Millicom International Cellular (TIGO) Moves to Strong Buy: Rationale Behind the Upgrade

Core Viewpoint - Millicom International Cellular SA (TIGO) has received a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) upgrade, indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][4]. Earnings Estimates and Revisions - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Millicom International Cellular is projected at $3.10 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 109.5% [9]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the company has risen by 9%, indicating a trend of increasing earnings estimates [9]. Zacks Rating System - The Zacks rating system is based solely on a company's changing earnings picture, which is tracked through EPS estimates from sell-side analysts [2]. - The system classifies stocks into five groups, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [8]. - The upgrade of Millicom International Cellular to Zacks Rank 1 places it in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for market-beating returns in the near term [11]. Market Influence - Changes in earnings estimates are strongly correlated with stock price movements, largely due to the actions of institutional investors who adjust their valuations based on these estimates [5][6]. - An increase in earnings estimates typically leads to higher fair value for a stock, prompting institutional investors to buy, which can drive the stock price higher [5].