
Core Viewpoint - Midland States Bancorp (MSBI) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks rating system emphasizes the importance of earnings estimate revisions, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Midland States Bancorp is projected to earn $2.60 per share, reflecting a substantial increase of 347.6% from the previous year's reported figure [8]. Analyst Sentiment and Market Implications - Analysts have been consistently raising their earnings estimates for Midland States Bancorp, with a 3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past three months [8]. - The upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places Midland States Bancorp in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for higher stock prices in the near term [10]. Zacks Rank System Overview - The Zacks Rank system categorizes stocks based on earnings estimates into five groups, with a proven track record of performance, particularly for Zacks Rank 1 stocks, which have averaged a +25% annual return since 1988 [7]. - The Zacks rating system maintains a balanced distribution of 'buy' and 'sell' ratings, ensuring that only the top 20% of stocks are recognized for their superior earnings estimate revisions [9][10].