Core Insights - The company has experienced better-than-expected volume performance in its funeral and cemetery segments, with volumes normalizing despite initial expectations of a decline [1] - The third quarter showed a 3% decline in volume, which aligned with the company's anticipated seasonal trends, indicating stability in volume fluctuations [1] - The company anticipates continued foundational strength moving forward, suggesting a positive outlook for future performance [2]

Core Viewpoint - Carriage Services (CSV) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) due to an upward trend in earnings estimates, indicating a positive earnings outlook that could lead to increased stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks rating system is based on changes in a company's earnings picture, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [2][4]. - Rising earnings estimates for Carriage Services suggest an improvement in the company's underlying business, likely resulting in higher stock prices as investors respond positively [5][8]. Zacks Rank System - 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 [7]. - Only the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks receive a "Strong Buy" rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions and potential for market-beating returns [9][10]. Recent Performance of Carriage Services - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Carriage Services is expected to earn $3.27 per share, with a 3.3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past three months [8].

Core Viewpoint - Carriage Services (CSV) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook driven by rising earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks rating system emphasizes the importance of earnings estimate revisions, which are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements [4][6]. - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Carriage Services is projected to earn $3.21 per share, reflecting a 21.1% increase from the previous year, with a 13.8% rise in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past three months [8]. Institutional Investor Influence - Institutional investors utilize earnings estimates to determine the fair value of stocks, leading to buying or selling actions that affect stock prices [4][5]. 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]. - Carriage Services' upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10].

Group 1 - Service Corporation International (SCI) operates in the funeral and cemetery services sector in North America, holding approximately 17% of the total market share [1] - The company is well positioned to benefit from the recovery of the funeral business following the global pandemic [1]

Core Viewpoint - Carriage Services (CSV) 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][3]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Performance - The Zacks rating system emphasizes the correlation between changes in earnings estimates and stock price movements, particularly influenced by institutional investors [4]. - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Carriage Services is expected to earn $3.20 per share, reflecting a 20.8% increase from the previous year [8]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Carriage Services has risen by 13.2% [8]. Zacks Rating System - 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 [7]. - The upgrade of Carriage Services to Zacks Rank 1 places it in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for near-term price increases [10].