Goldman Sachs Picks 11 Stocks with Big Upside Potential

NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- The slower pace of economic activity in both the U.S. and China combined with significantly lower oil prices has Goldman Sachs (GS - Get Report) analysts lowering expectations for the S&P 500 for the rest of the year.

Goldman cut its 2015 profit estimate for the index by $5 to $109, down 3% from 2014. The firm expects the index to rise 6% to 2,000 by the end of the year, down 5% from its previous estimate. "A rise to 2000 by year-end would also rank the current market among the weakest post-correction recoveries since 1980," according to a Sept. 28 note to clients.

Next year, Goldman expects the S&P 500 to rise 10% to 2,100. The firm also ratcheted down its estimates for U.S. gross domestic product in 2016 to just 2.4% from 2.8%. It expects GDP for the rest of the world, excluding the U.S. to rise by 3.7% down from 4.3%.

"Our baseline forecast is that the U.S. economy will grow at a modest pace, earnings will rise, and the S&P 500 index will climb slowly while the P/E multiple declines as interest rates rise. 'Flat is the new up' will be the 2016 investor refrain," the analysts wrote.

For stock investing that means investors should "collect yield through call writing," Goldman said. "Companies with high domestic sales will outperform, as will firms returning cash to shareholders via dividends and buybacks, and also high quality companies with strong balance sheets and stable sales and EPS."

Goldman listed 34 stocks that are constituents of at least two of the four baskets the firm is recommending. Here's a list of the 11 stocks with more than 20% upside potential to Goldman's price targets.

Goldman's stock picks are paired with ratings from TheStreet Ratings for additional perspective. Check out the list and when you're done be to read which health care stocks you should sell now.

TheStreet Ratings uses a quantitative approach to rating over 4,300 stocks to predict return potential for the next year. The model is both objective, using elements such as volatility of past operating revenues, financial strength, and company cash flows, and subjective, including expected equities market returns, future interest rates, implied industry outlook and forecasted company earnings.

Buying an S&P 500 stock that TheStreet Ratings rated a "buy" yielded a 16.56% return in 2014 beating the S&P 500 Total Return Index by 304 basis points. Buying a Russell 2000 stock that TheStreet Ratings rated a "buy" yielded a 9.5% return in 2014, beating the Russell 2000 index, including dividends reinvested, by 460 basis points last year.

 ROST data by YCharts 

11. Ross Stores Inc. (ROST) YTD Return: 0.76%
Goldman's Price Target: $60
Upside to Goldman's Price Target: 22%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates ROSS STORES INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate ROSS STORES INC (ROST) a BUY. This is driven by some important positives, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its solid stock price performance, growth in earnings per share, increase in net income, revenue growth and notable return on equity. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows weak operating cash flow.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• Investors have apparently begun to recognize positive factors similar to those we have mentioned in this report, including earnings growth. This has helped drive up the company's shares by a sharp 29.10% over the past year, a rise that has exceeded that of the S&P 500 Index. Regarding the stock's future course, although almost any stock can fall in a broad market decline, ROST should continue to move higher despite the fact that it has already enjoyed a very nice gain in the past year.
• ROSS STORES INC has improved earnings per share by 10.5% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. The company has demonstrated a pattern of positive earnings per share growth over the past two years. We feel that this trend should continue. During the past fiscal year, ROSS STORES INC increased its bottom line by earning $2.21 versus $1.94 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($2.45 versus $2.21).
• The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has greatly exceeded that of the S&P 500, but is less than that of the Specialty Retail industry average. The net income increased by 8.0% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, going from $239.56 million to $258.64 million.
• Despite its growing revenue, the company underperformed as compared with the industry average of 10.0%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 8.7%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, improving the earnings per share.
• The return on equity has improved slightly when compared to the same quarter one year prior. This can be construed as a modest strength in the organization. When compared to other companies in the Specialty Retail industry and the overall market, ROSS STORES INC's return on equity exceeds that of the industry average and significantly exceeds that of the S&P 500.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: ROST

 EW data by YCharts 

10. Edwards Lifesciences (EW) YTD Return: 5.1%
Goldman's Price Target: $167
Upside to Goldman's Price Target: 22%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP as a Buy with a ratings score of B. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP (EW) a BUY. This is driven by several positive factors, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its solid stock price performance, revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and expanding profit margins. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• Compared to its closing price of one year ago, EW's share price has jumped by 35.46%, exceeding the performance of the broader market during that same time frame. Regarding the stock's future course, although almost any stock can fall in a broad market decline, EW should continue to move higher despite the fact that it has already enjoyed a very nice gain in the past year.
• EW's revenue growth trails the industry average of 34.4%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 7.3%. This growth in revenue does not appear to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, displayed by a decline in earnings per share.
• EW's debt-to-equity ratio is very low at 0.26 and is currently below that of the industry average, implying that there has been very successful management of debt levels. Along with this, the company maintains a quick ratio of 3.95, which clearly demonstrates the ability to cover short-term cash needs.
• The gross profit margin for EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP is currently very high, coming in at 77.01%. It has increased from the same quarter the previous year. Along with this, the net profit margin of 18.27% is above that of the industry average.
• EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP has experienced a steep decline in earnings per share in the most recent quarter in comparison to its performance from the same quarter a year ago. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. We feel it is likely to report a decline in earnings in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES CORP increased its bottom line by earning $7.52 versus $3.41 in the prior year. For the next year, the market is expecting a contraction of 41.8% in earnings ($4.38 versus $7.52).
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: EW

 MA data by YCharts 

9. MasterCard (MA) YTD Return: 2.5%
Goldman's Price Target: $112
Upside to Goldman's Price Target: 23%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates MASTERCARD INC as a Buy with a ratings score of A-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate MASTERCARD INC (MA) a BUY. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, notable return on equity, good cash flow from operations and growth in earnings per share. Although the company may harbor some minor weaknesses, we feel they are unlikely to have a significant impact on results.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• The revenue growth came in higher than the industry average of 21.6%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 0.9%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, improving the earnings per share.
• MA's debt-to-equity ratio is very low at 0.23 and is currently below that of the industry average, implying that there has been very successful management of debt levels. Along with the favorable debt-to-equity ratio, the company maintains an adequate quick ratio of 1.24, which illustrates the ability to avoid short-term cash problems.
• Current return on equity exceeded its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a clear sign of strength within the company. When compared to other companies in the IT Services industry and the overall market, MASTERCARD INC's return on equity exceeds that of the industry average and significantly exceeds that of the S&P 500.
• Net operating cash flow has increased to $821.00 million or 12.62% when compared to the same quarter last year. The firm also exceeded the industry average cash flow growth rate of -2.74%.
• MASTERCARD INC's earnings per share improvement from the most recent quarter was slightly positive. The company has demonstrated a pattern of positive earnings per share growth over the past two years. We feel that this trend should continue. During the past fiscal year, MASTERCARD INC increased its bottom line by earning $3.09 versus $2.57 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($3.36 versus $3.09).
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: MA

 GOOGL data by YCharts 

8. Google Inc. (GOOGL) YTD Return: 17.6%
Goldman's Price Target: $800
Upside to Goldman's Price Target: 25%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates GOOGLE INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate GOOGLE INC (GOOGL) a BUY. This is driven by some important positives, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, reasonable valuation levels, increase in net income and good cash flow from operations. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had somewhat disappointing return on equity.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• GOOGL's revenue growth has slightly outpaced the industry average of 7.1%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 11.1%. This growth in revenue does not appear to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, displayed by a decline in earnings per share.
• Although GOOGL's debt-to-equity ratio of 0.05 is very low, it is currently higher than that of the industry average. Along with this, the company maintains a quick ratio of 4.60, which clearly demonstrates the ability to cover short-term cash needs.
• The company, on the basis of net income growth from the same quarter one year ago, has significantly outperformed against the S&P 500 and exceeded that of the Internet Software & Services industry average. The net income increased by 17.3% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, going from $3,351.00 million to $3,931.00 million.
• Net operating cash flow has increased to $6,985.00 million or 24.13% when compared to the same quarter last year. In addition, GOOGLE INC has also modestly surpassed the industry average cash flow growth rate of 19.67%.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: GOOGL

 CTSH data by YCharts

7. Cognizant Technology Solutions (CTSH) YTD Return: 14%
Goldman's Price Target: $78
Upside to Goldman's Price Target: 27%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates COGNIZANT TECH SOLUTIONS as a Buy with a ratings score of A. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate COGNIZANT TECH SOLUTIONS (CTSH) a BUY. This is based on the convergence of positive investment measures, which should help this stock outperform the majority of stocks that we rate. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its robust revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, reasonable valuation levels, solid stock price performance and growth in earnings per share. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had somewhat disappointing return on equity.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• The revenue growth greatly exceeded the industry average of 21.6%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 22.6%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, improving the earnings per share.
• CTSH's debt-to-equity ratio is very low at 0.12 and is currently below that of the industry average, implying that there has been very successful management of debt levels. Along with this, the company maintains a quick ratio of 3.13, which clearly demonstrates the ability to cover short-term cash needs.
• Investors have apparently begun to recognize positive factors similar to those we have mentioned in this report, including earnings growth. This has helped drive up the company's shares by a sharp 35.22% over the past year, a rise that has exceeded that of the S&P 500 Index. Turning to the future, naturally, any stock can fall in a major bear market. However, in almost any other environment, the stock should continue to move higher despite the fact that it has already enjoyed nice gains in the past year.
• COGNIZANT TECH SOLUTIONS has improved earnings per share by 11.5% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. The company has demonstrated a pattern of positive earnings per share growth over the past two years. We feel that this trend should continue. During the past fiscal year, COGNIZANT TECH SOLUTIONS increased its bottom line by earning $2.35 versus $2.02 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($3.04 versus $2.35).
• The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the IT Services industry. The net income increased by 12.9% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, going from $371.91 million to $420.10 million.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: CTSH

 MPC data by YCharts 

6. Marathon Petroleum (MPC) YTD Return: -0.22%
Goldman's Price Target: $61
Upside to Goldman's Price Target: 29%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates MARATHON PETROLEUM CORP as a Buy with a ratings score of B. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate MARATHON PETROLEUM CORP (MPC) a BUY. This is driven by a number of strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its solid stock price performance, notable return on equity, attractive valuation levels, good cash flow from operations and growth in earnings per share. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows low profit margins.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• The stock has not only risen over the past year, it has done so at a faster pace than the S&P 500, reflecting the earnings growth and other positive factors similar to those we have cited here. Turning our attention to the future direction of the stock, it goes without saying that even the best stocks can fall in an overall down market. However, in any other environment, this stock still has good upside potential despite the fact that it has already risen in the past year.
• Current return on equity exceeded its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a clear sign of strength within the company. When compared to other companies in the Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels industry and the overall market, MARATHON PETROLEUM CORP's return on equity exceeds that of the industry average and significantly exceeds that of the S&P 500.
• Net operating cash flow has increased to $994.00 million or 13.21% when compared to the same quarter last year. The firm also exceeded the industry average cash flow growth rate of -19.71%.
• MARATHON PETROLEUM CORP's earnings per share improvement from the most recent quarter was slightly positive. The company has demonstrated a pattern of positive earnings per share growth over the past year. We feel that this trend should continue. During the past fiscal year, MARATHON PETROLEUM CORP increased its bottom line by earning $4.42 versus $3.31 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($5.72 versus $4.42).
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: MPC

 WFM data by YCharts 

5. Whole Foods Market (WFM) YTD Return: -39%
Goldman's Price Target: $41
Upside to Goldman's Price Target: 32%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates WHOLE FOODS MARKET INC as a Hold with a ratings score of C. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate WHOLE FOODS MARKET INC (WFM) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed ? some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, increase in net income and good cash flow from operations. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself and disappointing return on equity.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• The revenue growth came in higher than the industry average of 4.4%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 7.5%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, improving the earnings per share.
• The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Food & Staples Retailing industry average. The net income increased by 1.3% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, going from $151.00 million to $153.00 million.
• WFM's debt-to-equity ratio is very low at 0.02 and is currently below that of the industry average, implying that there has been very successful management of debt levels. Although the company had a strong debt-to-equity ratio, its quick ratio of 0.82 is somewhat weak and could be cause for future problems.
• The company's current return on equity has slightly decreased from the same quarter one year prior. This implies a minor weakness in the organization. Compared to other companies in the Food & Staples Retailing industry and the overall market on the basis of return on equity, WHOLE FOODS MARKET INC has underperformed in comparison with the industry average, but has exceeded that of the S&P 500.
• WFM has underperformed the S&P 500 Index, declining 18.39% from its price level of one year ago. Looking ahead, we do not see anything in this company's numbers that would change the one-year trend. It was down over the last twelve months; and it could be down again in the next twelve. Naturally, a bull or bear market could sway the movement of this stock.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: WFM

 URBN data by YCharts 

4. Urban Outfitters (URBN - Get Report) YTD Return: -18.5%
Goldman's Price Target: $40
Upside to Goldman's Price Target: 36%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates URBAN OUTFITTERS INC as a Hold with a ratings score of C. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate URBAN OUTFITTERS INC (URBN) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed ? some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth, reasonable valuation levels and good cash flow from operations. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself, deteriorating net income and disappointing return on equity.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• Despite its growing revenue, the company underperformed as compared with the industry average of 10.0%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 6.9%. This growth in revenue appears to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, improving the earnings per share.
• URBN's debt-to-equity ratio is very low at 0.09 and is currently below that of the industry average, implying that there has been very successful management of debt levels. Although the company had a strong debt-to-equity ratio, its quick ratio of 0.95 is somewhat weak and could be cause for future problems.
• The change in net income from the same quarter one year ago has exceeded that of the S&P 500, but is less than that of the Specialty Retail industry average. The net income has decreased by 1.0% when compared to the same quarter one year ago, dropping from $67.51 million to $66.84 million.
• The company's current return on equity has slightly decreased from the same quarter one year prior. This implies a minor weakness in the organization. Compared to other companies in the Specialty Retail industry and the overall market on the basis of return on equity, URBAN OUTFITTERS INC has underperformed in comparison with the industry average, but has exceeded that of the S&P 500.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: URBN

 M data by YCharts
3. Macy's Inc. (M - Get Report) YTD Return: -23.5%
Goldman's Price Target: $73
Upside to Goldman's Price Target: 39%

TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates MACY'S INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:

We rate MACY'S INC (M) a BUY. This is driven by some important positives, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its notable return on equity and expanding profit margins. We feel its strengths outweigh the fact that the company has had sub par growth in net income.

Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• The return on equity has improved slightly when compared to the same quarter one year prior. This can be construed as a modest strength in the organization. When compared to other companies in the Multiline Retail industry and the overall market, MACY'S INC's return on equity exceeds that of the industry average and significantly exceeds that of the S&P 500.
• MACY'S INC's earnings per share declined by 20.0% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. But, we feel it is poised for EPS growth in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, MACY'S INC increased its bottom line by earning $4.27 versus $3.90 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($4.71 versus $4.27).
• 40.86% is the gross profit margin for MACY'S INC which we consider to be strong. Regardless of M's high profit margin, it has managed to decrease from the same period last year. Despite the mixed results of the gross profit margin, the net profit margin of 3.55% trails the industry average.
• M, with its decline in revenue, slightly underperformed the industry average of 7.4%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly dropped by 2.6%. Weakness in the company's revenue seems to have hurt the bottom line, decreasing earnings per share.
• Reflecting the weaknesses we have cited, including the decline in the company's earnings per share, M has underperformed the S&P 500 Index, declining 12.56% from its price level of one year ago. Looking ahead, although the push and pull of the overall market trend could certainly make a critical difference, we do not see any strong reason stemming from the company's fundamentals that would cause a continuation of last year's decline. In fact, the stock is now selling for less than others in its industry in relation to its current earnings.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: M

 DLTR data by YCharts

2. Dollar Tree Inc. (DLTR - Get Report) YTD Return: -2.4%
Goldman's Price Target: $98
Upside to Goldman's Price Target: 40%
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates DOLLAR TREE INC as a Hold with a ratings score of C+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate DOLLAR TREE INC (DLTR) a HOLD. The primary factors that have impacted our rating are mixed ? some indicating strength, some showing weaknesses, with little evidence to justify the expectation of either a positive or negative performance for this stock relative to most other stocks. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its robust revenue growth and solid stock price performance. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including deteriorating net income, generally higher debt management risk and disappointing return on equity.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• The revenue growth greatly exceeded the industry average of 7.4%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 48.2%. This growth in revenue does not appear to have trickled down to the company's bottom line, displayed by a decline in earnings per share.
• Looking at where the stock is today compared to one year ago, we find that it is not only higher, but it has also clearly outperformed the rise in the S&P 500 over the same period, despite the company's weak earnings results. We feel that the combination of its price rise over the last year and its current price-to-earnings ratio relative to its industry tend to reduce its upside potential.
• DOLLAR TREE INC has experienced a steep decline in earnings per share in the most recent quarter in comparison to its performance from the same quarter a year ago. This company has reported somewhat volatile earnings recently. We feel it is likely to report a decline in earnings in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, DOLLAR TREE INC increased its bottom line by earning $2.90 versus $2.75 in the prior year. For the next year, the market is expecting a contraction of 2.1% in earnings ($2.84 versus $2.90).
• The gross profit margin for DOLLAR TREE INC is currently lower than what is desirable, coming in at 31.37%. It has decreased from the same quarter the previous year. Along with this, the net profit margin of -3.25% trails that of the industry average.
• Net operating cash flow has significantly decreased to -$175.50 million or 205.02% when compared to the same quarter last year. In addition, when comparing to the industry average, the firm's growth rate is much lower.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: DLTR

 AAPL data by YCharts
1. Apple Inc. (AAPL - Get Report) YTD Return: 1.9%
Goldman's Price Target: $163
Upside to Goldman's Price Target: 42%
TheStreet Said: TheStreet Ratings team rates APPLE INC as a Buy with a ratings score of B+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation:
We rate APPLE INC (AAPL) a BUY. This is driven by a few notable strengths, which we believe should have a greater impact than any weaknesses, and should give investors a better performance opportunity than most stocks we cover. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its solid stock price performance, impressive record of earnings per share growth, compelling growth in net income, robust revenue growth and notable return on equity. Although no company is perfect, currently we do not see any significant weaknesses which are likely to detract from the generally positive outlook.
Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows:

• Looking at where the stock is today compared to one year ago, we find that it is not only higher, but it has also clearly outperformed the rise in the S&P 500 over the same period. Although other factors naturally played a role, the company's strong earnings growth was key. Turning our attention to the future direction of the stock, it goes without saying that even the best stocks can fall in an overall down market. However, in any other environment, this stock still has good upside potential despite the fact that it has already risen in the past year.
• APPLE INC has improved earnings per share by 44.5% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. The company has demonstrated a pattern of positive earnings per share growth over the past two years. We feel that this trend should continue. During the past fiscal year, APPLE INC increased its bottom line by earning $6.43 versus $5.66 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($9.13 versus $6.43).
• The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has greatly exceeded that of the S&P 500, but is less than that of the Computers & Peripherals industry average. The net income increased by 37.8% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from $7,748.00 million to $10,677.00 million.
• Despite its growing revenue, the company underperformed as compared with the industry average of 36.6%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 32.5%. Growth in the company's revenue appears to have helped boost the earnings per share.
• Current return on equity exceeded its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a clear sign of strength within the company. When compared to other companies in the Computers & Peripherals industry and the overall market, APPLE INC's return on equity exceeds that of the industry average and significantly exceeds that of the S&P 500.
• You can view the full analysis from the report here: AAPL

By Laurie Kulikowski
Source:http://www.thestreet.com/story/13305460/1/goldman-sachs-picks-11-stocks-with-big-upside-potential.html?kval=dontmiss