Prof G Markets: Perplexity’s Fourth Funding Round + Lessons From Boeing in Long-Term Thinking
Oct 28, 2024
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The discussion kicks off with a look at the slide in existing home sales and Tesla's earnings report. McDonald’s E.coli outbreak adds a twist to food safety talks. Despite Boeing's recent struggles, one host argues it could still be a smart buy. The podcast also reflects on the importance of pension plans in workers' negotiations. Finally, they dive into Perplexity's latest funding round and weigh its prospects against a competitive AI landscape.
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Quick takeaways
Boeing's ongoing labor dispute highlights workers' prioritization of long-term financial security over immediate wage increases amidst significant company losses.
Tesla's strong quarterly earnings reflect growth in energy sectors, yet concerns persist about its stock valuation compared to competitors in a competitive market.
Deep dives
Impact of Current Boeing Strike
Boeing workers recently rejected a contract proposal that offered a 35% pay increase over four years, instead demanding a 40% pay raise. This resistance indicates that workers prioritize restoring a traditional pension plan over immediate salary increases, emphasizing the need for financial security post-retirement. The strike has compounded Boeing's challenges as the company reported a $6 billion quarterly loss, its worst since 2020, highlighting the pressing labor relations issues that need resolution. Industry observations suggest that while Boeing faces hardships, its significant backlog of $500 billion in orders provides a potential path for recovery, making it a possible investment opportunity despite current setbacks.
Home Sales Decline and Housing Market Insights
Recent data shows that sales of existing homes in the U.S. fell by 3.5% from last year, reaching the lowest levels since 2010. Experts suggest that a severe lack of supply, compounded by rising interest rates, is keeping home prices artificially high and out of reach for many potential buyers. Comparatively, home affordability is mirroring conditions from the mid-1980s due to the higher mortgage rates of that era, leading to discussions about the longevity of the current housing crisis. Stakeholders emphasize the need for government action to stimulate housing construction, thus addressing supply issues and enhancing market accessibility for first-time buyers.
Tesla Earnings and Revenue Diversification
Tesla reported a 17% increase in net income for the third quarter, which exceeded analyst expectations, while revenue rose 8%. The company has seen significant growth in its energy storage and services sectors, with these higher-margin segments outpacing traditional vehicle sales. However, despite this positive momentum, analysts caution that Tesla's stock may still be overvalued, trading at around 79 times forward earnings, significantly higher than competitors. This situation underscores the importance of a diversified revenue mix for improving profitability and resilience amidst fluctuating market dynamics.
Shein's Revenue Growth and Ethical Concerns
Shein's latest financial results revealed a 23% growth in profit, although this marks a deceleration compared to previous years. This performance stands out against more established retailers such as Amazon and H&M, highlighting Shein's strong position within the fast-fashion industry. However, the company has faced scrutiny of its labor practices, particularly regarding child labor within its supply chain, sparking debates about its ethical implications. While Shein's management appears committed to addressing these issues, the prevailing public perception poses challenges for its future market expansion and potential IPO efforts.
Scott and Ed open the show by discussing the decline in existing home sales, Tesla’s earnings, the McDonald’s E. coli outbreak, and Shein’s deceleration in growth in the first half of the year. Then Scott explains down why he thinks, despite the disappointing earnings, Boeing could be a buy. He and Ed also discuss why the pension plan is the biggest sticking point in negotiations for the striking workers. Finally, they break down Perplexity’s latest funding round and Ed explains why he’s not so bullish on the company.