3 New Strong Buy Ratings from Top-Rated Analysts: 02/14/2025

By Jessie Moore, Stock Researcher and Writer

February 14, 2025 5:47 AM UTC

3 New Strong Buy Ratings from Top-Rated Analysts: 02/14/2025

1- Auna SA (NYSE: AUNA)

Auna SA is a rising force in Latin America’s healthcare scene, delivering medical and oncology services. With a growing network of hospitals and clinics, Auna is tapping into a market hungry for quality care. As demand surges and expansion continues, here’s why we’ll be watching this ticker.

Zen Rating: B (Buy) — see full analysis >

Recent Price: $8.18 — get current quote >

Max 1-year forecast: $13.50

Why we’re watching:

AUNA has the support of JP Morgan’s Joseph Giordano (a top 18% analyst), who recently maintained a Strong Buy rating on the stock and raised their price target by 3.8% from $13 to $13.50 in advance of the company’s earnings, expected on 3/10. See ratings here
Giordano made the point that "the company's main value lever is the Mexican ramp-up, where the infrastructure is in place but with low occupancy levels."
Giordano added that their firm learned from Auna SA management that Mexico continued to accelerate in 2H 2024 with better occupancy and higher complexity as initiatives to drive traffic, especially within oncology, "continue to bear the expected fruit."
AUNA enjoys an overall Zen Rating of B, which puts it in a class of stocks that have historically enjoyed 19.88% annual returns. Among the Component Grades that shape that overall rating, AUNA is ranked in the 94th percentile for Sentiment and the 89th percentile for Value. (See all 7 Zen Component Grades here >)

2- Esco Technologies Inc. (NYSE: ESE)

Esco Technologies is a behind-the-scenes powerhouse, engineering high-tech solutions for aerospace, defense, utilities, and industrial markets. From advanced filtration systems to electromagnetic testing and smart grid tech, Esco thrives in niche sectors that demand precision and reliability and boasts steady revenue growth, strategic acquisitions, and a foothold in industries with strong long-term demand.

Zen Rating: B (Buy) — see full analysis >

Recent Price: $165.39 — get current quote >

Max 1-year forecast: $190.00

Why we’re watching:

Limited but strong analyst support: While only 2 analysts we track currently issue ratings on ESE, they’re both Strong Buy ratings. See the ratings
Let’s take a closer look at a bullish analyst’s take. Josh Sullivan of Benchmark (a top 1% analyst) just raised their price target on ESE by 26.7% from $150 to $190 on 2/11 following the company’s most recent earnings report.
Sullivan said they hiked their price target to account for "management's improved organic operating profile guidance for FY 2025 and the $550M Signature Management & Power acquisition."
According to our Zen Ratings model, ESE ranks in the top 20% of the 4000+ stocks we track, with an overall B (Buy) rating.
ESE earns an exceptional Component Grade for Sentiment, which considers 14 factors including earnings surprises, short interest, and upward and downward earnings revisions that let you follow the “smart money” crowd. (See all 7 Zen Component Grades here >)

3- Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META)

Meta Platforms is more than just Facebook — it’s also the parent company of Instagram, and WhatsApp, plus an AI and VR innovator. Bottom line? Meta keeps redefining the digital landscape, and with strong ad revenue and bold bets on the future, it’s well worth watching.

Zen Rating: B (Buy) — see full analysis >

Recent Price: $719.80 — get current quote >

Max 1-year forecast: $935.00

Why we’re watching:

Among the 40 analysts we track issuing ratings on META, 26 are Strong Buys, 12 are Buys, and 2 are Holds. No Sell or Strong Sell ratings. Explore the ratings here
On the bullish side of things, Ivan Feinseth of Tigress Financial (a top 2% analyst) just raised their price target on META 45% from $645 to $935, following the most recent earnings report.
Feinseth told readers that Tigress Financial sees Meta Platforms' "tremendous AI-driven opportunities for personalized AI-driven functionality across its apps" driving "significant upside because of the ongoing potential for the company to monetize many of its critical applications and technologies, including Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp."
The analyst noted that their new price target represents a potential return with dividends of over 30% from the current price of the stock.
META enjoys an overall B Zen Rating. While investors love how much the stock has growth, one crucial area of strength to note with META is its Component Grade of A for Financials, indicating that in addition to amazing price appreciation, the stock is grounded in a solid financial foundation. (See all 7 Zen Component Grades here >)