For people who are first-time investors or experienced traders, knowing what to look for in a company before adding it to your portfolio is extremely important. Unfortunately, many new and seasoned investors can still get excited and “look before they leap.”
Investing in the right type of business is much more than just throwing money at profitable or high-potential stock; it’s about investing in humankind. With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few of the traditional techniques for looking into possible investments, along with how sustainable investing principles should impact your decision:
Start by Reviewing the Company’s Financial Statements
This includes its income statement, balance sheet, debts, and cash flow statement. This will give you a sense of the company’s financial health and how it has performed in the past.
While past performance isn’t 100% reliable for future projections, it can go a long way in developing a baseline for your expectations.
Review the Company’s Corporate Leadership Structure
Look for relevant information about the company’s management team and board of directors.
It’s important to invest in companies that are well-managed and have a strong leadership team.
If a company is constantly changing CEOs or continually shuffling through board members, this may indicate some type of turmoil or strife within the organization.
Consider the Company’s Competitive Landscape
Who are its main competitors, and how does the company stack up against them? If your competition consistently outperforms them or has a much larger portion of the market, it is a good idea to look elsewhere for opportunities.
Pay Attention to the Company’s Growth Prospects
Look for information about the company’s product and service offerings and any new initiatives it may be working on, especially those that focus on humankind.
Read News and Analysis About the Company
This can help you understand the company’s reputation and the potential challenges it may face. If there is a negative public opinion of a particular business, it can greatly impact its market performance.
More Importantly Than Anything Else, Consider Their ESG
This refers to its Environmental, Social, and Governance details. Many investors today are as, or even more concerned with, the role a company is playing in the future of the planet and its citizens than they are about just making money.
It is this kind of socially responsible investing that will help turn the tide against continuing inequities and injustices, along with helping to improve the environmental impact of corporations around the globe.
ROI on an Investment Should Never Come at the Expense of Investing in Humankind
Along with a greater understanding of how companies can impact the various environmental and social aspects of society, also comes the responsibility of what we do to influence their behavior.
We have no greater voice in how a business operates than spending money with them, whether by buying their products and services or investing money with them. Make your voice heard by choosing to invest ethically.