
Stock Stories
This is the podcast that helps you decode the business behind the stock. Join Alex Mason, your stock storyteller, as we journey through the S&P 500, mental models, and more.
Latest episodes

14 snips
Jul 10, 2023 • 16min
FedEx (FDX) - Big Moat, Small Margins
Uncover the fascinating journey of FedEx, from its revolutionary founding by Frederick Smith to its impact on the logistics industry. Dive into the intricate business model that prioritizes speed and efficiency. Explore the financials behind this giant, including key performance metrics and market positioning. It's a deep dive into how a big moat protects a company with small margins, making it an intriguing case study for investors and business enthusiasts alike!

Jul 3, 2023 • 15min
Morgan Stanley (MS) - Wealth Management Powerhouse
Discover the fascinating evolution of Morgan Stanley, tracing its roots from the Glass-Steagall Act to strategic mergers like that with Dean Witter. Dive into its diverse business segments and financial performance, especially how it navigates market fluctuations. Learn about the company's approach to debt issuance, increasing cash dividends, and stock valuation that keeps investors intrigued.

Jun 29, 2023 • 13min
Citigroup (C) - Lowest Price Big Bank Stock
Explore the intriguing rise and fall of a major U.S. banking institution, from its innovative beginnings to its struggles during the financial crisis. Delve into Citigroup's multifaceted business model that spans banking to global wealth services. Discover current financial trends, including a concerning stock price that has been flat for a year and down over 30% in five years. With an impressive earnings yield of 15% and a dividend yield of 4.39%, could Citigroup be a hidden value play amid its slower revenue growth compared to peers?

Jun 26, 2023 • 13min
Bank of America (BAC) - Trading Below Book Value
Discover the fascinating journey of Bank of America, from its roots as the Bank of Italy in 1904 to its impressive rise as a financial powerhouse. Learn about the challenges faced during the 2008 crisis, including hefty fines and acquisitions that shaped its path. Despite setbacks, the bank's recovery is remarkable, showcasing mid single-digit growth across various segments. With a strategy of share buybacks and dividends, it continues to solidify its position as a leading banking institution in the U.S.

Jun 2, 2023 • 1h 50min
100 Stock Market Investing Lessons
Dive into essential stock market investing lessons! Discover the difference between greed and fear and the significance of market psychology. Learn about intrinsic value and performance metrics. Understand the implications of interest rates and the importance of cash reserves. Explore the impact of regulation on innovation and corporate finance strategies. Key concepts such as portfolio personality and risk-adjusted returns illuminate intelligent investing strategies. Embrace continuous evolution for sustained success in the market!

May 31, 2023 • 17min
Goldman Sachs (GS) - Top Deal-Maker On Wall Street
Explore the fascinating journey of Goldman Sachs, from its roots in commercial paper trading to its current status in investment banking. Delve into the firm's innovative business model, which spans global banking, asset management, and platform solutions. Uncover the intricacies of its revenue streams, particularly focusing on investment management growth and the need for improvement in investment banking. Get insights into their financials, including expenses and profit structures, and find out how the stock stands in today's market.

May 12, 2023 • 11min
Wells Fargo (WFC) - From Stagecoach Company to Modern Bank
Explore the fascinating history of Wells Fargo, from its gold rush roots to its rise as a major financial institution. Discover the bank’s conservative banking practices and the risks associated with poor risk management. Delve into its complex structure, comprising consumer and commercial banking, and the challenges it faces, including revenue declines and scandals. Despite these hurdles, the discussion highlights the promise of Wells Fargo's recovery and its potential as a solid investment opportunity.

May 5, 2023 • 11min
The Big Project Revealed!
In today's episode, I reveal the big project that I've been working on for the past year.Email: alex@stockstoriespodcast.com

Apr 28, 2023 • 12min
JP Morgan Chase (JPM) - Fortress Balance Sheet
Explore the fascinating evolution of the largest bank in the U.S., tracing its roots from three separate entities. Discover how JP Morgan Chase generates revenue through interest and fees. The discussion dives into the bank's operational divisions and financial health, highlighting the implications of rising interest rates. Learn how these rates could potentially bolster revenue and profits, shaping the bank's future in the competitive landscape.

Apr 14, 2023 • 16min
NVR Inc. (NVR) - Disciplined Home-Building
Today we discuss the history, business model, and financials of NVR Inc, a home builder, to determine if it is a potentially good investment for individual investors. We go over the company's financials, including their revenues, home building income, and net income, including the fact that NVR's net income has doubled (!!) over the past couple of years, and their earnings per share have been increasing rapidly. We also look at the risks of this cyclical company.History of NVR: [00:00:00]Business Model: [00:08:07]Financials: [00:08:58]NVR Inc. Risks and Conclusion: [00:14:34]🎧 Listen to 200+ episodes on other companies and mental models:https://stockstoryteller.com/podcast/Disclaimer: Everything shared is for informational and educational purposes only. Nothing I share on this platform should be construed as financial, tax, or legal advice. Please consult a competent professional who can assist with your specific needs and circumstances.Email: alex@stockstoriespodcast.com