Investar (US:ISTR) ZACKSยท2025-05-01 17:00Core Viewpoint - Investar (ISTR) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on rising earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with stock price movements [4][6]. - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Investar is expected to earn $1.95 per share, reflecting a 3.2% increase from the previous year [8]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Investar has increased by 6.6%, indicating a positive trend in earnings expectations [8]. Zacks Rating System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - The upgrade of Investar to a Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10].