Market capitalization (size)

Market cap is the total value of all a company's shares — share price times number of shares. It tells you how big the company is. Large-caps (hundreds of billions) tend to be steadier; small-caps can grow faster but swing harder.

P/E ratio (how expensive)

The price-to-earnings ratio compares the share price to the company's profit per share. A P/E of 20 roughly means investors pay $20 for every $1 of annual earnings. High P/E often signals high growth expectations; low P/E can mean a bargain — or a business in trouble. P/E is only useful when compared to peers in the same sector.

Dividend yield (cash back)

Dividend yield is the annual dividend divided by the share price, shown as a percent. A 3% yield means you receive roughly $3 a year for every $100 invested, paid in cash. Not every company pays one; many growing companies reinvest profits instead.

Margins and growth (quality)

Profit margin shows how much of each sales dollar becomes profit — higher is healthier. Revenue growth shows whether the business is expanding. Together they hint at quality: a company that grows and keeps a healthy slice of every sale is usually on stronger footing than one that grows by burning cash.