Buy 5 broker-rated stocks for reliable profits

The economic situation remains extremely uncertain. Therefore, it is difficult for individual investors to pick stocks on their own and make steady profits. One way to pick stocks in the current situation is to follow rating updates from brokers. Stocks worth considering in this regard are Constellation Brands, Inc., Owens Corning, Belden Inc., Cintas Corporation, and National Fuel Gas Company.

Brokers have direct communication with the top management of a company, so they have a better understanding of what is going on in a particular company. They review public company documents and even attend conference calls. Brokers have a deeper understanding of the industry and the industry as a whole. They analyze the fundamentals of companies according to the current economic backdrop to determine which stock will be a successful investment.

When brokers upgrade a stock, it is easy to rely on their judgment. However, completely trusting only broker updates is not the right way to build an investment portfolio. Several other factors need to be considered to ensure a consistent return.

We have a screening strategy to help you find potential winners:

• Broker rating increase (in the last four weeks by 1% or more): stocks that have received a broker rating increase of 1% or more in the last four weeks are selected.
• Current price above $5: stocks must be trading above $5.
• Average volume over 20 days is greater than 100,000: high trading volume ensures easy trades.
• Zacks rating of #1 or 2: stocks with a Zacks rating of #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) have a proven track record of success, regardless of good or bad market conditions.
• VGM score of A or B: Our research analysis shows that stocks with a VGM score of A or B, combined with a Zacks #1 or 2 rating, have the greatest upside potential.

Five of the eight stocks that made the cut:

Company Constellation Brands

Based in Victor, New York, Constellation Brands is the third-largest beer company and the leading premium wine company in the United States. STZ's profits are forecast to grow by 9% in the fiscal year 2024. The company has a Zacks #2 rating and has seen a 5.9% increase in broker ratings over the past four weeks.

The Owens Corning company

The Owens Corning Company, headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, is a global leader in building materials and composite solutions. OC's products include glass fibers used to support composite materials for transportation, electronics, marine, infrastructure, wind energy and other high-performance markets, as well as insulation and roofing in residential, commercial and industrial buildings. OC's earnings are projected to grow 5.6% in 2023. The company has a Zacks #1 rating and has seen an 8.3% increase in broker ratings over the past four weeks.

The Belden Company

The Belden Company, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, offers a portfolio of signaling solutions in the Americas, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. BDC operates through two segments, Enterprise Solutions and Industrial Automation Solutions.

The Cintas Company

The Cintas Company, headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, provides specialized services to businesses in North America. CTAS designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity programs and provides entrance mats, sanitary supplies, promotional products and first aid and safety products to a variety of businesses. CTAS earnings are projected to grow by 10% in 2023. The company has a Zacks #2 rating and has seen a 6.3% increase in broker ratings over the past four weeks.

National Fuel Gas company

National Fuel Gas Company, headquartered in Williamsville, New York, is an integrated energy company with natural gas production assets in the prolific Appalachian Basin and oil production assets in California. NFG operates through the following segments: Exploration and Production and Other, Pipeline and Storage and Gathering, and Utility and Energy Marketing. NFG's profit is projected to grow by 12.8% in fiscal year 2024. The company has a Zacks Rank #2 and has seen a 16.7% increase in broker rating over the past four weeks.

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Opening and closing positions in the stock market, as well as long and short positions in options and related derivatives, can be attractive but also carry certain risks. An affiliated investment advisory firm may open or close positions in the equity market, as well as long and short positions in options and related derivatives mentioned in this material.

Information about the performance of Zacks' portfolios and strategies is available at: https://www.zacks.com/performance