3 New Strong Buy Ratings from Top-Rated Analysts: 08/28/2026

We’ve unearthed 3 hidden gems with serious upside potential and solid fundamentals:

• Escalade (NASDAQ: ESCA) is expanding beyond its core business with positive results
• Par Pacific Holdings (NYSE: PARR) is selling off dead weight (and lifting its entire business) 
• PBF Energy (NYSE: PBF) is our Trade of the Week (act now!)

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1. Escalade (NASDAQ: ESCA)

Escalade makes sporting and recreational equipment, and it’s expanding beyond its core business with the acquisition of ASL Solutions, a leading U.S. maker of premium insulated dog houses. The deal adds a new product category and gives Escalade another avenue for growth through strategic M&A.

Zen Rating: A (Strong Buy) — see full analysis

Recent Price: $20.31 — get current quote

Why we're watching:

• ESCA does not currently have analyst coverage tracked in our system, but we update daily, so you can bookmark the hyperlink to your right to see if and when that changes. See all recommendations here
• Q2 sales rose 6.2% to $57.7 million, while operating income jumped to $11.9 million from $2.6 million, showing much stronger earnings leverage as the business grows.
• Recent acquisitions are starting to add new growth avenues, with Gold Tip already contributing to results and the ASL Solutions deal expanding Escalade into premium pet products and additional U.S. manufacturing.
• Industry ranking context: ESCA is currently the #1 highest-rated stock in the Leisure industry, which has an Industry Rating of B.
• Zen Ratings highlights: ESCA earns an overall A rating, which is equal to a Strong Buy recommendation. This topmost tier represents stocks that have historically beaten the S&P with nearly 30% annual returns.
• Component Grades: ESCA excels with an A for Sentiment, signaling strong market positioning and investor confidence, while maintaining balanced Bs across Artificial Intelligence, Financials, Growth, Momentum, Safety, and Value — a well-rounded profile for continued appreciation. See all 7 Component Grades here

2. Par Pacific Holdings (NYSE: PARR)

Par Pacific Holdings refines and distributes fuels including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and marine fuel. The company is sharpening its focus by selling its Laramie Energy assets, while tight fuel inventories could help keep refining margins strong.

Zen Rating: A (Strong Buy) — see full analysis

Recent Price: $74.02 — get current quote

Max 1-year forecast: $95.00

Why we're watching:

• PARR has solid, bullish coverage among the analysts we track, with 4 Strong Buy, 2 Buy, and 1 Hold recommendations. See all recommendations here
• For example, TD Cowen researcher Jason Gabelman (a top 13% rated analyst) maintained his Strong Buy rating with a price target representing nearly 30% upside from current levels. 
• Separately, Goldman Sachs researcher Neil Mehta (a top 5% rated analyst) maintained his Strong Buy rating with a price target representing 25% upside potential from current levels. 
• Four additional top analysts covering PARR all maintain positive outlooks on the company's refining operations.
• Industry ranking context: PARR is currently the #3 highest-rated stock in the Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing industry, which has an Industry Rating of A.
• Zen Ratings highlights: PARR earns an overall A rating, a Strong Buy recommendation. Stocks in this elite tier have consistently outperformed with nearly 30% average annual returns.
• Component Grades: PARR stands out with A grades for Artificial Intelligence, Safety, and Value, reflecting a compelling risk-reward profile and attractive valuation, while maintaining solid Bs for Financials, Growth, and Momentum. See all 7 Component Grades here

3. PBF Energy (NYSE: PBF)

PBF Energy produces gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other refined products across its U.S. refining network. Resilient refining margins and improving operations could give the company room to capitalize on a still-favorable supply backdrop.

Zen Rating: A (Strong Buy) — see full analysis

Recent Price: $66.51 — get current quote

Max 1-year forecast: $84.00

Why we're watching:

• PBF has solid coverage among the analysts we track, with 1 Strong Buy, 7 Hold, and 1 Strong Sell recommendations. See all recommendations here
• For example, UBS researcher Manav Gupta (a top 7% rated analyst) maintained his Strong Buy rating with an $84.00 price target, representing 26% upside potential from current levels.
• Likewise, Goldman Sachs researcher Neil Mehta (a top 5% rated analyst) maintained his Hold rating with an $81.00 price target, representing 22% upside potential from current levels.
• PBF was also featured as Steve Reitmeister’s Trade of the Week in WallStreetZen’s weekly live webinar, where he highlighted its standout Value profile, strong overall ranking, and exposure to one of the market’s highest-rated industries. To see Steve’s next Trade of the Week live, sign up for the weekly webinar here.
• Industry ranking context: PBF is currently the #5 highest-rated stock in the Oil & Gas Refining & Marketing industry, which has an Industry Rating of A.
• Zen Ratings highlights: PBF earns an overall A rating, which is equal to a Strong Buy recommendation. Stocks in this topmost tier have historically delivered nearly 30% annual returns, soundly beating the S&P.
• Component Grades: PBF excels across multiple metrics with A grades for Growth, Momentum, and Value, reflecting strong fundamental momentum in the refining cycle, while maintaining solid Bs for Artificial Intelligence and Financials. See all 7 Component Grades here

What to Do Next?

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