- In this piece, we will evaluate stocks using the Piotroski Index, which utilizes nine key measures.
- This index scores companies from 0 to 9, helping determine their financial standing.
- We will take a look at the stocks of three established brands with high Piotroski scores.
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- The company's return on assets must be positive in the past year.
- The return on assets from the last year should show improvement compared to the previous year.
- Cash flow from operating activities needs to exceed net income in the last year.
- The liquidity ratio for the last year should be higher than in the previous year.
- The number of shares outstanding should remain constant.
- Gross profit for the last year should be greater than the previous year.
- Cash flow from operating activities should surpass net profit for the last year.
- The debt-to-equity ratio should decrease in the last year compared to the previous year.
- Asset turnover in the current year should exceed the previous year.
The Piotroski Index evaluates a company's attractiveness based on nine key measures:
The evaluation assigns a score of 0 to 9, indicating the company's strength based on the points awarded.
Today's analysis will highlight three companies scoring a minimum of 8 under the Piotroski index.
1. Colgate-Palmolive
Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL), a leading global brand in household essentials, relies on robust marketing, sector leadership, and expansion into emerging markets.
Riding the broader market uptrend, the company's stock exhibits strong growth. Financially, it boasts a solid Piotroski score of 8, consistent quarterly net profit growth, and an impressive net margin surpassing sector averages at nearly 60%. 
Source: InvestingPro
Currently, the stock has broken above historical highs and there's a good chance of the rally continuing with a target near $90.
2. Visa
Visa (NYSE:V) scores a high Piotroski score as well. The ongoing upward trend isn't just due to a general bull market but also stems from several positive fundamental indicators. A quick look shows a remarkable rise in net profit, a trend that has persisted for nearly the entire past decade.
Source: InvestingPro
The company consistently outperformed expectations in the last eight quarters, reporting higher net profit and revenue. The current quarter's sales are projected to reach 8.6 billion, indicating a 7.7% increase compared to the previous year.
3. Walmart
The strong bull market has also boosted Walmart's (NYSE:WMT) stock price. Following the positive quarterly results released on February 20, the stock experienced a 2% growth on the publication day, reaching new all-time highs just above $60 per share.
We are currently seeing a local consolidation, and if the price breaks upward, the bullish momentum will continue. However, a correction might find support near the $57 level.
If the overall economic conditions remain positive, with no significant recession and the Federal Reserve beginning a cycle of rate reductions, there is a strong chance that the upward trend will continue.
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Disclaimer: This article is written for informational purposes only; it does not constitute a solicitation, offer, advice, or recommendation to invest as such it is not intended to incentivize the purchase of assets in any way. I would like to remind you that any type of asset, is evaluated from multiple points of view and is highly risky and therefore, any investment decision and the associated risk remains with the investor.