8 Top-Rated Stocks With the Best Earnings Outlooks

Analysts' consensus estimate is for earnings of 68 cents in the second quarter, up from 67 cents last year on the way to $2.78 per share on the year, versus $2.62 last year, an increase of 6%.

7. Nike(NKE)

Company profile: Nike, with a market value of $41 billion, is the world's leading designer and marketer of high-quality athletic footwear, sports apparel and accessories.

Dividend Yield: 1.58%

Investor takeaway: Its shares are down 4.5% this year and have a three-year, average annual return of 22% and 10% over five years. S&P has it rated "buy" with four stars and a $100 price target (down from $130 at the start of the year), a 10% premium to the current price. Analysts give its shares 10 "buy" ratings, four "buy/holds," and 10 "holds," according to a survey of analysts by S&P.

Analysts expect it will earn $1.13 per share in the current quarter, its first of fiscal 2013, on the way to earnings of $5.12 per share for the year. The company reported fourth quarter, 2012 earnings of $1.17 per share on June 28.

6. Automatic Data Processing(ADP)

Company profile: Automatic Data Processing, with a market value of $28 billion, is in the human resources administration services industry as a provider of payroll processing and benefits administration.

Dividend Yield: 2.8%

Investor takeaway: Its shares are up 5% this year and have a three-year, average annual return of 21%. Analysts give its shares eight "buy" ratings, four "buy/holds," 14 "holds," one "weak hold," and one "sell," according to a survey of analysts by S&P.

S&P has it rated "buy" with four stars, and a $63 price target, a 14% premium to the current price.

Analysts' consensus estimate is for earnings of $2.74 per share this year, or 9% growth, followed by earnings of $2.99 in 2013. S&P says of ADP that "over the longer term, we think the market for payroll outsourcing is relatively untapped, especially in the small and medium-sized business market and overseas, providing opportunities for future growth."

5. Target(TGT)

Company profile: Target, with a market value of $38 billion, operates 1,515 discount stores, including 875 with P-fresh sections featuring expanded grocery lines; and 252 SuperTargets.

Dividend Yield: 2.48%