LegalZoom (LZ) shares soared 6.8% in the last trading session to close at $9. The move was backed by solid volume with far more shares changing hands than in a normal session. This compares to the stock's 7.8% gain over the past four weeks.

Recently an analyst at J.P Morgan upgraded LegalZoom stock’s rating from Underweight to Overweight and also increased the price target from $8.00 to $9.00.

The upgrade was based on the analyst’s positive outlook for the company. This is backed by the recent improvement in business formation data, which shows a reversal of the steep declines seen in most of 2024. The analyst also expects that LegalZoom will provide a 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance that exceeds analysts' estimates by at least 5%.

Per the analyst, the impact of cost savings from a reduction in force (RIF) implemented in 2024 has not been fully factored in by investors. The analyst expects LZ’s 2025 adjusted EBITDA to be $15 million higher year over year compared with the consensus estimate of an $8 million increase.

This online platform for legal services is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.17 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +30.8%. Revenues are expected to be $160.52 million, up 1.2% from the year-ago quarter.

While earnings and revenue growth expectations are important in evaluating the potential strength in a stock, empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.

For LegalZoom, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has been revised 13.3% higher over the last 30 days to the current level. And a positive trend in earnings estimate revision usually translates into price appreciation. So, make sure to keep an eye on LZ going forward to see if this recent jump can turn into more strength down the road.

The stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>>

LegalZoom is part of the Zacks Industrial Services industry. W.W. Grainger (GWW), another stock in the same industry, closed the last trading session 1% higher at $1,132.42. GWW has returned 4.9% in the past month.

W.W. Grainger's consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming report has changed -0.7% over the past month to $9.75. Compared to the company's year-ago EPS, this represents a change of +17.1%. W.W. Grainger currently boasts a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).

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