Standard Life plc

Growth is a weak point here: a business whose decline is easing. 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: the company is not profitable yet.

Short- and long-term returns both rank among the best globally, and the stock trades near its highs. The market is fully behind it — a core fit for momentum strategies. The strongest point: magnificent long-term results.

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: today it trades at 13x forward earnings, cheaper than 60% of companies worldwide. The one thing to watch: free cash flow is negative.

Business quality is a weak point here. Profitability and capital efficiency lag the market. Better suited to value or turnaround angles than to quality strategies. The strongest point: free cash flow margin is forecast to expand from -2.4% toward 80% within three years. The one thing to watch: margins are thin.