Washington Trust(US:WASH) ZACKS·2025-09-12 17:00Core Viewpoint - Washington Trust Bancorp (WASH) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Ratings - The Zacks rating system is primarily based on a company's changing earnings picture, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate tracking EPS estimates from sell-side analysts [2]. - The Zacks rating upgrade for Washington Trust reflects a positive outlook on its earnings, which could positively impact its stock price [3][5]. Impact of Earnings Estimate Revisions - Changes in a company's future earnings potential, as shown by earnings estimate revisions, are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4]. - Institutional investors often rely on earnings estimates to determine the fair value of stocks, leading to significant price movements based on their buying or selling activities [4]. Performance Metrics - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Washington Trust is expected to earn $2.69 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 3.2% over the past three months [8]. - The Zacks Rank system has a strong track record, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks averaging an annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. Positioning in the Market - The upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places Washington Trust in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks based on estimate revisions, suggesting potential for higher stock movement in the near term [10].