3 New Strong Buy Ratings from Top-Rated Analysts: 07/15/2026

By Jessie Moore, Stock Researcher and Writer
July 15, 2026 5:58 AM UTC
3 New Strong Buy Ratings from Top-Rated Analysts: 07/15/2026

Here’s a peek at the latest picks from our Strong Buy Stocks from Top Wall Street Analysts screener:

  • Expedia Group (EXPE): #1 A-rated travel stock with 20%+ upside potential
  • Atlanticus Holdings (ATLC): Fintech leader with elite A-rated Sentiment grade
  • General Dynamics (GD): Defense giant with projected upside from top analysts

P.S. Get more alerts like this daily … Try WallStreetZen Premium.


A note from our sponsors...

The Core of a Winning Portfolio

The 7 Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever aren't just plays for the next quarter – they're built to deliver for decades. These are blue-chip companies with fortress balance sheets, elite dividend track records, and the staying power to outperform in bull and bear markets alike. Some are Dividend Kings, others are on the path there, and all are proven wealth compounding machines. Whether you're after steady income, capital growth, or both, this is the list long-term investors will want in their back pocket.

Download the full list now – before it disappears behind the paywall.


1. Expedia Group (NASDAQ: EXPE)

This travel giant is leveraging fully connected hotel technology and AI-driven insights to eliminate friction and improve revenue performance for partners, while its scalable platform continues to drive long-term growth.

Zen Rating: A (Strong Buy) see full analysis

Recent Price: $265.63 — get current quote

Max 1-year forecast: $350.00

Why we're watching:

  • EXPE has solid coverage among the analysts we track, with 6 Strong Buy and 12 Hold recommendations. See all recommendations here
  • For example, Argus Research researcher John Staszak (a top 17% rated analyst) maintained his Strong Buy rating with a price target that implies nearly 20% upside potential.
  • Separately, BTIG researcher Jake Fuller (a top 25% rated analyst, but below our typical mention threshold) reiterated his Strong Buy with a price target that suggests the stock could still see nearly 25% upside from current levels.
  • Interested in options trading? EXPE was a recent Smart Leverage pick. See the story here.
  • Industry ranking context: EXPE is currently the #1 highest-rated stock in the Travel industry, which has an Industry Rating of B.
  • Zen Ratings highlights: EXPE earns an overall A rating, which amounts to a Strong Buy recommendation. Stocks in this elite category represent the top 5% of our universe based on a rigorous 115-factor review covering value, growth, and quality.
  • Component Grades: EXPE excels with As for Value and Financials, reflecting its attractive valuation and robust cash flow generation, while maintaining a solid B for Growth as travel demand continues its post-pandemic expansion. See all 7 Component Grades here

2. General Dynamics (NYSE: GD)

With deep marine backlogs, expanding defense budgets, and strong execution in its Aerospace segment, the company is capitalizing on elevated geopolitical tensions and sustained government investment.

Zen Rating: A (Strong Buy)see full analysis

Recent Price: $374.00 — get current quote

Max 1-year forecast: $440.00

Why we're watching:

  • GD has solid, bullish coverage among the analysts we track, with 4 Strong Buy and 3 Hold recommendations. See all recommendations here
  • For example, Jefferies researcher Sheila Kahyaoglu (a top 12% rated analyst) recently maintained a Strong Buy rating with a $440.00 price target, representing 18.03% upside potential from current levels, citing stronger Aerospace segment margins and expectations for raised FY 2026 revenue guidance.
  • Additionally, Bank of America researcher Ronald Epstein (a top 12% rated analyst) maintained his Strong Buy with a $415.00 price target, representing 11.33% upside potential from current levels.
  • Industry ranking context: GD is currently the #5 highest-rated stock in the Defense industry, which has an Industry Rating of C.
  • Zen Ratings highlights: GD earns an overall A rating, which is equal to a Strong Buy recommendation. This rating reflects the company's passage of a rigorous 115-factor fundamental review covering multiple dimensions of quality and growth.
  • Component Grades: GD shines with an A for Safety, reflecting its defensive business model and stable government contracts, while maintaining strong Bs for Value, Sentiment, and Financials that underscore its attractive valuation and solid financial footing. See all 7 Component Grades here

3. Atlanticus Holdings (NASDAQ: ATLC)

This fintech company's scalable platform and underwriting advantage have driven impressive profitability and positioned it for long-term growth in the fintech sector.

Zen Rating: A (Strong Buy)see full analysis

Recent Price: $96.61 — get current quote

Max 1-year forecast: $179.00

Why we're watching:

  • ATLC has limited, but overall bullish, coverage among the analysts we track, with 3 Strong Buy and 1 Buy recommendations. See all recommendations here
  • For example, Jefferies researcher John Hecht (a top 18% rated analyst) maintained his Strong Buy rating with a $115.00 price target, representing 19.04% upside potential from current levels.
  • Likewise, B. Riley Securities researcher Hal Goetsch (a top 3% rated analyst) maintained his Strong Buy with a $98.00 price target.
  • Industry ranking context: ATLC is currently the #1 highest-rated stock in the Credit Service industry, which has an Industry Rating of C.
  • Zen Ratings highlights: ATLC earns an overall A rating, equal to a Strong Buy recommendation. Stocks with this rating have historically beaten the S&P by delivering nearly 30% annual returns.
  • Component Grades: ATLC stands out with an elite A grade for Sentiment alongside solid Bs for Growth, Momentum, and Financials, reflecting strong analyst confidence, a scalable specialty lending platform, sustained upward price momentum, and a healthy balance sheet See all 7 Component Grades here

What to Do Next?

Want to get in touch? Email us at news@wallstreetzen.com.

WallStreetZen does not provide financial advice and does not issue recommendations or offers to buy stock or sell any security.

Information is provided 'as-is' and solely for informational purposes and is not advice. WallStreetZen does not bear any responsibility for any losses or damage that may occur as a result of reliance on this data.