H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB (publ)

Growth is a weak point here: a business that is slowing. Both revenue and earnings growth are weak. This profile does not fit growth strategies, so look to value or quality angles instead. The one thing to watch: forward revenue growth trails the market.

Short-term returns are strong but the long track record is thin. Momentum is building — confirmation from longer horizons would strengthen the case. The strongest point: it's up 9% over the past year, now 6% below its 52-week high.

A fairly-priced stock. A mix of reasonable multiples and yields without extreme cheapness. Can work in diversified value portfolios, but not a standout bargain. The strongest point: its forward P/E of 23x is 3% below that median, and its three-year P/E of 20x is 14% below. The one thing to watch: the earnings multiple is high.

A middle-of-the-pack business on quality. Margins, returns and balance sheet sit around the market average. Workable, but not a standout on business quality. The strongest point: return on equity of 34% is better than 80% of companies worldwide; return on assets of 7.4% is better than 60% of companies worldwide. The one thing to watch: the EBITDA margin lags the rest of the P&L.