Core Viewpoint - Alignment Healthcare (ALHC) 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 Impact - The Zacks rating system is based on a company's changing earnings picture, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate tracking EPS estimates from sell-side analysts [1][4]. - Changes in future earnings potential, reflected in earnings estimate revisions, are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements, particularly influenced by institutional investors [4][5]. Recent Performance of Alignment Healthcare - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Alignment Healthcare is expected to earn -$0.33 per share, unchanged from the previous year, but analysts have raised their estimates by 16.2% over the past three months [8][10]. - The rating upgrade indicates an improvement in the company's underlying business, which is expected to positively influence its stock price [5][10]. Zacks Rank System Overview - 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][9]. - Only the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks receive a "Strong Buy" or "Buy" rating, indicating superior earnings estimate revisions and potential for market-beating returns [9][10].

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