target.

In the report, Stifel noted, “For over 7 years, we have covered Blackbaud with a Hold rating. Throughout those years, Blackbaud has delivered consistent - if not impressive - results, while steadily working to expand and upgrade its product portfolio. In more recent quarters, our enthusiasm for the Convio acquisition has been tempered by a challenging integration process and a pipeline slowdown in 2H12 driven, in large part, by an extended DOJ review of the merger itself. However, following a recent deep dive on the model, strategy and product roadmap we have come away far more constructive on the prospects for gradual top-line acceleration paired with steady margin expansion for the next 3-5 years. We see a variety of catalysts that could boost the stock as the company embarks on a multi-year transition to a pure SaaS model, and we further see a patient installed base that will allow Blackbaud to make this transition in a paced manner. As such, we are upgrading to a Buy rating and introducing a $51 price target on shares of BLKB.”

Blackbaud closed on Monday at $35.15.