Core Viewpoint - ACI Worldwide (ACIW) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (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 reflects changes in earnings estimates, which are strongly correlated with stock price movements, particularly due to institutional investors adjusting their valuations based on these estimates [4][6]. - ACI Worldwide's rising earnings estimates suggest an improvement in its underlying business, likely leading to increased stock prices as investors respond positively to this trend [5][8]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a proven track record of performance, where Zacks Rank 1 stocks have generated an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7][9]. - ACI Worldwide's upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, indicating strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10]. Earnings Estimate Details - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, ACI Worldwide is expected to earn $2.84 per share, with a 0.3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past three months [8].

Core Viewpoint - Microsoft reported quarterly earnings of $3.65 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.35 per share, and showing a year-over-year increase from $2.95 per share [1][2] Financial Performance - The company achieved revenues of $76.44 billion for the quarter ended June 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.70%, compared to $64.73 billion in the same quarter last year [2] - Over the last four quarters, Microsoft has consistently surpassed consensus EPS estimates and revenue estimates [2] Stock Performance - Microsoft shares have increased approximately 21.6% since the beginning of the year, outperforming the S&P 500's gain of 8.3% [3] Future Outlook - The company's earnings outlook is crucial for assessing future stock performance, with current consensus EPS estimates at $3.53 for the coming quarter and $14.92 for the current fiscal year [4][7] - The Zacks Rank for Microsoft is currently 2 (Buy), indicating expectations for the stock to outperform the market in the near future [6] Industry Context - The Computer - Software industry is currently ranked in the top 21% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable environment for stock performance [8]

Core Viewpoint - ACI Worldwide (ACIW) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive 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 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][5]. Recent Performance and Future Outlook - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, ACI Worldwide is expected to earn $2.83 per share, with a 4.6% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate over the past three months [8]. - The upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 places ACI Worldwide in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for market-beating returns in the near term [10]. Zacks Rank System - The Zacks Rank system classifies stocks into five groups based on earnings estimates, with a strong historical performance of Zacks Rank 1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [7]. - The system maintains a balanced distribution of ratings, ensuring that only the top 20% of stocks are positioned for superior earnings estimate revisions [9][10].

Company Performance - SS&C Technologies reported quarterly earnings of $1.44 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.41 per share, and up from $1.28 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of 2.13% [1] - The company posted revenues of $1.51 billion for the quarter ended March 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.56%, and an increase from $1.44 billion year-over-year [2] - Over the last four quarters, SS&C Technologies has consistently surpassed consensus EPS and revenue estimates [2] Stock Movement and Outlook - SS&C Technologies shares have increased approximately 0.8% since the beginning of the year, contrasting with the S&P 500's decline of -8.6% [3] - The future performance of the stock will largely depend on management's commentary during the earnings call and the trends in earnings estimate revisions [3][4] Earnings Estimates - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $1.42 on revenues of $1.53 billion, and for the current fiscal year, it is $5.86 on revenues of $6.2 billion [7] - The estimate revisions trend for SS&C Technologies is currently mixed, resulting in a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) for the stock, indicating expected performance in line with the market [6] Industry Context - The Computer - Software industry, to which SS&C Technologies belongs, is currently ranked in the top 34% of over 250 Zacks industries, suggesting a favorable outlook compared to lower-ranked industries [8]