For Immediate Release
Chicago, IL – May 5, 2026 – Stocks in this week’s article are V.F. Corp. VFC, Masco Corp. MAS and Photronics, Inc. PLAB.
Buy These 3 Stocks Backed by Broker Upgrades in a Near-Record Market
U.S. equities have advanced solidly so far in 2026, with the S&P 500 up about 6% through May 1 and hovering near record highs. Gains have been led by resilient mega-cap technology and AI-related shares, improving earnings revisions and upbeat economic data. Sentiment also benefited from expectations of policy normalization and retreating bearish positioning. Nonetheless, elevated oil prices, Middle East risks, tariff uncertainty and still-high valuation multiples remain major near-term headwinds.
Against such a backdrop, it is not easy for retail investors to select stocks for generating solid returns over time. One way to cut short this task is to follow brokers’ recommendations. In this regard, stocks such as V.F. Corp., Masco Corp. and Photronics, Inc. are worth investing in.
Brokers develop their views through direct access to management, detailed analysis of public filings, and active participation in earnings calls. Their cross-sector coverage also helps place a company’s fundamentals within a broader macroeconomic and competitive framework, giving investors a clearer view of how a stock may trade and perform.
A broker upgrade is typically triggered by new information, such as revised guidance, channel checks, improving demand trends, margin recovery, or updated operating assumptions, that leads to a reassessment of earnings potential and valuation. Since these developments may not yet be fully reflected in market expectations, an upgrade can sometimes signal an emerging inflection point before it appears in consensus estimates.
That said, a broker upgrade should be viewed as one input rather than a standalone investment thesis. Long-term returns depend on a broader assessment of business quality, valuation, industry structure, catalysts and risks, along with the investor’s risk tolerance, time horizon and portfolio objectives. You can find thethe complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
3 Stocks with Upgraded Broker Ratings to Bet On
Greensboro, NC-based V.F. Corp designs, manufactures and markets branded apparel and related products. VFC markets its products through specialty stores, department stores, national chains and mass merchants, along with licensees and distributors.
V.F. Corp’s fiscal 2027 earnings are expected to rise 37.2% year over year. VFC, which currently sports a Zacks Rank #1, has witnessed an 8.7% upward revision in broker ratings over the past four weeks.
Masco, based in Taylor, MI, manufactures, sells and installs home improvement and building products. Masco operates through the following two business segments: Plumbing Products and Decorative Architectural Products.
MAS’ 2026 earnings are projected to increase 7.3% on a year-over-year basis. Masco, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 at present, has witnessed a 4.4% upward revision in broker ratings over the past four weeks.
Based in Brookfield, CT, Photronics is engaged in the manufacture and sale of photomask products and services globally. PLAB sells its products to semiconductor and FPD designers, manufacturers and foundries
Photronics’ 2026 earnings are expected to grow 16.9% year over year. PLAB, which currently carries a Zacks Rank #2, has witnessed a 25% upward revision in broker ratings over the past four weeks.
Why Haven't You Looked at Zacks' Top Stocks?
Since 2000, our top stock-picking strategies have blown away the S&P's +7.7% average gain per year. Amazingly, they soared with average gains of +48.4%, +50.2% and +56.7% per year.
Today you can access their live picks without cost or obligation.
For the rest of this Screen of the Week article please visit Zacks.com at: https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2913527/buy-these-3-stocks-backed-by-broker-upgrades-in-a-near-record-market
Disclosure: Officers, directors and/or employees of Zacks Investment Research may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material. An affiliated investment advisory firm may own or have sold short securities and/or hold long and/or short positions in options that are mentioned in this material.
About Screen of the Week
Zacks.com created the first and best screening system on the web earning the distinction as the "#1 site for screening stocks" by Money Magazine. But powerful screening tools is just the start. That is why Zacks created the Screen of the Week to highlight profitable stock picking strategies that investors can actively use.
Strong Stocks that Should Be in the News
Many are little publicized and fly under the Wall Street radar. They're virtually unknown to the general public. Yet today's 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" were generated by the stock-picking system that has more than doubled the market from 1988 through 2016. Its average gain has been a stellar +25% per year. See these high-potential stocks free >>.
Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/zacksresearch
Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZacksInvestmentResearch
Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.
Contact: Jim Giaquinto
Company: Zacks.com
Phone: 312-265-9268
Email: pr@zacks.com
Visit: https://www.zacks.com/
Zacks.com provides investment resources and informs you of these resources, which you may choose to use in making your own investment decisions. Zacks is providing information on this resource to you subject to the Zacks "Terms and Conditions of Service" disclaimer. www.zacks.com/disclaimer.
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
Zacks' Research Chief Names "Stock Most Likely to Double"
Our team of experts has just released the 5 stocks with the greatest probability of gaining +100% or more in the coming months. Of those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian highlights the one stock set to climb highest.
This top pick is a little-known satellite-based communications firm. Space is projected to become a trillion dollar industry, and this company's customer base is growing fast. Analysts have forecasted a major revenue breakout in 2025. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Hims & Hers Health, which shot up +209%.
Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners UpV.F. Corporation (VFC) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Masco Corporation (MAS) : Free Stock Analysis Report
Photronics, Inc. (PLAB) : Free Stock Analysis Report
This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
