Think like a financial journalist: how to research stocks like a pro

Welcome to Making Cents, the podcast for people who want financial freedom without giving up their coffee.I’m Frances Cook, an independent financial journalist and fellow financial freedom seeker who makes money simple for you.When it comes to investing, one question tops my inbox: how do you actually figure out if a company is worth your money?In this episode, we dive deep into how financial journalists read company financials, and the tactics retail investors can borrow to make smarter, more confident investment decisions.We cover:- Which numbers matter (and which ones don’t)- The red flags to watch for in financial statements- The green flags that signal strong leadership and long-term value- Why “gossip” and corporate culture can be just as important as the numbersI’m joined by longtime business journalist Paul McBeth, editor of The Bottom Line (https://www.thebottomline.co.nz/), to unpack the tools he’s used for years to understand what’s really going on inside a company. It's time to know how you can use them too, before you invest another dollar.If you want to learn how to spot the story behind the numbers, this one’s for you.Making Cents is supported by our friends at Kiwibank.LinksFollow Frances Cook on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, or join the Money Memo newsletter for a free weekly money tip in your inbox each week.