Piotroski F-Score measures financial strength from 0-9 based on profitability, leverage, and operating efficiency. Developed by Stanford professor Joseph Piotroski, it’s one of the most respected metrics for identifying financially healthy companies. This month, we spotlight the S&P 500 stocks scoring highest.
Top stocks by Piotroski F-Score
| Rank | Company | Sector | Price | F-Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. AAPL | Apple Inc. | Technology | $263.95 | 9 |
| 2. CVX | Chevron Corporation | Energy | $161.45 | 9 |
| 3. AFL | Aflac Incorporated | Financial Services | $107.80 | 9 |
| 4. MPC | Marathon Petroleum Corporation | Energy | $148.92 | 8 |
| 5. GILD | Gilead Sciences Inc. | Healthcare | $112.30 | 8 |
| 6. KR | The Kroger Co. | Consumer Defensive | $64.20 | 8 |
| 7. NUE | Nucor Corporation | Basic Materials | $132.50 | 8 |
| 8. TSN | Tyson Foods Inc. | Consumer Defensive | $58.90 | 8 |
| 9. BRK.B | Berkshire Hathaway Inc. | Financial Services | $473.20 | 8 |
| 10. CAT | Caterpillar Inc. | Industrials | $368.15 | 8 |
What is the Piotroski F-Score?
The F-Score awards one point each for nine criteria across three categories:
Profitability (4 points): positive return on assets, positive operating cash flow, improving ROA, and cash flow exceeding net income.
Leverage & Liquidity (3 points): decreasing long-term debt, improving current ratio, and no new shares issued.
Operating Efficiency (2 points): improving gross margin and improving asset turnover.
A score of 8-9 signals strong financial health across all dimensions. Stock Analyzer rates F-Scores of 8+ as an A, 3-7 as a C, and below 3 as an E. Read the full explanation.
Why these stocks score high
The companies on this list share common traits: positive and improving profitability, disciplined debt management, and operational efficiency gains. Apple’s perfect score of 9 reflects its massive cash generation, declining debt ratio, and consistently improving margins. Energy companies like Chevron and Marathon Petroleum benefit from strong cash flows and disciplined capital allocation.
Check any stock’s Piotroski F-Score
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