How do you identify winning stocks in a volatile market? In this insightful excerpt from Business Today TV's "Market Guru" series, Sandip Bansal, Deputy CIO of ASK Investment Managers, unveils the crucial characteristics of solid businesses in India. He emphasizes that choosing strong companies is paramount for long-term investment success. According to Sandip, the first key factor is the quality of management, which encompasses a strong vision, ambitious goals, a proven execution track record, and a genuine commitment to minority shareholders' interests. Secondly, a robust balance sheet is essential, characterized by low leverage and consistent free cash flow generation, enabling businesses to fund their growth independently. Thirdly, the business should operate within a large market opportunity, possessing a growth profile that allows it to capitalize on that potential. A strong competitive advantage is also vital to protect market share and ensure sustainable growth. Finally, the historical track record of the business is crucial, focusing on the consistency, predictability, and certainty of earnings, as well as its ability to navigate past challenges. By focusing on these five key areas, investors can identify businesses with long-term value creation potential, avoiding those vulnerable to sudden disruptions. This expert guidance provides invaluable insights for anyone looking to build a resilient and profitable investment portfolio.