Holistic Approach to Identifying Quality Stocks in 2025

Investing in high-quality stocks has consistently proven to outperform the broader market with reduced risk. While quantitative metrics like financial performance are essential, it’s crucial to also consider qualitative factors that contribute to a stock’s quality.

Investing in quality stocks lowers the risk of permanent capital loss and typically leads to superior long-term returns. Despite the universal acknowledgment of quality in investment strategies, definitions vary widely among investors. At Multi-Act, we employ a holistic approach to defining and identifying quality.

Quantitative Analysis

Our Holistic Approach to Identifying Quality Stocks uses established quantitative criteria, including:

• High Return on Capital Employed (ROCE)
• Return on Equity (ROE)
• Free Cash Flow (FCF) Generation
• Low Leverage

Additionally, we assess a company’s market share and its changes within the industry to evaluate competitive positioning.

For instance, the NSE Quality 30 Index, which includes high-quality stocks based on metrics like ROE and leverage, has outperformed the NIFTY 50 since its inception. This performance demonstrates that a focus on quantitative parameters can yield superior risk-adjusted returns.

Qualitative Analysis

While quantitative analysis identifies past performance, it may not predict future sustainability. This is where qualitative factors come into play. It’s essential to ensure that the data we analyze is free from manipulation. A company’s historical performance does not guarantee future success, especially if it lacks a competitive advantage. Our research indicates that only 47% of the companies in the NSE Quality 30 Index possess sustainable competitive advantages. This means that over half of the index constituents may exhibit past quality attributes, but their future sustainability is questionable.

Governance and Management

Moreover, the prudence of majority shareholders and management in capital allocation is vital. As minority shareholders, our interests must align with those of management. Poor corporate governance can negate even the strongest business fundamentals. We carefully evaluate management practices to avoid potential pitfalls. For example, one stock in the NSE Quality 30 met quantitative criteria but failed on qualitative grounds, leading to an 84% decline in value in less than six months.

Multi-Act’s High Quality Index

Our approach culminates in the Multi-Act High Quality Index, an equal-weighted index of 30 high-quality stocks. This index has consistently outperformed both the NIFTY and the NSE Quality 30 Index while exhibiting lower drawdowns.

By integrating both quantitative and qualitative analyses, we can identify companies with robust historical performance and sustainable future prospects, significantly mitigating risks associated with pure quantitative methods.

Risk Factors

Investing always carries inherent risks. Here are some key considerations:

1. Market Risks: Securities investments are subject to market fluctuations, and there’s no guarantee of achieving investment objectives.

2. Past Performance: Historical performance is not indicative of future results.

3. External Risks: Factors like geopolitical events and natural disasters can significantly impact the markets. 4. Regulatory Compliance: Multi-Act Equity Consultancy Private Limited (MAECL) is SEBI registered and has over a decade of experience in portfolio management

Conclusion

The holistic approach to identifying quality stocks at Multi-Act not only helps in selecting companies with solid fundamentals but also in avoiding potential traps that a purely quantitative analysis might miss. By focusing on both quantitative metrics and qualitative insights, we strive to build a portfolio that stands the test of time.