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ICF (ICFI) Upgraded to Buy: What Does It Mean for the Stock?
ICF InternationalICF International(US:ICFI) ZACKSยท2025-10-01 17:00

Core Viewpoint - ICF International (ICFI) has been upgraded 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 Ratings - The Zacks rating system is based solely on a company's changing earnings picture, tracking the Zacks Consensus Estimate for EPS from sell-side analysts [2]. - The Zacks rating upgrade for ICF reflects an improved earnings outlook, which is likely to positively affect its stock price [4][6]. Impact of Earnings Estimate Revisions - There is a strong correlation between changes in earnings estimates and near-term stock price movements, with institutional investors using these estimates to determine fair value [5][7]. - Rising earnings estimates and the upgrade for ICF suggest an improvement in the company's underlying business, which should lead to higher stock prices [6]. Performance of Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance, particularly for Zacks Rank 1 stocks which have averaged a +25% annual return since 1988 [8]. - The upgrade of ICF to a Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10][11]. Earnings Estimate for ICF - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, ICF is expected to earn $7.06 per share, with a 2% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past three months [9].