NEW YORK (Stockpickr) -- At Stockpickr, we track the top holdings of a variety of high-profile investors, such as Warren Buffett and Carl Icahn. One of our most popular professional portfolios is that of George Soros' Soros Fund Management. Keeping in mind that the fun conducts hundreds of transactions each quarter -- in the most recent quarter, it bout 41 new stocks and increased its position in 88 -- we're highlighting out some of its recent top buys. What follows is a closer look at 10 of Soros' top 30 stocks. They all saw position increases of at least 64% (or were new purchases) in the most recently reported quarter ended Dec. 31, 2014, and are ordered here by position size. 10. Pioneer Natural Resources Pioneer Natural Resources comprises 0.9% of Soros' portfolio as of the most recently reported quarter. The 542,045-share position is an increase of 234,254 shares, or 76.1%, over the previous quarter. TheStreet Ratings team rates Pioneer Natural Resources as a hold with a ratings score of C. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation: "We rate Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD) 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, compelling growth in net income and good cash flow from operations. However, as a counter to these strengths, we find that the stock has had a generally disappointing performance in the past year." Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows: The revenue growth came in higher than the industry average of 20.6%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 2.8%. Growth in the company's revenue appears to have helped boost the earnings per share. The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels industry. The net income increased by 131.5% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from -$1,367.47 million to $431.00 million. The current debt-to-equity ratio, 0.31, is low and is below the industry average, implying that there has been successful management of debt levels. Although the company had a strong debt-to-equity ratio, its quick ratio of 0.94 is somewhat weak and could be cause for future problems. The company's current return on equity greatly increased when compared to its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a signal of significant strength within the corporation. When compared to other companies in the Oil, Gas & Consumable Fuels industry and the overall market, Pioneer Natural Resources' return on equity is below that of both the industry average and the S&P 500. PXD has underperformed the S&P 500 Index, declining 17.78% from its price level of one year ago. The fact that the stock is now selling for less than others in its industry in relation to its current earnings is not reason enough to justify a buy rating at this time. You can view the full analysis from the report here: PXD Ratings Report Must Read: Warren Buffett's Top 10 Dividend Stocks 9. Actavis Actavis comprises 0.9% of Soros' portfolio as of the most recently reported quarter. The 321,214-share position is an increase of 171,329 shares, or 114.3%, over the previous quarter. TheStreet Ratings team rates Actavis as a Buy with a ratings score of B-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation: "We rate Actavis (ACT) 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 robust revenue growth, solid stock price performance, good cash flow from operations, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and notable return on equity. We feel these 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 revenue growth greatly exceeded the industry average of 13.7%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 46.0%. 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. Compared to its closing price of one year ago, ACT's share price has jumped by 40.96%, 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, ACT should continue to move higher despite the fact that it has already enjoyed a very nice gain in the past year. Net operating cash flow has increased to $811.60 million or 32.03% when compared to the same quarter last year. In addition, Actavis has also vastly surpassed the industry average cash flow growth rate of -47.87%. The current debt-to-equity ratio, 0.52, is low and is below the industry average, implying that there has been successful management of debt levels. Despite the fact that ACT's debt-to-equity ratio is low, the quick ratio, which is currently 0.52, displays a potential problem in covering short-term cash needs. Actavis 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. The company has suffered a declining pattern of earnings per share over the past two years. However, we anticipate this trend to reverse over the coming year. During the past fiscal year, Actavis reported poor results of -$5.88 versus -$5.43 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($16.74 versus -$5.88). You can view the full analysis from the report here: ACT Ratings Report Must Read: 5 Stocks Warren Buffett Is Selling 8. United Continental Holdings United Continental Holdings comprises 1% of Soros' portfolio as of the most recently reported quarter. The 1.3 million-share position is an increase of 845,092 shares, or 170.9%, over the previous quarter. TheStreet Ratings team rates United Continental Holdings as a buy with a ratings score of B-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation: "We rate United Continental Holdings (UAL) a buy. This is driven by multiple 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. Among the primary strengths of the company is its solid stock price performance. We feel these 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, UAL's share price has jumped by 51.35%, exceeding the performance of the broader market during that same time frame. 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. United Continental Holdings 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. But, we feel it is poised for EPS growth in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, United Continental Holdings increased its bottom line by earning $2.79 versus $1.30 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($11.58 versus $2.79). UAL, with its decline in revenue, underperformed when compared the industry average of 23.8%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly dropped by 0.2%. Weakness in the company's revenue seems to have hurt the bottom line, decreasing earnings per share. The gross profit margin for United Continental Holdings is currently lower than what is desirable, coming in at 25.80%. Regardless of UAL's low profit margin, it has managed to increase from the same period last year. Despite the mixed results of the gross profit margin, the net profit margin of 0.30% trails the industry average. The change in net income from the same quarter one year ago has exceeded that of the Airlines industry average, but is less than that of the S&P 500. The net income has significantly decreased by 80.0% when compared to the same quarter one year ago, falling from $140.00 million to $28.00 million. You can view the full analysis from the report here: UAL Ratings Report Must Read: Warren Buffet's Top 10 Stock Buys for 2015 7. Allergan Allergan comprises 1.1% of Soros' portfolio as of the most recently reported quarter. The 494,786-share position was a new buy in the recently reported quarter. TheStreet Ratings team rates Allergan as a buy with a ratings score of A+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation: "We rate Allergan (AGN) 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, impressive record of earnings per share growth and compelling growth in net income. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company is trading at a premium valuation based on our review of its current price compared to such things as earnings and book value." Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows: The revenue growth came in higher than the industry average of 15.2%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 13.4%. Growth in the company's revenue appears to have helped boost the earnings per share. AGN's debt-to-equity ratio is very low at 0.28 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 3.78, which clearly demonstrates the ability to cover short-term cash needs. 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. Compared to other companies in the Pharmaceuticals industry and the overall market, Allergan's return on equity exceeds that of both the industry average and the S&P 500. Allergan reported significant earnings per share improvement 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, Allergan increased its bottom line by earning $5.02 versus $4.20 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($8.68 versus $5.02). The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Pharmaceuticals industry. The net income increased by 71.7% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from $312.90 million to $537.20 million. You can view the full analysis from the report here: AGN Ratings Report Must Read: 10 Stocks Billionaire John Paulson Loves 6. LendingClub LendingClub comprises 1.2% of Soros' portfolio as of the most recently reported quarter. The 4.5 million-share position was a new buy for the fund. There is no TheStreet Ratings data for this stock at this time. 5. Spansion Spansion comprises 1.3% of Soros' portfolio as of the most recently reported quarter. The 3.6 million-share position is an increase of 1.4 million shares, or 64%, over the previous quarter. TheStreet Ratings team rates Spansion as a hold with a ratings score of C. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation: "We rate Spansion (CODE) 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 solid stock price performance, impressive record of earnings per share growth and compelling growth in net income. However, as a counter to these strengths, we find that the company's revenue growth has not been good." Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows: Powered by its strong earnings growth of 60.00% and other important driving factors, this stock has surged by 128.17% over the past year, outperforming the rise in the S&P 500 Index during the same period. Regarding the stock's future course, our hold rating indicates that we do not recommend additional investment in this stock despite its gains in the past year. Spansion reported significant earnings per share improvement 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 year. We feel that this trend should continue. This trend suggests that the performance of the business is improving. During the past fiscal year, Spansion continued to lose money by earning -$0.92 versus -$1.34 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($1.87 versus -$0.92). 40.85% is the gross profit margin for Spansion which we consider to be strong. It has increased from the same quarter the previous year. Regardless of the strong results of the gross profit margin, the net profit margin of -3.12% is in-line with the industry average. CODE's debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68 is somewhat low overall, but it is high when compared to the industry average, implying that the management of the debt levels should be evaluated further. Regardless of the somewhat mixed results with the debt-to-equity ratio, the company's quick ratio of 1.06 is sturdy. 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. Compared to other companies in the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry and the overall market, Spansion's return on equity significantly trails that of both the industry average and the S&P 500. You can view the full analysis from the report here: CODE Ratings Report Must Read: 10 New Stocks Billionaire David Einhorn Loves 4. Herbalife Herbalife comprises 1.4% of Soros' portfolio as of the most recently reported quarter. The 3.45 million-share position is an increase of 1.6 million shares, or 82.6%, over the previous quarter. TheStreet Ratings team rates Herbalife as a hold with a ratings score of C. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation: "We rate Herbalife (HLF) 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 and expanding profit margins. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including deteriorating net income, weak operating cash flow and a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself." 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 8.2%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 3.5%. 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. The gross profit margin for Herbalife is rather high; currently it is at 52.68%. It has increased from the same quarter the previous year. Despite the strong results of the gross profit margin, HLF's net profit margin of 0.89% significantly trails the industry average. Herbalife 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. But, we feel it is poised for EPS growth in the coming year. During the past fiscal year, Herbalife increased its bottom line by earning $4.91 versus $3.95 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($5.80 versus $4.91). The company, on the basis of change in net income from the same quarter one year ago, has significantly underperformed when compared to that of the S&P 500 and the Personal Products industry. The net income has significantly decreased by 92.1% when compared to the same quarter one year ago, falling from $141.95 million to $11.25 million. Net operating cash flow has significantly decreased to $101.91 million or 54.81% 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: HLF Ratings Report Must Read: 10 Stocks Carl Icahn Loves for 2015 3. Endo International Endo International comprises 1.4% of Soros' portfolio as of the most recently reported quarter. The 1.75 million-share position was a new buy for the fund. TheStreet Ratings team rates Endo International as a hold with a ratings score of C. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation: "We rate Endo International (ENDP) 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, good cash flow from operations 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 15.2%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 15.5%. 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. Net operating cash flow has significantly increased by 83.24% to $284.84 million when compared to the same quarter last year. In addition, Endo International has also vastly surpassed the industry average cash flow growth rate of -54.11%. Compared to where it was a year ago today, the stock is now trading at a higher level, regardless of the company's weak earnings results. Despite the fact that it has already risen in the past year, there is currently no conclusive evidence that warrants the purchase or sale of this stock. Currently the debt-to-equity ratio of 1.76 is quite high overall and when compared to the industry average, suggesting that the current management of debt levels should be re-evaluated. Along with the unfavorable debt-to-equity ratio, ENDP maintains a poor quick ratio of 0.89, which illustrates the inability to avoid short-term cash problems. Current return on equity is lower than its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a clear sign of weakness within the company. Compared to other companies in the Pharmaceuticals industry and the overall market, Endo International's return on equity significantly trails that of both the industry average and the S&P 500. You can view the full analysis from the report here: ENDP Ratings Report 2. LyondellBasell Industries Must Read: Warren Buffett's Top 10 Dividend Stocks LyondellBasell Industries , Soros Fund Management's fifth-largest holding, comprises 2.5% of the portfolio as of the most recently reported quarter. The 2.8 million-share position was a new buy for the fund. TheStreet Ratings team rates LyondellBasell Industries as a Buy with a ratings score of B+. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation: "We rate LyondellBasell Industries (LYB) 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 notable return on equity, good cash flow from operations, increase in stock price during the past year and largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures. We feel these 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 company's current return on equity greatly increased when compared to its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a signal of significant strength within the corporation. Compared to other companies in the Chemicals industry and the overall market, LyondellBasell Industries' return on equity significantly exceeds that of both the industry average and the S&P 500. Net operating cash flow has increased to $2,016.00 million or 22.85% when compared to the same quarter last year. The firm also exceeded the industry average cash flow growth rate of -22.42%. Compared to where it was 12 months ago, the stock is up, but it has so far lagged the appreciation in the S&P 500. 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. LYB, with its decline in revenue, slightly underperformed the industry average of 5.8%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly dropped by 7.6%. Weakness in the company's revenue seems to have hurt the bottom line, decreasing earnings per share. LYB's debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85 is somewhat low overall, but it is high when compared to the industry average, implying that the management of the debt levels should be evaluated further. Regardless of the somewhat mixed results with the debt-to-equity ratio, the company's quick ratio of 1.12 is sturdy. You can view the full analysis from the report here: LYB Ratings Report 1. Dow Chemical Dow Chemical , Soros Fund Management's fourth-largest holding, comprises 2.6% of the portfolio as of the most recently reported quarter. The 5.2 million-share position is an increase of 2.3 million shares, or 77.6%, over the previous quarter. TheStreet Ratings team rates Dow Chemical as a buy with a ratings score of A-. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation: "We rate Dow Chemical (DOW) 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 reasonable valuation levels, increase in stock price during the past year and largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures. We feel these 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 where it was 12 months ago, the stock is up, but it has so far lagged the appreciation in the S&P 500. 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. Regardless of the drop in revenue, the company managed to outperform against the industry average of 5.8%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly dropped by 0.0%. Weakness in the company's revenue seems to have hurt the bottom line, decreasing earnings per share. DOW's debt-to-equity ratio of 0.88 is somewhat low overall, but it is high when compared to the industry average, implying that the management of the debt levels should be evaluated further. Regardless of the somewhat mixed results with the debt-to-equity ratio, the company's quick ratio of 1.30 is sturdy. Dow Chemical's earnings per share declined by 20.3% in the most recent quarter compared to the same quarter a year ago. The company has suffered a declining pattern of earnings per share over the past year. However, we anticipate this trend reversing over the coming year. During the past fiscal year, Dow Chemical reported lower earnings of $2.86 versus $3.61 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($2.90 versus $2.86). You can view the full analysis from the report here: DOW Ratings Report For Soros' top 30 holdings, visit the George Soros portfolio on Stockpickr. Must Read: Warren Buffet's Top 10 Stock Buys for 2015
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