CompoSecure, Inc. (CMPO) could be a solid choice for investors given its recent upgrade to a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). This upgrade is essentially a reflection of an upward trend in earnings estimates -- one of the most powerful forces impacting stock prices.The Zacks rating relies solely on a company's changing earnings picture. It tracks EPS estimates for the current and following years from the sell-side analysts covering the stock through a consensus measure -- the Zacks Consensus Estimate.Since a changing e ...

Core Viewpoint - South Plains Financial (SPFI) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on rising earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - An increase in earnings estimates typically leads to higher fair value calculations by institutional investors, resulting in buying or selling actions that affect stock prices [4]. Company Performance and Outlook - The upgrade reflects an improvement in South Plains Financial's underlying business, suggesting that investors may push the stock price higher in response to this positive trend [5][10]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for South Plains Financial indicates expected earnings of $3.39 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, with a 4.6% increase in estimates over the past three months [8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with only the top 20% receiving a "Strong Buy" or "Buy" rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions [9][10]. - Stocks rated Zacks Rank 1 have historically generated an average annual return of +25% since 1988, showcasing the effectiveness of the system [7].

Core Viewpoint - Origin Bancorp (OBK) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][4]. Earnings Estimates and Ratings - The Zacks rating system is primarily based on a company's earnings picture, tracking the Zacks Consensus Estimate for EPS from sell-side analysts [2]. - The recent upgrade reflects an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is correlated with stock price movements, particularly influenced by institutional investors [5][6]. Investment Implications - The upgrade signifies an improvement in Origin Bancorp's underlying business, suggesting that investor sentiment may lead to an increase in stock price [6]. - The Zacks Rank system, which categorizes stocks based on earnings estimate revisions, has a strong historical performance, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks averaging a +25% annual return since 1988 [8]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Origin Bancorp is expected to earn $3.23 per share, with no year-over-year change, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 2.7% over the past three months [9]. Market Positioning - The upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places Origin Bancorp in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [11].

Core Viewpoint - Sage Group PLC (SGPYY) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to an upward trend in earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][4]. 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]. - A strong correlation exists between changes in earnings estimates and near-term stock price movements, making the Zacks rating system valuable for investors [3][5]. Impact of Institutional Investors - Institutional investors play a role in the relationship between earnings estimates and stock prices, as they adjust their valuations based on these estimates, leading to significant stock transactions that affect price movements [5]. Business Improvement Indicators - Rising earnings estimates and the Zacks rating upgrade for Sage Group indicate an improvement in the company's underlying business, suggesting that investors may respond positively by driving the stock price higher [6]. Importance of Earnings Estimate Revisions - Empirical research supports the correlation between earnings estimate revisions and stock movements, highlighting the importance of tracking these revisions for investment decisions [7]. Zacks Rank System Performance - The Zacks Rank stock-rating system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [8]. Specific Earnings Estimates for Sage Group - For the fiscal year ending September 2026, Sage Group is expected to earn $2.62 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 3.1% over the past three months [9]. Overall Market Positioning - The Zacks rating system maintains a balanced distribution of "buy" and "sell" ratings, with only the top 5% of stocks receiving a "Strong Buy" rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions [10][11].

Core Viewpoint - Targa Resources, Inc. (TRGP) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (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 is based on the consensus measure of EPS estimates from sell-side analysts, reflecting the company's changing earnings picture [1][2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements, influenced by institutional investors who adjust their valuations based on these estimates [4]. Implications of the Upgrade - The upgrade for Targa Resources indicates a positive outlook on its earnings, which is expected to create buying pressure and potentially increase the stock price [3][5]. - Rising earnings estimates suggest an improvement in the company's underlying business, which should be recognized by investors, leading to a higher stock price [5]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Targa Resources is projected to earn $7.97 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 7.7% over the past three months [8]. 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 generated an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - Targa Resources' upgrade to 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].

Core Viewpoint - Materion (MTRN) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on rising earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][2]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Impact - The Zacks rating system is effective for individual investors as it focuses on earnings estimate revisions, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [2][3]. - Institutional investors utilize earnings estimates to determine the fair value of stocks, leading to buying or selling actions that affect stock prices [3]. Business Improvement Indicators - The upgrade in ratings and rising earnings estimates suggest an improvement in Materion's underlying business, which could lead to higher stock prices as investors respond positively [4]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - Materion is projected to earn $5.32 per share for the fiscal year ending December 2025, with no year-over-year change, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 10% over the past three months [7]. Zacks Rank System Overview - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [6]. - Only the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks receive a "Strong Buy" rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions and potential for market-beating returns [8][9].

Core Viewpoint - Terex (TEX) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on rising earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in earnings estimates, which are closely correlated with stock price movements, making it a valuable tool for investors [2][4]. - The recent upgrade for Terex reflects an improved earnings outlook, likely leading to increased buying pressure and a rise in stock price [3][5]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Terex is expected to earn $4.89 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 7.1% over the past three months [8]. 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 [7]. - Terex's upgrade to 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].

Core Viewpoint - Advantest Corp. has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks rating system emphasizes the importance of earnings estimate revisions, which have a strong correlation with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - Advantest is projected to earn $2.29 per share for the fiscal year ending March 2026, showing no year-over-year change, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 17.7% over the past three months [8]. Investment Implications - The upgrade reflects an improvement in Advantest's underlying business, suggesting that investors may respond positively by driving the stock price higher [5][10]. - The Zacks Rank system maintains a balanced approach, with only the top 5% of stocks receiving a "Strong Buy" rating, indicating Advantest's strong position in terms of earnings estimate revisions [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of timing and sustainability in short-term investing, highlighting that a solid trend can lead to successful investments if supported by strong fundamentals and positive earnings revisions [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Swire Pacific (SWRAY) has shown a solid price increase of 7.5% over the past 12 weeks, indicating investor confidence in its potential upside [4]. - The stock has also increased by 6.5% over the last four weeks, suggesting that the upward trend is still intact [5]. - SWRAY is currently trading at 88.5% of its 52-week high-low range, indicating a potential breakout opportunity [5]. Group 2: Fundamental Strength - SWRAY holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises [6]. - The stock has an Average Broker Recommendation of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting high optimism from the brokerage community regarding its near-term price performance [7]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - The "Recent Price Strength" screen is a useful tool for identifying stocks with sufficient fundamental strength to maintain their upward trends [3]. - The article suggests that investors should consider other stocks that pass through this screening process, as well as explore various Zacks Premium Screens tailored to different investing styles [8].

Core Viewpoint - Kiora Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (KPRX) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on rising earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][4]. Earnings Estimates and Ratings - The Zacks rating system is based on the Zacks Consensus Estimate, which aggregates EPS estimates from sell-side analysts for the current and following years [2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for near-term stock price movements, making the Zacks rating system valuable for investors [3][5]. Impact of Institutional Investors - Institutional investors utilize earnings estimates to determine the fair value of stocks, leading to buying or selling actions that affect stock prices [5]. Business Improvement Indicators - The upgrade in Kiora Pharmaceuticals' rating suggests an improvement in the company's underlying business, which could lead to an increase in stock price as investors respond positively [6]. Importance of Earnings Estimate Revisions - Research indicates a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and stock movements, highlighting the significance of tracking these revisions for investment decisions [7]. Zacks Rank System Performance - The Zacks Rank system categorizes stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [8]. Specific Earnings Estimates for Kiora Pharmaceuticals - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Kiora Pharmaceuticals is expected to earn -$2.23 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased by 25.4% over the past three months [9]. Overall Rating System Characteristics - The Zacks rating system maintains a balanced distribution of "buy" and "sell" ratings across over 4,000 stocks, with only the top 5% receiving a "Strong Buy" rating [10]. - Kiora Pharmaceuticals' upgrade to Zacks Rank 1 places it in the top 5% of stocks based on estimate revisions, suggesting potential for market-beating returns [11].