Quest Diagnostics (DGX) 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.A company's changing earnings picture is at the core of the Zacks rating. The system tracks the Zacks Consensus Estimate -- the consensus measure of EPS estimates from the sell-side analysts covering the stock -- for the current and following years.The power ...

West Pharmaceutical Services (WST) came out with quarterly earnings of $1.45 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.22 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.56 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items. This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 18.85%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this medical device company would post earnings of $1.75 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.82, delivering a surprise of 4%. Over the last fo ...