Atlanticus (US:ATLC) ZACKS·2026-01-14 18:00Core Viewpoint - Atlanticus Holdings Corporation (ATLC) 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 recent upgrade reflects an improvement in Atlanticus's earnings outlook, which could positively affect its stock price [4][6]. Impact of Earnings Estimates on Stock Prices - Changes in a company's future earnings potential, as shown by earnings estimate revisions, are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [5]. - Institutional investors often adjust their valuations based on earnings estimates, leading to significant stock price movements when they buy or sell large amounts of shares [5]. Earnings Estimate Revisions for Atlanticus - Atlanticus is projected to earn $5.99 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, with no year-over-year change expected [9]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Atlanticus has increased by 6.6%, indicating a positive trend in earnings estimates [9]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [8]. - The upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places Atlanticus in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting it has superior earnings estimate revision features and potential for market-beating returns [10][11].