Revisiting Quality Investing

In the field of factor investing, quality is undoubtedly the equity factor with the weakest consensus. This research investigates the best way to define it. In order to capture the multi-faceted reality of the factor depicted in academia, we address the quality factor through a multidimensional process by defining four self-reliant pillars: profitability, earnings quality, safety and investment. To better fit institutional investor’s’ needs, we analyze the resulting factor by focusing on the last eighteen years and on a global developed markets universe of liquid stocks (large and mid-caps).