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 Jim Simons' Renaissance Technologies. Keeping in mind that the fund conducts thousands of transactions each quarter -- in the most recently reported quarter ended Dec. 31, 2014, it increased its position in 2,041 stocks and decreased its position in 1,249 -- we're taking a look at several stocks that are brand new to the fund. Must Read: Warren Buffett's Top 10 Dividend Stocks Only two of these stocks are among the top 30 stocks that Stockpickkr tracks, but they represent the 10 largest new holdings for the fund -- which is saying something, since there are 586 new positions for the quarter. They are ordered here by position size. 10. Acuity Brands Renaissance Technologies initiated a new 326,400-share position in Acuity Brands in the most recently reported quarter. The stock comprises 0.13% of the portfolio as of Dec. 31. TheStreet Ratings team rates Acuity Brands as a buy with a ratings score of A+. TheStreet Ratings team has this to say about its recommendation: "We rate Acuity Brands (AYI) 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, growth in earnings per share, increase in net income and good cash flow from operations. 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 10.0%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 12.7%. Growth in the company's revenue appears to have helped boost the earnings per share. AYI's debt-to-equity ratio is very low at 0.29 and is currently below that of the industry average, implying that there has been very successful management of debt levels. To add to this, AYI has a quick ratio of 2.10, which demonstrates the ability of the company to cover short-term liquidity needs. Acuity Brands has improved earnings per share by 13.6% 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, Acuity Brands increased its bottom line by earning $4.05 versus $2.94 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($5.30 versus $4.05). The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Electrical Equipment industry average. The net income increased by 14.8% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, going from $44.50 million to $51.10 million. Net operating cash flow has slightly increased to $46.70 million or 7.60% when compared to the same quarter last year. The firm also exceeded the industry average cash flow growth rate of -13.54%. You can view the full analysis from the report here: AYI Ratings Report Must Read: 10 Stocks George Soros Is Buying 9. Texas Instruments Renaissance Technologies scooped up 1.1 million shares of Texas Instruments in the most recently reported quarter. The stock comprises 0.15% of the portfolio as of Dec. 31. Texas Instruments also shows up in the portfolio of Chris Davis' Davis Selected Advisers. TheStreet Ratings team rates Texas Instruments as a buy with a ratings score of A. TheStreet Ratings team has this to say about its recommendation: "We rate Texas Instruments (TXN) 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 solid stock price performance, impressive record of earnings per share growth, compelling growth in net income, revenue growth and largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures. 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: Powered by its strong earnings growth of 65.21% and other important driving factors, this stock has surged by 28.55% over the past year, outperforming the rise in the S&P 500 Index during the same period. Regarding the stock's future course, although almost any stock can fall in a broad market decline, TXN should continue to move higher despite the fact that it has already enjoyed a very nice gain in the past year. Texas Instruments 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, Texas Instruments increased its bottom line by earning $2.58 versus $1.92 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($2.90 versus $2.58). The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Semiconductors & Semiconductor Equipment industry. The net income increased by 61.4% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from $511.00 million to $825.00 million. Despite its growing revenue, the company underperformed as compared with the industry average of 10.5%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 7.9%. Growth in the company's revenue appears to have helped boost the earnings per share. The current debt-to-equity ratio, 0.45, is low and is below the industry average, implying that there has been successful management of debt levels. To add to this, TXN has a quick ratio of 1.80, which demonstrates the ability of the company to cover short-term liquidity needs. You can view the full analysis from the report here: TXN Ratings Report Must Read: Warren Buffett's Top 10 Stock Buys 8. Quest Diagnostics Renaissance Technologies bought a new 850,700-share stake in Quest Diagnostics in the most recently reported quarter. The stock comprises 0.15% of the portfolio as of Dec. 31. Quest Diagnostics also shows up in the portfolio of Jon Hussman's Hussman Strategic Advisors. TheStreet Ratings team rates Quest Diagnostics as a buy with a ratings score of A-. TheStreet Ratings team has this to say about its recommendation: "We rate Quest Diagnostics (DGX) 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 increase in net income, revenue growth, solid stock price performance, growth in earnings per share and good cash flow from operations. We feel these 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 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 Health Care Providers & Services industry average. The net income increased by 33.2% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from $142.61 million to $190.00 million. DGX's revenue growth trails the industry average of 18.2%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 7.2%. Growth in the company's revenue appears to have helped boost the earnings per share. Powered by its strong earnings growth of 29.89% and other important driving factors, this stock has surged by 36.49% over the past year, outperforming the rise in the S&P 500 Index during the same period. Regarding the stock's future course, although almost any stock can fall in a broad market decline, DGX should continue to move higher despite the fact that it has already enjoyed a very nice gain in the past year. Quest Diagnostics has improved earnings per share by 29.9% 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, Quest Diagnostics reported lower earnings of $3.77 versus $5.34 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($4.77 versus $3.77). Net operating cash flow has increased to $303.00 million or 44.04% when compared to the same quarter last year. Despite an increase in cash flow of 44.04%, Quest Diagnostics is still growing at a significantly lower rate than the industry average of 112.82%. You can view the full analysis from the report here: DGX Ratings Report Must Read: 5 Tech Stocks George Soros Loves 7. Caterpillar Renaissance Technologies bought 817,680 shares of Caterpillar in the most recently reported quarter. The stock comprises 0.15% of the portfolio as of Dec. 31. Caterpillar also shows up in the portfolios of Joel Greenblatt's Gotham Capital and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Trust. TheStreet Ratings team rates Caterpillar as a hold with a ratings score of C+. TheStreet Ratings team has this to say about its recommendation: "We rate Caterpillar (CAT) 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 notable return on equity and reasonable valuation levels. However, as a counter to these strengths, we also find weaknesses including deteriorating net income, generally higher debt management risk and poor profit margins."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. Compared to other companies in the Machinery industry and the overall market, Caterpillar's return on equity exceeds that of both the industry average and the S&P 500. Regardless of the drop in revenue, the company managed to outperform against the industry average of 1.4%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly dropped by 1.1%. Weakness in the company's revenue seems to have hurt the bottom line, decreasing earnings per share. The gross profit margin for Caterpillar is currently lower than what is desirable, coming in at 31.87%. It has decreased from the same quarter the previous year. Along with this, the net profit margin of 5.31% trails that of the industry average. Net operating cash flow has decreased to $1,871.00 million or 27.48% when compared to the same quarter last year. In addition, when comparing the cash generation rate to the industry average, the firm's growth is significantly lower. You can view the full analysis from the report here: CAT Ratings Report Must Read: 10 Stocks Billionaire John Paulson Loves 6. Yahoo! Renaissance Technologies initiated a new 1.6 million-share position in Yahoo! in the most recently reported quarter. The stock comprises 0.17% of the portfolio as of Dec. 31. Yahoo! also shows up in David Einhorn's Greenlight Capital portfolio and is one of George Soros' top holdings. TheStreet Ratings team rates Yahoo! as a buy with a ratings score of B. TheStreet Ratings team has this to say about its recommendation: "We rate Yahoo! (YHOO) 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 largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, notable return on equity, reasonable valuation levels, expanding profit margins and 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: YHOO's debt-to-equity ratio is very low at 0.03 and is currently below that of the industry average, implying that there has been very successful management of debt levels. To add to this, YHOO has a quick ratio of 2.01, which demonstrates the ability of the company to cover short-term liquidity needs. Current return on equity exceeded its ROE from the same quarter one year prior. This is a clear sign of strength within the company. Compared to other companies in the Internet Software & Services industry and the overall market, Yahoo!'s return on equity exceeds that of both the industry average and the S&P 500. The gross profit margin for Yahoo! is currently very high, coming in at 84.00%. It has increased from the same quarter the previous year. Despite the strong results of the gross profit margin, YHOO's net profit margin of 13.27% significantly trails the industry average. 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. 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. You can view the full analysis from the report here: YHOO Ratings Report Must Read: 10 New Stocks Billionaire David Einhorn Loves 5. Tesoro Renaissance Technologies scooped up 820,800 shares of Tesoro in the most recently reported quarter. The stock comprises 0.17% of the portfolio as of Dec. 31. TheStreet Ratings team rates Tesoro as a buy with a ratings score of A. TheStreet Ratings team has this to say about its recommendation: "We rate Tesoro (TSO) 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 solid stock price performance, impressive record of earnings per share growth, compelling growth in net income, attractive valuation levels and good cash flow from operations. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows low profit margins."Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows: Powered by its strong earnings growth of 4566.66% and other important driving factors, this stock has surged by 80.16% over the past year, outperforming the rise in the S&P 500 Index during the same period. Regarding the stock's future course, although almost any stock can fall in a broad market decline, TSO should continue to move higher despite the fact that it has already enjoyed a very nice gain in the past year. Tesoro 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, Tesoro increased its bottom line by earning $6.69 versus $2.83 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($7.38 versus $6.69). 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 2171.4% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from -$7.00 million to $145.00 million. Net operating cash flow has significantly increased by 67.72% to $317.00 million when compared to the same quarter last year. In addition, Tesoro has also vastly surpassed the industry average cash flow growth rate of -11.68%. You can view the full analysis from the report here: TSO Ratings Report Must Read: 5 Stocks Warren Buffett Is Selling 4. Gilead Sciences Renaissance Technologies scooped up 941,400 shares of Gilead Sciences in the most recently reported quarter. The stock comprises 0.22% of the portfolio as of Dec. 31. Gilead Sciences also shows up in Julian Robertson's Tiger Management portfolio and is one of the top holdings at Joel Greenblatt's Gotham Capital. TheStreet Ratings team rates Gilead Sciences as a buy with a ratings score of A. TheStreet Ratings team has this to say about its recommendation: "We rate Gilead Sciences (GILD) 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, solid stock price performance, impressive record of earnings per share growth, compelling growth in net income 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: GILD's very impressive revenue growth greatly exceeded the industry average of 34.7%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues leaped by 134.4%. Growth in the company's revenue appears to have helped boost the earnings per share. Powered by its strong earnings growth of 363.82% and other important driving factors, this stock has surged by 32.53% over the past year, outperforming the rise in the S&P 500 Index during the same period. Regarding the stock's future course, although almost any stock can fall in a broad market decline, GILD should continue to move higher despite the fact that it has already enjoyed a very nice gain in the past year. Gilead Sciences 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, Gilead Sciences increased its bottom line by earning $7.38 versus $1.83 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($9.52 versus $7.38). The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Biotechnology industry. The net income increased by 340.6% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from $791.41 million to $3,486.72 million. 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 Biotechnology industry and the overall market, Gilead Sciences' return on equity significantly exceeds that of both the industry average and the S&P 500. You can view the full analysis from the report here: GILD Ratings Report Must Read: 5 Health Care Stocks John Paulson Is Betting On for 2015 3. Rockwell Collins Renaissance Technologies established a new 1.1-million-share stake in Rockwell Collins in the most recently reported quarter. The stock comprises 0.25% of the portfolio as of Dec. 31. Rockwell Collins also shows up in the portfolio of Jeff Ubben's ValueAct Holdings. TheStreet Ratings team rates Rockwell Collins as a buy with a ratings score of A. TheStreet Ratings team has this to say about its recommendation: "We rate Rockwell Collins (COL) 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, solid stock price performance, increase in net income, growth in earnings per share and expanding profit margins. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows weak operating cash flow."Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows: The revenue growth came in higher than the industry average of 0.4%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 16.3%. Growth in the company's revenue appears to have helped boost the 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. 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. The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Aerospace & Defense industry average. The net income increased by 27.5% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from $131.00 million to $167.00 million. Rockwell Collins has improved earnings per share by 28.6% 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, Rockwell Collins reported lower earnings of $4.52 versus $4.57 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($5.23 versus $4.52). 39.80% is the gross profit margin for Rockwell Collins which we consider to be strong. Regardless of COL's high profit margin, it has managed to decrease from the same period last year. Despite the mixed results of the gross profit margin, COL's net profit margin of 13.62% compares favorably to the industry average. You can view the full analysis from the report here: COL Ratings Report Must Read: Warren Buffett's Top 10 Stock Buys 2. General Dynamics Renaissance Technologies bought 1.4 million shares of General Dynamics in the most recently reported quarter. The stock comprises 0.46% of the portfolio as of Dec. 31 and is one of the fund's top 30 holdings. General Dynamics also shows up in the portfolios of Navellier & Associates and Joel Greenblatt's Gotham Capital. TheStreet Ratings team rates General Dynamics as a buy with a ratings score of A. TheStreet Ratings Team has this to say about their recommendation: "We rate General Dynamics (GD) 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, solid stock price performance, growth in earnings per share, increase in net income and reasonable valuation levels. We feel these strengths outweigh the fact that the company shows weak operating cash flow."Highlights from the analysis by TheStreet Ratings Team goes as follows: GD's revenue growth has slightly outpaced the industry average of 0.4%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues slightly increased by 3.9%. Growth in the company's revenue appears to have helped boost the earnings per share. 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 25.23% 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, GD should continue to move higher despite the fact that it has already enjoyed a very nice gain in the past year. General Dynamics has improved earnings per share by 24.4% 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, General Dynamics increased its bottom line by earning $7.83 versus $7.03 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($8.35 versus $7.83). The net income growth from the same quarter one year ago has significantly exceeded that of the S&P 500 and the Aerospace & Defense industry. The net income increased by 41.6% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from $495.00 million to $701.00 million. You can view the full analysis from the report here: GD Ratings Report Must Read: Warren Buffett's Top 10 Dividend Stocks 1. Apple Renaissance Technologies scooped up 1.8 million shares of Apple in the most recently reported quarter. The stock comprises 0.52% of the portfolio as of Dec. 31 and is one of the fund's top 30 holdings. Apple also shows up in the portfolio of David Einhorn's Greenlight Capital and is one of Carl Icahn's top holdings. TheStreet Ratings team rates Apple as a buy with a ratings score of A+. TheStreet Ratings team has this to say about its recommendation: "We rate Apple (AAPL) 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 solid stock price performance, impressive record of earnings per share growth, compelling growth in net income, 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: Powered by its strong earnings growth of 47.72% and other important driving factors, this stock has surged by 68.00% over the past year, outperforming the rise in the S&P 500 Index during the same period. Regarding the stock's future course, although almost any stock can fall in a broad market decline, AAPL should continue to move higher despite the fact that it has already enjoyed a very nice gain in the past year. Apple has improved earnings per share by 47.7% 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 increased its bottom line by earning $6.43 versus $5.66 in the prior year. This year, the market expects an improvement in earnings ($8.63 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 37.9% when compared to the same quarter one year prior, rising from $13,072.00 million to $18,024.00 million. Despite its growing revenue, the company underperformed as compared with the industry average of 31.7%. Since the same quarter one year prior, revenues rose by 29.5%. 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 Ratings Report To see Renaissance Techologies' top 30 holdings, visit its portfolio on Stockpickr. Must Read: 10 Stocks Carl Icahn Is Buying
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