ZACKS·2026-03-17 14:01Core Insights - The U.S. markets are experiencing volatility due to shifting AI expectations, geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns, and the Federal Reserve's stance, yet a resilient economy and solid corporate earnings are preventing a complete risk-off sentiment [1] Group 1: Broker Recommendations - Retail investors are advised to consider broker recommendations to identify stocks for solid returns, with Crocs, National Energy Services Reunited Corp., and Koninklijke Philips N.V. highlighted as potential investments [2] - Brokers form informed views through management meetings, public disclosures, and earnings calls, providing a broader sector perspective that helps contextualize a company's fundamentals [3] Group 2: Stock Upgrades - Broker upgrades are often based on new information such as revised guidance or updated assumptions, which can signal potential inflection points before consensus expectations adjust [4] - An upgrade is one input in a broader investment case that should also consider business quality, valuation, industry structure, and individual investor factors [5] Group 3: Stock Screening Strategy - A screening strategy identifies potential winners by selecting stocks with broker rating upgrades of 1% or more over the past four weeks, trading above $5, and having an average 20-day volume greater than 100,000 [6] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) have a proven record of success, especially when combined with a VGM Score of A or B [7] Group 4: Featured Stocks - Crocs, Inc. (CROX) is a leading footwear brand with a projected 7% earnings growth for 2026 and a 6.7% upward revision in broker ratings [8] - National Energy Services Reunited Corp. (NESR) is expected to see a 93.9% increase in 2026 earnings, with a 12.5% broker rating increase [10] - Koninklijke Philips N.V. (PHG) is projected to have a 6.3% earnings growth for 2026 and a 7.7% upward revision in broker ratings, currently holding a Zacks Rank of 1 [11]