
Core Viewpoint - Artisan Partners Asset Management (APAM) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive trend in earnings estimates which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][4]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in a company's earnings picture, tracking EPS estimates from sell-side analysts through the Zacks Consensus Estimate [2]. - Changes in future earnings potential, as reflected in earnings estimate revisions, are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements, influenced by institutional investors [5]. - Rising earnings estimates for Artisan Partners suggest an improvement in the company's underlying business, likely leading to an increase in stock price [6]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank stock-rating system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance, particularly Zacks Rank 1 stocks averaging a +25% annual return since 1988 [8]. - The Zacks rating system maintains a balanced distribution of "buy" and "sell" ratings, with only the top 20% of stocks receiving a "Strong Buy" or "Buy" rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions [10][11]. Recent Earnings Estimate Revisions - Artisan Partners is projected to earn $3.66 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, with no year-over-year change, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 6.4% over the past three months [9].