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Money Maze Podcast

121: Red Lines, Accounting Gimmicks and Management Gloss: Why You Need to Understand Balance Sheets to Avoid Portfolio Disasters (With Steve Clapham, Founder of Behind the Balance Sheet)

Nov 30, 2023
Steve Clapham, veteran analyst and investor, discusses the importance of reading balance sheets in investing, the decline in effective investment training, and the significance of cash flow statements. He highlights the abundance of opportunities on the buy-side and shares case studies of 'creative accounting' including Patisserie Valerie and Wirecard. The podcast also explores the shift in power between buy-side and sell-side, the need for financial literacy, and the key to successful investing through balance sheet analysis and questioning everything.
39:15

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Thoroughly analyzing financial statements and being aware of red flags is crucial for successful investing and avoiding fraud.
  • The shift of power and quality from the sell-side to the buy-side in investment research highlights the importance of detailed analysis for informed investment decisions.

Deep dives

The importance of financial literacy and forensic accounting

This podcast episode focuses on the importance of financial literacy and forensic accounting in the investment business. The speaker emphasizes that successful investors have typically adhered to sound disciplines, such as thoroughly analyzing financial statements and being aware of red flags. The episode features an interview with Steve Clappin, a seasoned analyst, investor, author, and podcast host. He shares his journey into the world of accounting and finance and discusses the need for better financial training and education. Clappin also highlights the significance of balance sheet analysis, particularly in determining the financial health of companies. He notes that companies engaged in earnings management are prevalent and shares examples of fraudulent practices, such as the cases of Pottery Valerini and Wirecard. The episode concludes by promoting Clappin's online learning course, which covers all aspects of financial analysis and valuation.

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