Apple and Adobe are among a handful of stocks that continue to be reliable growers in the market, according to Goldman Sachs. U.S. stocks have posted gains this week, but remain solidly in the red month to date as losses accumulate in the wake of President Donald Trump's tariff announcement on April 2. The S & P 500 is down 3.8% since the start of April, while the 30-stock Dow Jones Industrial Average has declined 3.7%. The Nasdaq Composite has lost 2.9% month to date, as high-flying tech stocks have plummeted. Goldman analyst Deep Mehta screened for buy-rated companies across the firm's coverage to find income ideas "amidst the ongoing macro-cross currents." According to the firm, the companies have: Solid balance sheets, with net debt/EBITDA of 1.5x or less in each of 2024-2026E FCF margin expansion (free cash flow/sales) of at least 100 basis points between 2024 and 2026E, with improvement in each of 2025E and 2026E Stable financial returns as measured by cash returns on cash invested, or CROCI Take a look at a few of the companies Mehta found below: From the list, Adobe is the stock with the highest projected upside per Goldman's price target. The firm expects shares could pop 82% from their current level. Goldman also likes the creative software maker given that its free cash flow margins in 2025 and 2026 are 40% and 41%, respectively, and because it is projected to grow its financial returns between this year and the end of next year. Still, concerns remain about Adobe's growth and artificial intelligence monetization strategy. The company's shares are down about 21% this year, with a steep drop since its first-quarter earnings were released in mid-March. Apple is a bulwark of stable financial returns given its CROCI of more than 75% projected for 2025 and 2026, according to Goldman's estimates. But Apple could be hurt badly if steep tariffs are imposed on its products given its manufacturing reliance on China. Although shares are down about 19% year to date due to ongoing trade concerns, Goldman's price target suggests shares have 31% potential upside. Data center power play Eaton and ride-share giant Uber also made the cut. Both companies are projected to have a 2% jump in free cash flow from this year to the end of next year, according to Goldman's analysis. Uber has notably seen its stock rise more than 22% this year, significantly outperforming the broader market. Get Your Ticket to Pro LIVE Join us at the New York Stock Exchange! Uncertain markets? Gain an edge with CNBC Pro LIVE , an exclusive, inaugural event at the historic New York Stock Exchange. In today's dynamic financial landscape, access to expert insights is paramount. As a CNBC Pro subscriber, we invite you to join us for our first exclusive, in-person CNBC Pro LIVE event at the iconic NYSE on Thursday, June 12. Join interactive Pro clinics led by our Pros Carter Worth, Dan Niles and Dan Ives, with a special edition of Pro Talks with Tom Lee. You'll also get the opportunity to network with CNBC experts, talent and other Pro subscribers during an exciting cocktail hour on the legendary trading floor. Tickets are limited!
