Here are five stocks added to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) List today:

Vistra's share price has been sliding downwards in H2 2025, which reflects more on its stretched valuations earlier than anything fundamental. Even with some concerns on the recent deal for its Comanche nuclear power plant, its a step in the right direction. Vistra's positive adjusted EBITDA outlook also reflects fundamental strength. In the near term, VST's Buy case is unconvincing considering its overvaluation, but rising power demand in the US and policy focus on energy can make it a winner.

Hercules Capital stands out among BDCs by dominating the venture debt niche, with superior deal flow and a lower cost of capital. HTGC's portfolio is concentrated in sectors with structural upside optionality and lower cyclicality risk, such as defence and drug discovery. The venture debt model offers downside protection through debt covenants and potential equity upside via warrants, supporting an ROE over 15%.

NioCorp Developments Ltd. is advancing the Elk Creek critical minerals project, with strong financing progress and political tailwinds supporting a bullish outlook. NB has secured $360 million in equity and holds $162.8 million in cash, with EXIM Bank due diligence ongoing for up to $800 million in debt financing. The Elk Creek project's updated feasibility study underpins a $2.35 billion NPV and projected annual EBITDA of $403 million, with sector-leading resource grades.

Here are three stocks added to the Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) List today:

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Halper Sadeh LLC, an investor rights law firm, is investigating whether the sale of Dynavax Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ: DVAX) to Sanofi for $15.50 per share in cash is fair to Dynavax shareholders. Halper Sadeh encourages Dynavax shareholders to click here to learn more about their legal rights and options or contact Daniel Sadeh or Zachary Halper at (212) 763-0060 or [email protected] or [email protected]. The investigation concerns whether Dynavax an.

Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today, Dec. 24:

CBFV, GTX and PAAS made it to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) income stocks list on Dec. 24, 2025.

QXO is executing a consolidation strategy in the $800B building products' distribution industry, led by proven value creator Brad Jacobs. Integration of Beacon Roofing is ahead of expectations, with organic EBITDA targeted to double to $2B, supporting a $50B sales goal by 2035. Technological upgrades, strategic hires, and aggressive M&A underpin QXO's thesis, despite rising competition from Home Depot and Lowe's.

Despite double-digit revenue growth and margin expansion, First American is valued below its TTM revenue. Operational improvements, rate cuts, and real estate recovery are important tailwinds. Information and data services revenue is expected to generate greater value in the future.

Here are two stocks with buy rank and strong value characteristics for investors to consider today, Dec. 24:

British American Tobacco is positioned for growth through its smokeless transformation, notably with VELO's rapid US market share gains. BTI maintains robust cash flow conversion, supports a 5.4% dividend yield, and is expanding its share buyback program to £1.3B for FY2026. Despite legacy cigarette volume declines, BTI leverages pricing power and premium brands to sustain revenue and fund new category expansion.

Plug Power has invested heavily to capitalize on the growing hydrogen market. The company has struggled mightly to make money.

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AXIA Energia stands as the leading Brazilian energy company, with 44.4 GW installed capacity and a dominant role in the region's energy transition. Transitioning from regulated to free market pricing is driving margin expansion, with unit margins rising from R$55/MWh to R$95/MWh and further upside expected. Asset recycling, operational efficiency, and disciplined capital allocation underpin AXIA's deleveraging and dividend strategy, despite near-term free cash flow constraints.

Bread Financial Holdings has issued 8.625% non-cumulative preferred stock (BFH.PR.A), currently yielding 8.75% and callable after December 15, 2030. BFH has persistently underperformed peers and benchmarks, with higher fixed-income credit spreads than their ratings suggest, reflecting elevated credit risk. Recent Fitch upgrades highlight improved liquidity and reduced leverage, but asset quality and earnings volatility remain constraints versus higher-rated peers.

EMPOLI, Italy--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Accenture has entered into an agreement with the Fibonacci Group to acquire Cabel Industry.

Entergy is upgraded to a 'buy' due to its robust growth outlook, resilient regulatory environment, and attractive risk/reward profile. ETR benefits from low customer bills, strong industrial demand, and data center-driven growth, supporting secure cap-ex recovery and favorable rate recapture. Management targets 8%+ EPS growth through 2029, with credible execution, limited dilution risk, and a 2.8% dividend yield following a 7% dividend increase.

The authority said the order seeks to preserve access to WhatsApp for Meta's AI competitors while an investigation continues.

I rate Garrett Motion a buy, as its core turbocharger business benefits from the slower-than-expected electric vehicle transition, extending its growth runway. GTX is successfully winning >50% of new business contracts, supporting continued growth and robust cash generation even in a flat or declining ICE market. GTX's expansion into electric vehicles and data centers offers significant long-term upside, with early contract wins and potential for higher valuation multiples.