Came across an old issue of "Money" magazine (I think it's a Aussie edition) with an article titled "10 Traits of Top Stocks". The 10 traits connect well with my thoughts on what constitutes factors for a good stock to invest in, when it is at the right price.
[Note: 10 traits are from the article, but comments are mine.]
1. Rising earnings. It's been making more and more money. Provided it's real and not fraudulent accounting!
2. Profits cover dividend payout. It's not paying out dividends from borrowings/debts, so the dividend is sustainable.
3. Capital raising aren't needed. Doesn't collect money from shareholder - i.e. the reverse of dividends! REITs tend not to do well in this regard when times are bad though.
4. Debt is minimal. I take that to be debt-to-equity at less than 40% (<0.4) - i.e. not overly leveraged.
5. Plenty ......