Top Strong Buy Stocks for October 23: MQ, GES, and Others
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Oct 23 2025
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
Zacks Rank #1 Stocks: Five stocks have been added to the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) List, including Marqeta, Guess?, The Travelers Companies, Chemomab Therapeutics, and Par Pacific Holdings, with significant increases in their earnings estimates over the past 60 days.
Quantum Computing Revolution: Quantum computing is rapidly advancing and is seen as the next major technological revolution, with major companies like Microsoft, Google, and Amazon integrating it into their infrastructure.
Investment Opportunities: Senior Stock Strategist Kevin Cook has identified seven stocks that are expected to lead in the quantum computing sector, suggesting a potential investment opportunity for those looking to capitalize on this emerging technology.
Free Stock Analysis Reports: The article offers free stock analysis reports for the highlighted companies, providing additional insights for investors interested in these stocks.
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Analyst Views on PARR
Wall Street analysts forecast PARR stock price to fall
8 Analyst Rating
5 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 56.480
Low
39.00
Averages
45.71
High
57.00
Current: 56.480
Low
39.00
Averages
45.71
High
57.00
About PARR
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc. is an energy company, which provides both renewable and conventional fuels to the western United States. The Company owns and operates 219,000 barrels per day of combined refining capacity across three locations and an energy infrastructure network, including 13 million barrels of storage, and marine, rail, rack and pipeline assets. The Company’s Refining segment owns and operates four refineries with total operating crude oil throughput capacity of 219 thousand barrels per day (Mbpd). Retail segment operates fuel retail outlets in Hawaii, Washington and Idaho. It operates convenience stores and fuel retail sites under Hele and nomnom brands, 76 branded fuel retail sites and other sites operated by third parties that sell gasoline, diesel, and retail merchandise, such as soft drinks, prepared foods, and other sundries. The Logistics segment operates a multi-modal logistics network spanning the Pacific, the Northwest, and the Rocky Mountain regions.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Sky Quarry Forms Strategic Partnership with Southern Energy
- Strategic Partnership: On May 7, 2026, Sky Quarry signed a non-binding MOU with Southern Energy Renewables and DevvStream for a three-year collaboration focused on low-carbon fuel development and refinery integration, marking a significant strategic positioning in the energy transition.
- Resource Development Plan: Sky Quarry issued a Request for Proposals for its PR Spring oil sands asset, targeting the development of approximately 180 million barrels of oil and integrating heavy oil production directly into the Foreland Refinery, creating a vertically integrated pathway that enhances market competitiveness.
- Refinery Capacity Enhancement: The Foreland Refinery operates at a capacity of 5,000 barrels per day and has recently completed high-impact system upgrades, unlocking strategic value and supporting Sky Quarry's goal of 800,000 barrels of annual production, thereby strengthening its operational capabilities in the Western market.
- Policy Support Environment: The Trump administration's Defense Production Act prioritizes U.S. refining infrastructure, and Sky Quarry's multi-party collaboration aligns with this policy, ensuring the company maintains a competitive edge in the currently constrained domestic refining market.
See More
Sky Quarry Forms Strategic Collaboration with Southern Energy
- Strategic Collaboration: On May 7, 2026, Sky Quarry signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Southern Energy and DevvStream for a three-year term, focusing on low-carbon fuel development and refinery integration, marking a significant advancement in the company's low-carbon fuel pathways.
- Resource Development Plan: On April 29, 2026, Sky Quarry issued a Request for Proposals for its PR Spring oil sands asset, aiming to integrate approximately 180 million barrels of heavy oil production directly into the Foreland Refinery, creating a vertically integrated pathway that enhances overall operational efficiency.
- Refinery Capacity Enhancement: The Foreland Refinery operates at a capacity of 5,000 barrels per day, and following high-impact system upgrades, Sky Quarry's strategic growth plan targets up to 800,000 barrels of annual sustained production, further solidifying its position in the U.S. refining market.
- Policy Support Environment: Sky Quarry's operations are bolstered by the Trump administration's policy support under the Defense Production Act, combined with its 180 million barrels of feedstock and multi-party collaborations, creating a structural framework conducive to the company's growth and enhancing its strategic value within domestic refining capacity.
See More
Wall Street's Latest Rating Changes Overview
- Openlane Upgrade: JPMorgan upgraded Openlane from neutral to overweight and raised its December 2026 price target to $38, indicating that the online used car marketplace is experiencing robust growth and has potential for sustainable expansion over the coming years.
- Dollar General Downgrade: Deutsche Bank downgraded Dollar General from buy to hold, citing challenges in its customer base and the widening gap in the K-shaped economy, which may limit same-store sales upside, reflecting a cautious outlook on the company.
- Ecolab Upgrade: UBS upgraded Ecolab from neutral to buy and raised its price target to $325, demonstrating strong demand and positive performance expectations for the chemicals company amid a favorable market environment.
- FedEx Upgrade: JPMorgan upgraded FedEx from neutral to overweight, expressing optimism ahead of its upcoming earnings report, particularly regarding the separation of its freight business, which is seen as an attractive risk-reward opportunity.
See More
Valero Energy Reports Strong Performance Amid Market Dynamics
- Refining Capacity Advantage: Valero Energy operates 14 refineries with a throughput capacity of three million barrels per day, primarily located in the U.S. Gulf Coast, allowing it to leverage discounted heavy sour feedstock and attractive export markets, enhancing its competitive edge.
- Supportive Market Environment: The conflict in the Middle East has led to increased availability of heavy sour crude, widening crude differentials, and Valero's coastal refining network enables it to capitalize on this trend, thereby boosting profit margins.
- Flexible Refining System: Valero's highly complex and flexible refining system can efficiently process a variety of feedstocks, including heavy sour crude, and its ability to adjust the refining mix in response to market signals allows it to capture higher margins and enhance profitability.
- Outstanding Stock Performance: Over the past year, Valero Energy's shares have surged by 92%, significantly outperforming the industry average growth of 61.6%, reflecting its strong market performance and investor confidence.
See More
Forest Avenue Capital Increases Stake in Par Pacific Holdings
- Stake Increase Details: Forest Avenue Capital Management LP increased its holdings in Par Pacific Holdings by 625,247 shares during Q1 2026, with the stake's quarter-end value rising by $60.94 million, reflecting both trading activity and price movements, thereby reinforcing confidence in its investment.
- Ownership Proportion Analysis: As of March 31, 2026, Forest Avenue's position in Par Pacific accounted for 5.27% of its reported 13F assets, indicating a strategic focus on the energy sector, particularly the potential in refining and retail markets.
- Company Performance Highlights: As of May 13, 2026, Par Pacific's shares were priced at $60.52, marking a 216.7% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 by 190.23 percentage points, reflecting its profitability and competitive position within the regional refining network.
- Investor Focus Points: The investment case for Par Pacific centers on the earnings potential of its regional refining network, especially with the Hawaii refinery achieving record quarterly throughput, prompting investors to consider whether this strength can be sustained beyond the current favorable environment.
See More
Par Petroleum Prices $500M Senior Unsecured Notes Offering
- Bond Offering Size: Par Petroleum successfully priced a $500 million offering of 7.375% senior unsecured notes, expected to close on May 14, 2026, providing crucial funding to optimize its capital structure.
- Maturity Details: The notes will mature on June 1, 2034, issued at par, indicating strong market confidence in Par Petroleum, which may enhance the company's future financing capabilities.
- Clear Use of Proceeds: The net proceeds will be combined with cash on hand and borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility to repay the entire principal balance of Par Petroleum's term loan due 2030, thereby reducing financial burdens and improving liquidity.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following the bond issuance announcement, Par Pacific's stock traded marginally higher in pre-market hours on Tuesday, reflecting investor optimism regarding the company's future prospects.
See More
Sky Quarry Forms Strategic Partnership with Southern Energy
- Strategic Partnership: On May 7, 2026, Sky Quarry signed a non-binding MOU with Southern Energy Renewables and DevvStream for a three-year collaboration focused on low-carbon fuel development and refinery integration, marking a significant strategic positioning in the energy transition.
- Resource Development Plan: Sky Quarry issued a Request for Proposals for its PR Spring oil sands asset, targeting the development of approximately 180 million barrels of oil and integrating heavy oil production directly into the Foreland Refinery, creating a vertically integrated pathway that enhances market competitiveness.
- Refinery Capacity Enhancement: The Foreland Refinery operates at a capacity of 5,000 barrels per day and has recently completed high-impact system upgrades, unlocking strategic value and supporting Sky Quarry's goal of 800,000 barrels of annual production, thereby strengthening its operational capabilities in the Western market.
- Policy Support Environment: The Trump administration's Defense Production Act prioritizes U.S. refining infrastructure, and Sky Quarry's multi-party collaboration aligns with this policy, ensuring the company maintains a competitive edge in the currently constrained domestic refining market.
See More
Sky Quarry Forms Strategic Collaboration with Southern Energy
- Strategic Collaboration: On May 7, 2026, Sky Quarry signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding with Southern Energy and DevvStream for a three-year term, focusing on low-carbon fuel development and refinery integration, marking a significant advancement in the company's low-carbon fuel pathways.
- Resource Development Plan: On April 29, 2026, Sky Quarry issued a Request for Proposals for its PR Spring oil sands asset, aiming to integrate approximately 180 million barrels of heavy oil production directly into the Foreland Refinery, creating a vertically integrated pathway that enhances overall operational efficiency.
- Refinery Capacity Enhancement: The Foreland Refinery operates at a capacity of 5,000 barrels per day, and following high-impact system upgrades, Sky Quarry's strategic growth plan targets up to 800,000 barrels of annual sustained production, further solidifying its position in the U.S. refining market.
- Policy Support Environment: Sky Quarry's operations are bolstered by the Trump administration's policy support under the Defense Production Act, combined with its 180 million barrels of feedstock and multi-party collaborations, creating a structural framework conducive to the company's growth and enhancing its strategic value within domestic refining capacity.
See More
Wall Street's Latest Rating Changes Overview
- Openlane Upgrade: JPMorgan upgraded Openlane from neutral to overweight and raised its December 2026 price target to $38, indicating that the online used car marketplace is experiencing robust growth and has potential for sustainable expansion over the coming years.
- Dollar General Downgrade: Deutsche Bank downgraded Dollar General from buy to hold, citing challenges in its customer base and the widening gap in the K-shaped economy, which may limit same-store sales upside, reflecting a cautious outlook on the company.
- Ecolab Upgrade: UBS upgraded Ecolab from neutral to buy and raised its price target to $325, demonstrating strong demand and positive performance expectations for the chemicals company amid a favorable market environment.
- FedEx Upgrade: JPMorgan upgraded FedEx from neutral to overweight, expressing optimism ahead of its upcoming earnings report, particularly regarding the separation of its freight business, which is seen as an attractive risk-reward opportunity.
See More
Valero Energy Reports Strong Performance Amid Market Dynamics
- Refining Capacity Advantage: Valero Energy operates 14 refineries with a throughput capacity of three million barrels per day, primarily located in the U.S. Gulf Coast, allowing it to leverage discounted heavy sour feedstock and attractive export markets, enhancing its competitive edge.
- Supportive Market Environment: The conflict in the Middle East has led to increased availability of heavy sour crude, widening crude differentials, and Valero's coastal refining network enables it to capitalize on this trend, thereby boosting profit margins.
- Flexible Refining System: Valero's highly complex and flexible refining system can efficiently process a variety of feedstocks, including heavy sour crude, and its ability to adjust the refining mix in response to market signals allows it to capture higher margins and enhance profitability.
- Outstanding Stock Performance: Over the past year, Valero Energy's shares have surged by 92%, significantly outperforming the industry average growth of 61.6%, reflecting its strong market performance and investor confidence.
See More
Forest Avenue Capital Increases Stake in Par Pacific Holdings
- Stake Increase Details: Forest Avenue Capital Management LP increased its holdings in Par Pacific Holdings by 625,247 shares during Q1 2026, with the stake's quarter-end value rising by $60.94 million, reflecting both trading activity and price movements, thereby reinforcing confidence in its investment.
- Ownership Proportion Analysis: As of March 31, 2026, Forest Avenue's position in Par Pacific accounted for 5.27% of its reported 13F assets, indicating a strategic focus on the energy sector, particularly the potential in refining and retail markets.
- Company Performance Highlights: As of May 13, 2026, Par Pacific's shares were priced at $60.52, marking a 216.7% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 by 190.23 percentage points, reflecting its profitability and competitive position within the regional refining network.
- Investor Focus Points: The investment case for Par Pacific centers on the earnings potential of its regional refining network, especially with the Hawaii refinery achieving record quarterly throughput, prompting investors to consider whether this strength can be sustained beyond the current favorable environment.
See More
Par Petroleum Prices $500M Senior Unsecured Notes Offering
- Bond Offering Size: Par Petroleum successfully priced a $500 million offering of 7.375% senior unsecured notes, expected to close on May 14, 2026, providing crucial funding to optimize its capital structure.
- Maturity Details: The notes will mature on June 1, 2034, issued at par, indicating strong market confidence in Par Petroleum, which may enhance the company's future financing capabilities.
- Clear Use of Proceeds: The net proceeds will be combined with cash on hand and borrowings under the ABL Credit Facility to repay the entire principal balance of Par Petroleum's term loan due 2030, thereby reducing financial burdens and improving liquidity.
- Positive Market Reaction: Following the bond issuance announcement, Par Pacific's stock traded marginally higher in pre-market hours on Tuesday, reflecting investor optimism regarding the company's future prospects.
See More
