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
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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.
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.
The shift of power and quality in sell-side and buy-side research
This podcast episode explores the shift of power and quality from the sell-side to the buy-side in investment research. The speaker notes that many experienced analysts have been poached by hedge funds, resulting in a juniorization of the sell-side. This shift is attributed to reduced budgets for sell-side research, leading to fewer analysts and lower pay. The episode highlights the importance of both sides conducting detailed research and analysis to make informed investment decisions. It acknowledges the impressive skills of investors like Druckenmiller, Soros, and Buffett, while noting that successful investing requires a practical framework and a thorough understanding of financial statements and balance sheets.
The significance of balance sheet analysis and the future of investing
This podcast episode emphasizes the importance of balance sheet analysis in successful investing and discusses the future of investing in a changing economic landscape. The speaker suggests that balance sheet analysis is fundamental in evaluating companies, especially in an environment of rising interest rates and potential inflation. They highlight the risks associated with companies carrying high levels of debt and the potential challenges posed by increasing tax rates. The episode features insights from Scott Bessent, a former partner of Soros Fund Management, who believes that risk management is crucial in avoiding portfolio losses caused by poor accounting practices. The episode concludes by promoting an online course on behind the balance sheet, which covers financial analysis, valuation, portfolio management, and macroeconomic factors.
The need for improved financial training and the limitations of traditional certifications
This podcast episode discusses the need for enhanced financial training and the limitations of traditional certifications in developing the skills required for effective financial analysis. The speaker highlights the shortcomings of the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) program and suggests that it does not adequately equip individuals to be proficient financial analysts. They emphasize the importance of practical knowledge and real-life experience in understanding financial statements and valuation. The episode features insights from various investors and experts who stress the necessity for a practical framework and the ability to identify red flags and fraudulent practices. It concludes by promoting an online learning course that covers financial analysis in detail, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of accounting, valuation techniques, and portfolio management.
For all the narratives around investing and making money, those who have survived the investment cycles for decades and earned above average returns have typically adhered to sound disciplines.
This means valuing companies correctly, not taking shortcuts, not being swayed by management ebullience, and digging into the financial statements is key to optimising returns.
In this episode, Steve Clapham, veteran analyst, investor and creator of Behind the Balance Sheet explains why effective investment training has diminished, and how reading accounts is more important than ever in an era of waning cheap money.
Steve shares his candid thoughts on the CFA and explains why the cash flow statements are so vital.
He then explains why opportunities on the buy-side are increasingly plentiful, before covering a few case studies of 'creative accounting' (including two recent high profile fraud scandals: Patisserie Valerie and Wirecard).
FURTHER RESOURCES To help improve your equity analysis and access world-class training videos, consider signing up to Steve’s Analyst Academy Course. As a festive thank you, he’s offering Money Maze Podcast listeners a 10% discount on the acclaimed course. At checkout, add the code ‘MMP10’ to enjoy the Black Friday discount. Learn more and sign up here! (Offer ends on December 15th 2023).
Steve also runs the Behind the Balance Sheet Newsletter. It aims to expose as many people as possible to equity investing, sharing analysis to improve your investing skills, backed by his 25+ year institutional career. Steve is kindly also offering listeners a 30% discount on the newsletter via this link!
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