The Acquirers Podcast

Jason Hirschman, a microcap investor at Hudson 215 Capital, shares his unique approach to investing, likening it to the infamous salad oil scandal involving American Express. He discusses the complexities of microcap investing, highlighting both challenges and opportunities, especially in niche markets like Japan's evolving divorce law. With insights into undervalued stocks and the significance of market dynamics, Hirschman emphasizes the importance of fundamentals and operational efficiency, making for an engaging conversation on navigating the microcap landscape.

Ben Kizemchuk, a seasoned portfolio manager at Wellington Altus Private Wealth, dives deep into macroeconomic trends and the nuances of fiscal policy. He highlights the 'four Fs' concept, explaining how fiscal dominance and financial repression reshape today’s economy. Kizemchuk also explores the effects of automatic contributions to index funds on market dynamics, the evolution of fiat money, and the Cantillon effect's influence on wealth inequality. Furthermore, he reflects on human pattern recognition, offering insights into investment behavior and the complexities of modern finance.

Eric Cinnamond, a small cap value specialist at Palm Valley Capital Management, shares insights on navigating the current financial landscape. He discusses the underperformance of small-cap stocks against mega-caps and the impact of inflation on profit margins. Cinnamond highlights the importance of strong balance sheets in energy and transportation investments and draws parallels between today's AI hype and the dot-com bubble. He emphasizes evaluating tangible assets and adapting investing strategies amidst inflation and shifting consumer behavior.

Gwen Hofmeyr, the head of Maiden Financial, shares her deep insights into the magnetic sensor market, focusing on Melexis's unique financial edge. She discusses the strategic challenges companies face in a competitive landscape, particularly in microelectronics. Hofmeyr also humorously touches on the absurdities of modern financial behavior, drawing parallels with C.S. Lewis's 'The Screwtape Letters.' Furthermore, she emphasizes the importance of traditional analysis over passive strategies, urging a more thoughtful approach to investing in today's complex market.

Nick Maggiulli, COO at Ritholtz Wealth Management and author of 'Just Keep Buying', dives into the evolving landscape of economic classes in the U.S. He introduces the wealth ladder, categorizing net worth into six distinct levels and discussing the impact of inflation on wealth perception. The conversation explores wealth dynamics, generational wealth preservation, and the philosophical implications of financial success. Maggiulli also touches on high-stakes risk-taking in business and the influence of family structures on financial health.

Jim and Abigail Zimmerman, partners at Lowell Capital, delve into small-cap value investment strategies focused on growth at value prices. They discuss the importance of cash flow management and balance sheets in identifying undervalued companies while avoiding value traps. The duo offers insights on market conditions, with emphasis on small-cap stocks and the fundamentals over economic predictions. They explore innovative projects in urban development and invest in both Canadian giants and niche innovators, shedding light on resilience in the packaging industry.

Zeke Ashton, a deep value investing expert from Ashton Capital, shares insights on the evolving landscape of value investing. He discusses the influence of Warren Buffett's strategies amidst today's speculative market. Ashton highlights opportunities in mispriced small-cap stocks and the challenges of short-selling in inflated sectors. He delves into the U.S. healthcare sector, particularly UnitedHealth's resilience, and explores historical parallels between ancient civilizations and modern U.S.-China dynamics, emphasizing the importance of long-term investment strategies.

David Collum, an organic chemistry professor and FinTwit personality, dives into the current financial landscape with sharp insights. He discusses alarming market overvaluations and critiques Bitcoin as a treasury strategy compared to gold. Collum emphasizes the risks of rising interest rates on stocks and real estate, while highlighting potential economic collapse between 2026 and 2046. He also examines the fragility within the banking sector, particularly regional banks, and shares his thoughts on the Federal Reserve’s monetary policies.

Chris Waller, founder of Hidden Gems Investing and Plural Investing, unpacks the allure of niche small cap businesses. He dives into the transformative journey of Expel, a leader in vehicle protection, spotlighting its growth and branding strategies. Waller also discusses the strategic acquisitions by TerraVest, showcasing its niche market expansion. Additionally, he explores the interplay of investor perceptions and the dynamic world of small caps, emphasizing the importance of a balanced approach to investing for long-term success.

John Huber, an investor at Sabre Capital and author of the Base Investing blog, shares insights on value investing and long-term strategies. He discusses the competitive landscape in China, particularly for American firms like the 'Magnificent 7'. The conversation touches on the decline of Google click-through rates in favor of AI-driven tools and implications for content creation. Huber also emphasizes the importance of a long-term mindset in investing, the significance of high free cash flow, and shares lessons from historical market trends and downturns.