3 New Strong Buy Ratings from Top-Rated Analysts: 12/16/2025

Check out these attractive stocks before the market closes — all sourced from our most popular screener…

• Ciena (CIEN) emerges as a prime AI pick
• Tapestry (TPR) is picking up speed (again!)
• Macy's (M) impressive uptrend continues

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1. Macy's (NYSE: M)

Featured on our “Hot Stocks” list last week, Macy’s is staging a real comeback as sales hit a three-year high, affluent shoppers fuel momentum, and the stock breaks out to fresh 52-week highs.

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

Recent Price: $24.10 — get current quote

Max 1-year forecast: $27.00

Why we're watching:

• Analyst support: The consensus remains cautious, with only 1 Strong Buy rating right now, but it’s emphatic. See next bullet point… See all ratings here
• Jefferies analyst Ashley Helgans recently maintained a Strong Buy rating with a $27 price target, representing 12% upside, noting Macy's leverage of its retail strategy to maintain a strong foothold in the department store market with strong online sales growth and successful promotional strategies.
• Industry ranking context: M is currently the #1 highest-rated stock in the Department Store industry, which has an Industry Rating of A, leading its peer group.
• Zen Rating highlights: Strong Buy (A) stocks average +32.52%/yr — M demonstrates exceptional value positioning with an A grade in the Value component and trades at the 60th percentile for value metrics.
• Component Grades: The stock ranks in the top tier of its industry with balanced positioning across Value (60th percentile) and Growth (50th percentile) factors. See all 7 Zen Component Grades here

2. Tapestry (NYSE: TPR)

Tapestry is up 56% since its addition to the Zen Investor portfolio … The move may not be over. The stock’s gaining serious momentum as Coach’s North America sales surge, driving market-share wins and upbeat estimate revisions heading into the key holiday season.

Zen Rating: Buy (B) — see full analysis

Recent Price: $124.56 — get current quote

Max 1-year forecast: $148.00

Why we're watching:

• Analyst support: TPR commands impressive Wall Street backing with 8 Strong Buy, 4 Buy, and only 2 Hold ratings among the 14 analysts we track covering the luxury retailer. See the ratings
• JP Morgan's Matthew Boss (top 9%) maintains a Strong Buy rating with the Street-high $148 price target, representing 20% upside potential from current levels.
• Wells Fargo analyst Ike Boruchow (top 6%) maintained his Strong Buy rating with a $125 price target following the company's strong operational performance.
• Industry ranking context: TPR is currently the 4th highest-rated stock in the Luxury industry, which has an Industry Rating of A.
• Zen Rating highlights: Buy (B) stocks are no slouch — they have historically averaged +19.88%/yr — TPR showcases exceptional profitability with return on equity of 361%, far exceeding both its industry and the broader market averages.
• Component Grades: The company earns an A grade in Financials with a 16.1% profit margin, demonstrating strong operational efficiency and pricing power in the competitive luxury market. See all 7 Zen Component Grades here

3. Ciena (NYSE: CIEN)

Ciena Corporation just delivered a blowout Q4 and is emerging as a prime beneficiary of AI-driven network upgrades, with analysts piling in behind its accelerating momentum.

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

Recent Price: $220.79 — get current quote

Max 1-year forecast: $305.00

Why we're watching:

• Analyst support: Right now, CIEN enjoys 7 Strong Buy, 1 Buy, and 4 Hold ratings among the analysts we track covering the stock. See the ratings
• Citigroup analyst Atif Malik (a top 1% rated analyst) recently maintained his Strong Buy rating with a $280 price target following robust earnings. The analyst cited strong fundamentals and attractive valuation which justifies the rating, highlighting strong demand for products and market expansion opportunities.
• Industry ranking context: CIEN is currently the 8th highest-rated stock out of 49 in the Communication Equipment industry, which has an Industry Rating of B.
• Zen Rating highlights: With its Strong Buy (A) rating, CIEN is in a class of stocks that have historically trounced the S&P with +32.52% average annual returns. CIEN demonstrates exceptional growth potential with earnings forecast to surge 193% over the next year as AI infrastructure investments accelerate.
• Component Grades: The stock earns top marks with an A grade in both Growth and Artificial Intelligence components, reflecting its strategic positioning in high-growth technology sectors. See all 7 Zen Component Grades here

What to Do Next?

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