Hot or Not, Stock Market Edition: 12/16/2025

Today’s roster of hot and not stocks is eclectic — but potent. Are you holding any? 

• Hot: IHS Holding (IHS) catches upgrade wave; SSR Mining (SSRM) rides gold momentum
• Not: Regions Financial (RF) loses steam; Manchester United (MANU) drops sharply

P.S. For more stocks making moves, check out our Zen Ratings Upgrades & Downgrades screener.

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🔥 HOT: IHS Holding (IHS) recently reported a strong Q3 2025 earnings beat with revenue and EPS above expectations and raised its full-year guidance, which alongside generally positive analyst price targets has supported sentiment. However, the stock has also seen some mixed signals from a downgrade in growth outlook and slowing demand commentary, creating conflicting short-term momentum — the stock’s up a respectable, if not wow-worthy, 7% in the past month. But according to our Zen Ratings system, the stock may be poised for big things. It was just upgraded to an A (Strong Buy) based on our proprietary 115-factor review, currently landing in the top 3% of all stocks we track. The company scores particularly well on AI metrics (A grade) and Financials (B grade), while its Momentum rating (B grade) reflects its steady climb. The upgrade signals strengthening fundamentals, and for investors willing to navigate emerging market exposure, IHS offers a compelling risk-reward setup in critical telecom infrastructure.

🥶 NOT: Regional banks are stuck at a red light, and Regions Financial (RF) RF is no exception. Despite being up 5% in the past week, the stock was just downgraded to D (Sell) — a move that reflects broader industry concerns over deteriorating loan quality and credit risks, as disclosures from peer lenders spooked investors and pressured the group’s share prices.

The Component Grades do offer some bright spots — it scores B grades for Financials and Value—hardly surprising for a regional bank—but stumbles on Growth (D grade) and Safety (D grade), raising questions about its ability to navigate a slowing loan environment or credit stress. It ranks an unimpressive 237 out of 295 in the Banks industry, which itself earns a D grade, reflecting broader investor caution on the sector. Recent news is sparse, with only generic portfolio management articles and no meaningful catalysts to drive the narrative. Without a growth catalyst or sector rotation, there are better places to deploy capital.

🔥 HOT: Digging for gold? SSR Mining (SSRM) may be of interest. The miner stock is up over 180% in the past year — but the move may not be over, as suggested by its recent upgrade from Buy to Strong Buy in our Zen Ratings system. SSRM operates differently from many of the troubled miners in the space, with strong production, solid margins, and asset growth that suggest the market hasn't fully caught up to operational reality. That may be changing — and SSRM may be catching a fresh wave of momentum in the precious metals space. In addition to its recent upgrade, it also boasts impressive Component Grades in several areas, including Growth (A grade) and Value (B grade)—a rare combination for miners — while its Momentum grade (B) reflects steady gains. Right now could be an excellent time to snatch up shares of this A-rated stock that currently ranks 6th out of 50 in the Gold industry, which itself scores an A. 

🥶 NOT: Sorry, superfans — iconic football club Manchester United’s (MANU) have started to slide in the past few weeks as investors digest troubling financial headlines. While Manchester United remains "an institution steeped in legacy," the business is stuck mid-table when it comes to financial performance. Declining commercial and sponsorship revenue are pressuring the bottom line, and the company just suffered a ratings downgrade from Hold to Strong Sell in our Zen Ratings system, where MANU now sits in the bottom 4% of all stocks we track. (Read more “When Should You Sell a Stock?”) Looking at the Component Grades, it earns Ds for Value and Financials, and middling C grades across Growth, Momentum, Sentiment, and Safety. The AI Grade is also a weak D. For investors, the message is clear: legacy and brand power don't always translate to shareholder returns. 

What to Do Next?

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