The Acquirers Podcast

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.

Rudy Havenstein, a Senior Markets Commentator known for his insights on the Fed and housing markets, dives deep into economic complexities. He critiques the Federal Reserve's role in rising wealth inequality and connects it to the surge of cryptocurrency. The discussion takes a fascinating turn as they compare investment strategies to lizard behavior, illustrating market dynamics. Additionally, Rudy highlights the challenges of accountability in leadership and the community's role in driving change amid systemic financial issues.

Tim Travis, author of 'The Business Mindset Investor' and investment advisor, dives into the world of deep value investing and innovative income strategies. He elaborates on selling puts and covered calls, emphasizing the balance of risk and reward. The conversation touches on market trends, highlighting challenges in identifying worthwhile investments amid soaring valuations and speculative assets. Travis offers insights on psychological factors in client advisement and the impact of geopolitical events on investment decisions, providing a rich perspective on today's financial landscape.

Marcel Schwartz, a researcher from the Technical University in Munich, and Matthias Hanauer, a quant researcher at Rubico, discuss their collaborative work on formula investing strategies. They explore the effectiveness of various financial formulas, including the Piotroski F-score, in enhancing investment performance. The conversation highlights trends in market dynamics, the longevity of quality investing over value investing, and the surprising implications of passive investment on stock valuations. Prepare for insights that blend academia with practical investing wisdom!

Steven Wood from Greenwood Investors shares insights on distress and deep value investing, advocating for a constructivist approach. He discusses the vital role of ownership on corporate boards, emphasizing active involvement for better performance. The challenges posed by proxy advisory firms and the need for a new governance model are explored. Wood also connects the simplicity in nature to business strategies, and dives into the evolving luxury watch market, detailing Swatch's challenges and the impact of smartwatches on traditional brands. A fascinating mix of finance and strategy!