<human>:  I'm considering investing in stocks for the first time. How do I decide which companies to invest in?
<bot>: To decide which companies to invest in for the first time, it is important to research the companies you are interested in. Start by looking at their financial information and learning about their background, performance, and management. It is also important to consider their risk factors and assess the company’s position in the marketplace. Finally, it is important to assess your own financial situation and determine how much you are comfortable investing.