Hot or Not, Stock Market Edition: 04/03/2026

Happy Friday. Here are the stock stories we're following today:

• Hot: Defense contractor Astronics (ATRO) goes galactic; Engineering & construction player Tutor Perini (TPC) pumps up the momentum
• Not: Don’t bank on Citigroup (C); Molson Coors Beverage (TAP) isn’t having such a happy hour 

P.S. Speaking of hot, have you seen our video featuring the best 6 mining stocks?

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🔥 HOT: Engineering & construction player Tutor Perini (TPC) is catching a bid thanks to strong multi-month momentum (~15% over 90 days) and growing investor attention around its expanding backlog and earnings outlook. This past Stock of the Week pick was also just upgraded to a B (Buy) rating, and now ranks in the top 7% of the 4600+ stocks we track. Looking at the Component Grades for clues about where it shines, it has an A grade for Growth and Bs for Momentum and Safety — an appealing pick if you like upside potential but aren’t in love with risk. The verdict? Tutor Perini is showing the kind of technical and fundamental strength that could carry it higher, especially if the infrastructure and construction cycle stays hot.

🥶 NOT: Banking giant Citigroup (C) is hitting a rough patch. While the recent dip hasn’t been intense, it has fallen below 10-day, 20-day, 50-day, and 100-day moving averages — a technical breakdown that suggests near-term weakness. Recent news flow has been mixed at best, and broader market volatility continues to weigh on financials. In short: There's nothing here to get excited about. Right now, the stock merely earns a Zen Rating of C (Hold), putting it in the middle of the pack. It has C Grades across nearly every Component Grade category — Value, Growth, Momentum, Sentiment, Safety, and Financials — with no standout strengths to lean on. The verdict? Hold. Citigroup is stuck at a red light, and until we see a clear catalyst or technical turnaround, there are better places to park your money.

🔥 HOT: Defense contractor Astronics (ATRO) is catching fire after a record-breaking quarter. The company just posted record Q4 revenue, margins, and backlog, with management targeting double-digit growth by 2026 — a powerful moment for a business that thrives on aerospace demand. Despite recent turbulence (shares are down 17% or so in the past month), the company's long-term outlook remains strong, and analysts are maintaining their Buy ratings. Right now, the stock holds a Zen Rating of A (Strong Buy) and actually ranks in the top 2% of the 4600+ stocks we track. Digging into the Component Grades, it scores particularly well with an A Grade for Growth and a B Grade for Financials, Momentum, and Safety. The verdict? Astronics is managing through short-term noise with a backlog that suggests sustained momentum ahead. This pullback could be an opportunity. 

🥶 NOT:  Brewer Molson Coors Beverage (TAP) is cooling off after a brutal stretch. Shares have tumbled 12.4% over the past month and are down nearly 27% over the past year. Both Barclays and Deutsche Bank just cut their price targets on the stock, citing persistent headwinds in the beverage sector as consumer trends shift away from traditional beer. The stock was just downgraded to a C (Hold) rating, with unimpressive Component Grades in most areas — while it scores a B Grade for Value, it struggles with a D Grade for Momentum and Sentiment — reflecting the market's lack of conviction. Despite speculation about Molson Coors being a potential acquisition target, the company is stuck at a red light operationally. Until demand stabilizes or a real catalyst emerges, better opportunities exist elsewhere in consumer staples.

What to Do Next?

• 77 Best Stocks NOW! >
• Options Trading with the Zen Ratings >
• 2 New Stocks to Buy from Steve Reitmeister >

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