Martin Marietta Materials(MLM)
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Martin Marietta (MLM) Reports Q3 Earnings: What Key Metrics Have to Say
ZACKS· 2025-11-06 20:30
Core Insights - Martin Marietta reported revenue of $1.85 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, a decrease of 2.3% year-over-year, and an EPS of $5.97, slightly up from $5.91 in the previous year [1] - The revenue fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.05 billion, resulting in a surprise of -9.92%, while the EPS also missed the consensus estimate of $6.65 by -10.23% [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Total shipments of aggregates were 57,900 KTon, exceeding the average estimate of 55,358.71 KTon from four analysts [4] - The average unit sales price for aggregates was $23.24 per ton, slightly below the estimated $23.30 per ton [4] - Total revenues from building materials aggregates reached $1.46 billion, surpassing the average estimate of $1.38 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 16.6% [4] - Total revenues for all building materials were $1.72 billion, lower than the average estimate of $1.96 billion, indicating a year-over-year decline of 5.1% [4] - Interproduct sales in building materials reported a loss of $94 million, slightly worse than the average estimate of $-89.34 million, but showing a year-over-year improvement of 14.6% [4] - Gross profit for total building materials was $585 million, below the average estimate of $641.29 million [4] - Gross profit for building materials aggregates was $531 million, exceeding the average estimate of $493.48 million [4] Stock Performance - Martin Marietta's shares have returned -4% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's increase of +1.3% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), suggesting potential outperformance against the broader market in the near term [3]
Martin Marietta (MLM) Q3 2025 Earnings Transcript
Yahoo Finance· 2025-11-05 14:50
Core Insights - Martin Marietta achieved record performance in Q3 2025, with significant growth in both Aggregates and Specialties businesses, reflecting a strong aggregates-led business model and strategic execution [5][6][22] - The company raised its full-year 2025 consolidated adjusted EBITDA guidance to $2.32 billion, driven by robust performance in core aggregates and positive October shipment trends [8][22] Financial Performance - Q3 revenues from continuing operations were $1.8 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year, while total revenues, including discontinued operations, reached $2.1 billion, a 10% increase [7][8] - Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations increased by 22% to $667 million, with consolidated adjusted EBITDA per diluted share rising by 23% to $5.97 [7][8] - Aggregates revenues were $1.5 billion, a 17% increase, with gross profit rising 21% to $531 million, and gross margin expanding to 36% [5][17] Business Segments - The Specialties business reported record quarterly revenues of $131 million, a 60% increase, and gross profit of $34 million, a 20% increase, benefiting from the Premier Magnesia acquisition [6][19] - The Building Materials business, which includes aggregates, asphalt, and paving, posted revenues of $1.7 billion, a 10% increase, with gross profit increasing 16% to $585 million [17][20] Market Trends - Infrastructure investment remains strong, with state and local government contract awards for highways, bridges, and tunnels increasing by 10% year-over-year to $128 billion [11][12] - Heavy nonresidential construction demand is supported by data center development, particularly in Texas, and a recovery in warehousing and distribution [12][13] - The company anticipates low single-digit aggregates volume growth and mid-single-digit pricing gains for 2026, driven by sustained infrastructure investment and a recovery in residential construction [10][22] Strategic Initiatives - Martin Marietta is engaged in a portfolio-shaping transaction with Quickrete Holdings, expected to close in 2025, which will enhance its operational capacity and financial flexibility [8][9][20] - The company emphasizes a disciplined approach to capital allocation, maintaining a strong balance sheet while returning capital to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [21][20] Safety and Operational Excellence - The company reported its best year-to-date safety performance in history, reflecting a commitment to operational excellence and safety standards [7][22]
Martin Marietta Materials(MLM) - 2025 Q3 - Quarterly Report
2025-11-04 20:50
Financial Performance - Revenues for Q3 2025 reached $1,846 million, a 12.4% increase from $1,642 million in Q3 2024[11] - Gross profit for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $1,422 million, up 17.4% from $1,211 million in the same period of 2024[11] - The company reported a consolidated net earnings of $414 million for Q3 2025, a 14.1% increase from $363 million in Q3 2024[11] - Basic earnings per share from continuing operations for Q3 2025 was $5.98, compared to $4.86 in Q3 2024, representing a 23.0% increase[11] - Consolidated net earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, were $414 million, compared to $858 million for the same quarter in the previous year[15] - Consolidated comprehensive earnings attributable to Martin Marietta for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, were $866 million, up from $1,704 million in the same period of 2024[27] - The company reported a total of $1,096 million in consolidated earnings from continuing operations before income tax expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $2,073 million for the same period in 2024[79] - Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations for Q3 2025 was $667 million, up from $547 million in Q3 2024, reflecting a 21.9% growth[130] - Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $1.725 billion, compared to $1.521 billion for the same period in 2024, indicating a 13.4% increase[130] Cash Flow and Liquidity - Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was $1,156 million, compared to $773 million in 2024, reflecting a 49.5% increase[13] - Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash at the end of the period were $70 million, up from $52 million at the end of Q3 2024[13] - Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash amounted to $70 million as of September 30, 2025, a decrease from $670 million at December 31, 2024[25] - The company had $1.1 billion of unused borrowing capacity under its Revolving Facility and Trade Receivable Facility as of September 30, 2025[140] - The company received pretax cash proceeds of $2.1 billion from a divestiture in February 2024, which was used to fund acquisitions[135] Assets and Liabilities - Total assets increased to $18,653 million as of September 30, 2025, from $18,170 million at the end of 2024, marking a growth of 2.7%[9] - Total liabilities rose to $8,915 million as of September 30, 2025, compared to $8,714 million at the end of 2024, an increase of 2.3%[9] - As of September 30, 2025, Martin Marietta's total equity reached $9,738 million, an increase from $9,366 million at June 30, 2025[15] - Total debt as of September 30, 2025, is $5.522 billion, an increase from $5.413 billion on December 31, 2024[52] - Long-term debt stands at $5.292 billion as of September 30, 2025, compared to $5.288 billion at the end of 2024[52] Segment Performance - Segment revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2025, totaled $1,846 million, an increase from $1,642 million in the same period of 2024, representing a growth of 12.4%[77] - Segment earnings from operations for the three months ended September 30, 2025, were $505 million, compared to $406 million for the same period in 2024, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 24.4%[78] - The East Group segment reported revenues of $953 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, up from $849 million in the same period of 2024, representing a growth of 12.3%[77] - Revenues for the Building Materials business for the three months ended September 30, 2025, were $1,715 million, up from $1,560 million in 2024, representing a 9.9% increase[85] - Specialties segment revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2025, were $131 million, an increase from $82 million in 2024, marking a 60% growth[85] Acquisitions and Divestitures - The Company acquired Premier Magnesia, LLC on July 25, 2025, enhancing its Specialties business and expanding product offerings[36] - The Company completed the acquisition of Blue Water Industries LLC for $2.05 billion on April 5, 2024, expanding its geographic footprint in the southeast region[39] - The divestiture of the South Texas cement business on February 9, 2024, generated proceeds of $2.1 billion and resulted in a pretax gain of $1.3 billion[44] - The company incurred $577 million in acquisitions during the nine months ended September 30, 2025, down from $2,538 million in the same period of 2024[13] Operational Highlights - Martin Marietta operates approximately 390 quarries, mines, and distribution yards across 28 states, Canada, and The Bahamas[17] - The company's Building Materials business includes two reportable segments: East Group and West Group, focusing on aggregates and asphalt[19] - The Specialties business produces high-purity magnesia-based products and dolomitic lime, with manufacturing facilities in multiple states[20] - The infrastructure market accounted for 39% of third-quarter aggregates shipments, with a 10% increase driven by large highway projects[106] Risks and Challenges - The Company faces risks related to construction labor shortages, supply chain challenges, and increased raw material costs, which could affect production and profitability[145] - The Company is currently navigating risks associated with the pending QUIKRETE transaction, including integration challenges and the realization of acquisition synergies[145] - The Company's earnings are affected by changes in short-term interest rates and tax laws, which could materially impact effective tax rates and cash flow[153][156] - The Company’s outlook is subject to various risks, including economic uncertainties, regulatory changes, and potential impacts from geopolitical tensions[145] Compliance and Certifications - The report includes certifications from the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer dated November 4, 2025, in compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act[31.01][31.02]. - The document contains written statements required by 18 U.S.C. 1350 from both the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, also dated November 4, 2025[32.01][32.02]. - The report is filed in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, ensuring compliance and proper authorization[168].
Martin Marietta's Q3 Earnings & Revenues Miss, Gross Margin Up Y/Y
ZACKS· 2025-11-04 18:51
Core Insights - Martin Marietta Materials, Inc. (MLM) reported lower-than-expected results for Q3 2025, with earnings and revenues missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate but showing year-over-year growth [2][5][11] - The stock inched up 0.2% during pre-market trading following the results [2] Financial Performance - Q3 EPS from continuing operations was $5.97, missing the estimate of $6.65 by 10.2%, but grew 23% from $4.84 in the same quarter last year [5] - Revenues were $1.85 billion, missing the consensus mark of $2.05 billion by 9.8%, but increased 12% from $1.64 billion year-over-year [5] - Consolidated gross margin expanded 190 basis points to 33.1%, while adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations was $667 million, up 22% year-over-year [6] Segment Analysis - Building Materials segment reported revenues of $1.72 billion, growing 10% year-over-year, but below the predicted $1.95 billion [7] - Aggregates revenues grew 17% to $1.46 billion, with shipments increasing 8% to 57.9 million tons and average selling price per ton rising 8% to $23.24 [8] - Specialties reported record revenues of $131 million, up 59.8% from $82 million a year ago, although gross margin decreased by 900 basis points to 26% [12] Market Trends - Strong infrastructure activity and booming nonresidential construction were key drivers of performance, despite weak residential demand in the near term [3][4] - Long-term prospects are optimistic due to anticipated Fed rate cuts and moderating mortgage rates [4] Guidance Revision - Martin Marietta revised its 2025 guidance, expecting total revenues between $6.075 billion and $6.25 billion, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $2.055 billion and $2.095 billion [17] - Aggregate shipment is now expected to increase by about 4%, with total aggregate pricing per ton anticipated to rise between 6.8% and 7.8% [18] Financial Position - As of September 30, 2025, cash and cash equivalents were $57 million, down from $670 million at the end of 2024, with $1.1 billion of unused borrowing capacity [13] - The company returned $597 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases during the first nine months of 2025 [14] Strategic Moves - The company entered into an agreement to sell its Midlothian cement plant and related assets to Quikrete Holdings, receiving aggregates operations in exchange [15][16]
CX vs. MLM: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option?
ZACKS· 2025-11-04 17:41
Core Insights - Investors are evaluating Cemex (CX) and Martin Marietta (MLM) for potential undervalued stock opportunities [1] - Both companies currently hold a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy), indicating positive earnings estimate revisions and an improving earnings outlook [3] Valuation Metrics - CX has a forward P/E ratio of 11.03, significantly lower than MLM's forward P/E of 32.61 [5] - CX's PEG ratio is 1.16, while MLM's PEG ratio stands at 5.59, suggesting CX is more reasonably valued considering its expected EPS growth [5] - CX's P/B ratio is 1.06, compared to MLM's P/B ratio of 3.99, further indicating that CX is undervalued relative to its book value [6] Value Grades - Based on various valuation metrics, CX holds a Value grade of B, while MLM has a Value grade of D, suggesting that CX is the superior value option at this time [6]
Martin Marietta Materials(MLM) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-04 16:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record performance in the third quarter, with revenues from continuing operations of $1.8 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year [7] - Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations increased by 22% to $667 million, while consolidated adjusted EBITDA, including discontinued operations, rose by 15% to $743 million [8] - Earnings per diluted share from continuing operations were $5.97, a 23% increase, and total earnings per diluted share, including discontinued operations, were $6.85, a 16% increase [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aggregates revenues reached $1.5 billion, a 17% increase, with gross profit up 21% to $531 million and gross margin expanding to 36% [6][16] - The specialties business reported record quarterly revenues of $131 million, a 60% increase, and gross profit increased by 20% to $34 million [6][17] - Revenues from the continuing operations building materials business, which includes aggregates, asphalt, and paving, increased by 10% to $1.7 billion, with gross profit rising 16% to $585 million [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The value of state and local government highway, bridge, and tunnel contract awards increased by 10% year-over-year, reaching $128 billion for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2025 [10] - Heavy non-residential construction demand remains steady, driven by data center development and recovery in warehousing and distribution [12][13] - The National Association of Home Builders' Housing Market Index rose to its highest level since April, indicating improved builder confidence [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined growth and operational excellence, with a strategic plan that includes maintaining world-class safety standards and delivering attractive price-cost spread economics [9][20] - The company is raising its full-year 2025 consolidated adjusted EBITDA guidance to $2.32 billion, driven by strong performance in the aggregates product line [8] - The company is positioned to benefit from ongoing infrastructure investments and anticipates low single-digit aggregates volume growth and mid-single-digit pricing gains in 2026 [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the durability of product demand, supported by sustained federal and state investment in infrastructure [11] - The company expects continued resilience in its aggregates business, particularly from heavy non-residential demand and a recovery in residential construction [9][10] - Management noted that while affordability constraints are impacting residential construction, there are signs of normalization in mortgage rates, which could support future growth [14] Other Important Information - The company entered into a definitive agreement with Quikrete Holdings Inc. for an asset exchange, expected to close in Q4 2025, which will enhance its growth potential [9] - The company has a total liquidity of $1.1 billion as of September 30, providing flexibility for M&A opportunities [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Balance of aggregate pricing and volumes - Management reported that pricing was up 8%, with organic pricing up 7.9%, and volumes were also up 8%, with organic volumes increasing by 5.5% [22][23] Question: Cost side expectations - Management indicated that cost performance was satisfactory and expected improvements in price-cost spread in Q4, with a projected cost per ton growth of around 2% [31][32] Question: Volume cadence and government shutdown impact - Management noted steady performance throughout the quarter and indicated that the business is resilient to government shutdowns, with state funding remaining strong [42][47] Question: Bookings and backlogs - Management highlighted strong bidding activity in heavy non-residential construction and infrastructure, with positive momentum expected into 2026 [51][52] Question: Pricing tool rollout - The Precise IQ pricing tool is expected to be fully rolled out by mid-2026, with anticipated benefits captured in the mid-single-digit pricing guidance [91][92] Question: Mid-year aggregates pricing outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued growth in public sector spending and heavy non-residential construction, which could positively impact mid-year pricing [99][100]
Martin Marietta Materials(MLM) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-04 16:02
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Martin Marietta achieved record performance in Q3 2025, with aggregates revenues of $1.5 billion, a 17% increase year-over-year [6] - Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations rose 22% to $667 million, while total earnings per diluted share increased 16% to $6.85 [8][9] - The company raised its full-year 2025 consolidated Adjusted EBITDA guidance to $2.32 billion at the midpoint, driven by strong performance in core aggregates [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aggregates gross profit increased 21% to $531 million, with gross margin expanding 142 basis points to 36% [6][16] - The specialties business reported record quarterly revenues of $131 million, a 60% increase, and gross profit of $34 million, a 20% increase [6][17] - Revenues from the continuing operations building materials business increased 10% to $1.7 billion, with gross profit rising 16% to $585 million [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The value of state and local government highway, bridge, and tunnel contract awards increased 10% year-over-year, reaching $128 billion for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2025 [10] - Heavy non-residential construction demand remains steady, particularly in data centers and warehousing, with Texas leading in hyperscaler activity [12][13] - The National Association of Home Builders' Housing Market Index rose to its highest level since April, indicating improved builder confidence [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined growth and operational excellence, with the launch of SOAR 2030 aimed at enhancing its aggregates-led platform and specialties business [20] - Martin Marietta's strategic plan includes maintaining world-class safety standards and delivering attractive price-cost spread economics [9][20] - The company is committed to returning capital to shareholders, with a 5% increase in quarterly cash dividends approved [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the durability of product demand, supported by sustained infrastructure investment and solid heavy non-residential demand [10][12] - The preliminary outlook for 2026 reflects low single-digit aggregates volume growth and mid-single-digit pricing gains, driven by ongoing infrastructure investments [9][10] - Management noted that while residential construction activity is currently constrained, there are signs of recovery expected in the latter half of 2026 [15][20] Other Important Information - The company entered into a definitive agreement with Quikrete Holdings Inc. for an asset exchange, expected to close in Q4 2025, which will enhance its operational focus [9] - The company reported the best year-to-date safety performance in its history, highlighting its commitment to safety and operational excellence [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: Balance of aggregate pricing and volumes - Management reported that pricing was up 8%, with organic pricing up 7.9%, and volumes were up 8%, with organic volumes up 5.5% [22][23] Question: Cost side expectations - Management indicated an expected improvement in price-cost spread, with Q4 cost performance implied at around 2% growth [31][32] Question: Volume cadence and government shutdown impact - Management noted steady performance throughout the quarter, with resilience against government shutdown impacts due to stable funding for infrastructure projects [42][47] Question: Bookings and backlogs - Management highlighted strong bidding activity in heavy non-residential construction and infrastructure, with positive momentum expected into 2026 [51][55] Question: Pricing tool rollout - The Precise IQ pricing tool is expected to be fully rolled out by mid-2026, with anticipated benefits captured in the mid-single-digit pricing guidance [91][92] Question: Mid-year aggregates pricing outlook - Management expressed confidence in mid-year pricing for 2026, contingent on volume growth and favorable market conditions [97][99]
Martin Marietta Materials(MLM) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-04 16:00
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Martin Marietta reported third quarter revenues from continuing operations of $1.8 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year, while total revenues, including discontinued operations, were $2.1 billion, a 10% increase [7][8] - Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations rose 22% to $667 million, and consolidated adjusted EBITDA, including discontinued operations, increased 15% to $743 million [8] - Earnings per diluted share from continuing operations were $5.97, a 23% increase, while total earnings per diluted share, including discontinued operations, were $6.85, a 16% increase [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aggregates revenues reached $1.5 billion, a 17% increase, with gross profit up 21% to $531 million and gross margin expanding to 36%, an increase of 142 basis points [5][15] - The specialties business achieved record quarterly revenues of $131 million, a 60% increase, and gross profit increased 20% to $34 million [5][16] - Revenues from the continuing operations building materials business, which includes aggregates, asphalt, and paving, were $1.7 billion, a 10% increase, with gross profit increasing 16% to $585 million [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The value of state and local government highway, bridge, and tunnel contract awards increased 10% year-over-year, reaching $128 billion for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2025 [10] - Heavy non-residential construction demand remains steady, particularly driven by data center development and recovery in warehousing and distribution [11][12] - The National Association of Home Builders' Housing Market Index rose to its highest level since April, indicating improved home builder confidence [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Martin Marietta is focused on disciplined growth and operational excellence, with a strategic plan that includes maintaining world-class safety standards and delivering attractive price-cost spread economics [9][20] - The company is raising its full-year 2025 consolidated adjusted EBITDA guidance to $2.32 billion, driven by strong performance in its core aggregates product line [8][9] - The company anticipates continued resilience in its aggregates business, supported by sustained infrastructure investment and solid heavy non-residential demand [9][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the durability of product demand, citing ongoing federal and state investment in infrastructure and the expected recovery in residential construction [10][11] - The preliminary outlook for 2026 includes low single-digit aggregates volume growth and mid-single-digit pricing gains, reflecting a positive sentiment towards future demand [9][10] - Management noted that while intermittent government shutdowns may cause delays, core construction activities typically proceed uninterrupted due to stable funding sources [11][40] Other Important Information - The company is engaged in a portfolio-shaping transaction with Quikrete Holdings Inc., expected to close in Q4 2025, which will enhance its operational focus and financial flexibility [9][17] - Martin Marietta's commitment to returning capital to shareholders is demonstrated by a 5% increase in its quarterly cash dividend [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Balance of aggregate pricing and volumes - Management reported that pricing was up 8%, with organic pricing up 7.9%, and volumes were also up 8%, with organic volumes increasing by 5.5% [22][23] Question: Cost side expectations - Management indicated an expected improvement in price-cost spread, with Q4 implied cost performance around 2% compared to the previous quarter [28][31] Question: Volume cadence and government shutdown impact - Management noted steady performance throughout the quarter and indicated that government shutdowns typically do not impact their business significantly [35][40] Question: Bookings and backlogs - Management expressed confidence in infrastructure spending and noted that state DOT budgets are up year-over-year, indicating a positive outlook for 2026 [44][61] Question: Pricing tool rollout - The Precise IQ pricing tool is expected to be fully rolled out by mid-2026, with anticipated benefits captured in the mid-single-digit pricing guidance [77][78] Question: Uncertainties for 2026 - Management feels more confident going into 2026 compared to 2025, citing continued federal investment and strong state DOT budgets as key factors [97][98]
Martin Marietta Materials(MLM) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Presentation
2025-11-04 15:00
Q3 2025 SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION* November 4, 2025 * All information provided in these slides is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which are available on both the Company's and the SEC's websites. Statement Regarding Safe Harbor for Forward-Looking Statements Investors are cautioned that all statements herein that relate to the future involve risks and uncertainties and are based on assumptions that the Company believes in good ...
Martin Marietta (MLM) Q3 Earnings and Revenues Lag Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-11-04 14:05
分组1 - Martin Marietta reported quarterly earnings of $5.97 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $6.65 per share, representing an earnings surprise of -10.23% [1] - The company posted revenues of $1.85 billion for the quarter ended September 2025, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 9.92%, compared to revenues of $1.89 billion a year ago [2] - Over the last four quarters, Martin Marietta has surpassed consensus EPS estimates two times and topped consensus revenue estimates just once [2] 分组2 - The stock has added about 19.9% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 16.5% [3] - The current consensus EPS estimate for the coming quarter is $5.07 on $1.78 billion in revenues, and for the current fiscal year, it is $18.99 on $7 billion in revenues [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank for Building Products - Concrete and Aggregates is currently in the top 24% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook for the industry [8] 分组3 - Ahead of the earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Martin Marietta was favorable, resulting in a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) for the stock, suggesting expected outperformance in the near future [6] - Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions, which can be tracked by investors [5]