Midland States Bancorp(US:MSBI) ZACKS·2026-01-23 18:01Core Viewpoint - Midland States Bancorp (MSBI) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Movement - The Zacks rating system emphasizes the importance of changing earnings estimates in determining near-term stock price movements, making it a valuable tool for investors [2][4]. - The upgrade reflects a positive outlook on Midland States Bancorp's earnings, which could lead to increased buying pressure and a rise in stock price [3][5]. Impact of Institutional Investors - Institutional investors play a role in the relationship between earnings estimates and stock price movements, as they adjust their valuations based on these estimates, leading to buying or selling actions that affect stock prices [4]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - Empirical research indicates a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and stock movements, highlighting the importance of tracking these revisions for investment decisions [6]. - The Zacks Rank system effectively utilizes earnings estimate revisions to classify stocks, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. Current Earnings Estimates for Midland States Bancorp - Analysts expect Midland States Bancorp to earn $2.66 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2026, with no year-over-year change, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 2.6% over the past three months [8]. Zacks Rating System Overview - The Zacks rating system maintains a balanced distribution of "buy" and "sell" ratings across its universe of over 4,000 stocks, with only the top 5% receiving a "Strong Buy" rating [9]. - The upgrade to Zacks Rank 1 places Midland States Bancorp in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10].