Along with the quantitative and valuation analysis, they also look at: key success factors, key risk factors, the competitive landscape, insiders, institutional holdings, what type of institutions are holding the stock, and catalysts that might drive the stock up (or down).

FORBES: Quant / Value Stocks From My Class at Ross

But Woods said many contracts were being awarded locally even when foreign firms offered a better price or a higher quality bid, and highlighted "complex public procurement procedures, unfair national preference and wavering commitment to competition and market liberalization" as key factors holding back the creation of a competitive and dynamic market.

CNN: EU governments favoring home firms