Why a great company can be a bad investment

Investors should weigh governance structure as part of their risk assessment

    • The value of an investment depends on not only the company’s ability to generate profits, but also how well shareholders’ interests are protected.
    • The value of an investment depends on not only the company’s ability to generate profits, but also how well shareholders’ interests are protected. PHOTO: YEN MENG JIIN, BT
    Published Thu, Aug 27, 2026 · 07:00 AM

    INVESTORS deciding where to deploy their money ask questions that are familiar: How fast is the company growing? What are its margins? How strong is its balance sheet? What is the valuation?

    But before looking at the price-to-earnings ratio, perhaps we should ask: Who is really in control?

    A good business is not necessarily a good investment. Investors should consider the quality of a company’s governance as part of the risk-return equation, rather than treat it as a footnote to financial analysis.