

The Synopsis
Speedwell Research, LLC
Speedwell Research spends hundreds of hours researching public businesses each month and in "The Synopsis" they share their key learnings. Most business podcasts are superficial and assume their listeners are unsophisticated. In contrast, The Synopsis trusts listeners are interested in learning about complex, industry-specific issues, so long as they are explained clearly. We cover businesses from inception to current day, coupling business analysis and an investors lens. Start listening today to become a better analyst and investor.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 22, 2025 • 43min
Dialogue. Evolution 2Q25 Business Update, Black Markets, UK Investigation, Asia Cyber Attacks
Dive into the latest quarterly performance and mixed trends of a prominent gaming company. Explore the complexities of regulated vs. unregulated markets and the impact of regulatory challenges on business. There's a humorous take on recent cyber attacks in Asia and how they affect investors. Plus, insights on expansion strategies, including a notable partnership with Hasbro, and the evolving landscape in Southeast Asia—where regulatory pressures meet emerging opportunities.

13 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 16min
Interview. Precision Medicine Fund Manager on Portfolio Construction, Risk, and "Developers" vs "Enablers"
Mark Dainty, Portfolio Manager at Blue Box Asset Management, specializes in life sciences and precision medicine. He delves into the nuances of precision medicine, comparing its complexities to dating apps in terms of success probabilities. Dainty discusses the critical differences between 'developers' and 'enablers' in investment strategies, particularly focusing on risky early-stage stocks. He highlights the potential of companies like Natera and Guardant Health, and shares insights on navigating high-risk portfolios while balancing innovation and execution in healthcare investments.

Jun 26, 2025 • 36min
Dialogue. Constellation Software & Copart Updates, AGM, Losing Market Share, Negative Insurance Volumes
Dive into the latest financial landscape with a look at Constellation Software and Copart. Discover how Constellation's strategic acquisitions are driving its revenue growth. Copart faces challenges with declining auction volumes but may find resilience in shifting to non-insurance sales. Learn about their management's innovative responses to market pressures and the competitive dynamics at play. There's a blend of cautious optimism and a deep analysis of operational strategies that makes this discussion engaging.

Jun 20, 2025 • 3h 44min
Company. Airbnb: Becoming a Verb
Discover how Airbnb transformed from a rental-sharing idea to a hospitality giant, surpassing Hilton in guest numbers within a decade. Explore the founders' journey and the challenges they faced while gaining societal trust. Learn about Airbnb’s strategic shifts during COVID-19, leading to profitability and expansion into new services. The discussion also highlights competitive dynamics with platforms like Booking.com and VRBO, along with insights into market trends and regulatory hurdles that shape Airbnb's future.

Jun 13, 2025 • 20min
Article. Two Ends of the Strategy Spectrum: The Consumer's Hierarchy of Preferences
Explore the intriguing landscape of consumer preferences. Discover how luxury brands leverage premium pricing while discount retailers focus on cost efficiency. The discussion shifts to brand strategy, emphasizing the importance of aligning products with consumer desires to boost loyalty. Insights on managing desirability versus cost highlight how retailers like Costco and LVMH find balance. The value capture index emerges as a key tool for evaluating inventory performance. Tune in for a captivating dive into retail approaches and consumer behavior!

19 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 22min
Article. The Consumer's Hierarchy of Preferences: The Other Side of the Consumer Value Prop
Explore the intriguing dynamics of the Consumer Hierarchy of Preferences, akin to Maslow's needs. Discover how businesses can leverage these insights to enhance consumer satisfaction and drive strategic decisions. Notably, examples from Costco and McDonald's illustrate the importance of aligning products with consumer desires. The discussion also highlights the power of emotional connections in building company value and lasting success. Tune in for fresh perspectives on understanding what really motivates consumer choices!

9 snips
May 23, 2025 • 45min
Dialogue. Perimeter Solutions and Dream Finders Homes 1Q25, When to Care About Macro, New Platform Acquistion, Home "Speculation"
In this engaging discussion, Drew Cohen, a writer specializing in business and financial analysis, delves into the recent performance of Perimeter Solutions and Dream Finders Homes. He highlights the surge in fire safety revenues and examines the challenges posed by California wildfires on sales. The conversation also touches on strategic acquisition plans in specialty products and the impact of economic factors on the housing market. Cohen underscores the importance of long-term investment strategies amidst rising costs and evolving consumer behaviors.

13 snips
May 15, 2025 • 47min
Dialogue. Meta and Coupang 1Q25 Update, AI Everything, Growth Vectors, and Forex
This discussion dives into the latest earnings updates from Meta and Coupang, revealing insights into their growth strategies. The speakers analyze Meta’s hefty investments in AI and the potential it holds for enhancing user engagement. Meanwhile, Coupang's rise in the South Korean market is juxtaposed against Meta's advertising challenges. Forex considerations and the impact of currency fluctuations on investments add an intriguing layer. Lastly, consumer preferences emerge as crucial for navigating competition in today's market.

11 snips
May 8, 2025 • 39min
Dialogue. Airbnb's Growth, New Businesses, Defending Mature Margins, and Diatribe on Sell-Side Q&A
Airbnb's recent revenue growth slowdown, now at just 6%, reflects shifts in traveler behavior and economic uncertainty. The hosts delve into the impact of tariffs and political factors on the travel industry, shedding light on strategic adaptations. They also critique sell-side analyst questioning during earnings calls, pointing out communication pitfalls. Furthermore, Airbnb's transformation into a super app and the complexities of its valuation are explored, providing insights into its future prospects.

8 snips
May 1, 2025 • 59min
Dialogue. CoStar and Evolution 1Q25 Update, Negative EU Growth, S&M at 50% of Revenues
The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into reverse discounted cash flow analysis and the intricate assumptions that affect financial modeling. A seasoned investor shares unique philosophies on tech investing and the psychological dynamics of decision-making. CoStar's earnings reveal contrasting marketing strategies and the challenges of sustainable growth. Board changes and their influence on corporate governance take center stage, alongside an intriguing look at marketing strategies comparing them to military tactics. Lastly, regulatory impacts in the gaming industry are explored, emphasizing the balance between growth and compliance.