The Acquirers Podcast

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!

Rich Pzena, an investment legend and founder of Pzena Investment Management, shares insights from his 30-year journey in value investing. He discusses the parallels between today's market and the 1990s tech boom, emphasizing the importance of investing in undervalued companies. Pzena also delves into the complexities of assessing investments amidst technological changes, particularly with AI's impact on traditional sectors. His perspective on balance sheet analysis and managing client expectations offers valuable lessons for adapting to market volatility.

Bill Brewster, a savvy value investor and finance writer, joins the discussion to unpack the current market turmoil influenced by tariffs and China. They dive into the tech competition between the U.S. and China, touching on intellectual property concerns and the future of innovation. Brewster critiques modern monetary theory, emphasizing its impact on economic policy. The conversation also explores how tariffs affect consumer behavior and corporate strategies, all while grappling with the broader implications for the global economy.

In this engaging conversation, Barry Ritholtz, co-founder and chairman of Ritholtz Wealth Management and host of Bloomberg's Masters in Business, dives into the lessons from his book 'How Not to Invest.' He highlights major investment mistakes, from Enron to Madoff, underscoring the need for sound strategies. Ritholtz explores the modern risk landscape in hedge funds, critiques high-frequency trading, and examines market dynamics during downturns. He also draws intriguing parallels between ecological changes and economic policies to illustrate unintended consequences.