Stock Stories
407 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 months ago - ★★★★★ - 27 ratingsThis 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.
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Episodes
Mental Model: Two Front War - Fighting Two Enemies Is Harder Than Fighting One
February 17, 2021 11:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBFacing conflict is always difficult. Facing conflicts on multiple sides is even harder. When companies face multiple headwinds and their attention and capital is diverted, we know as investors to take a close look at the risks. We can also apply this principle to looking at a company’s stock price through the lens of technical momentum (buyers and sellers are always fighting to change the current stock price). In today's episode we cover the mental model of the Two Front War. Let’s con...
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) Part III - The Business Of Gourmet Coffee And Soda
February 10, 2021 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MBBrought together by conglomerate JAB Holdings in 2018, gourmet coffee and beverage giant Keurig Dr Pepper was born in its current form. Although there is a growing diversity of brands, Keurig coffee and Dr Pepper soda are still the primary drivers of revenue. In today's episode we cover the business model of the Keurig Dr. Pepper, as well as discuss its financials. We then spend some time synthesizing the information we’ve learned so far and touch on valuation. Let’s connect! Instagr...
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) Part II - K-Cups, K-Pods, And The Gourmet Coffee Obsession
February 03, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutes - 17.2 MBNestled in a small Vermont town, entrepreneur Bob Stiller found delicious, gourmet coffee, and he was determined to share it with the world. By joining forces with another up and coming coffee start up, Keurig became a nationwide brand name and coffee makers started showing up in office break rooms and home kitchens everywhere. In today's episode we cover the history of the gourmet coffee business that ultimately became one half of Keurig Dr. Pepper. Let’s connect! Instagram: @stockst...
Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) Part I - Beginnings Of The World's Favorite Non-Cola
January 27, 2021 12:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBDr. Pepper began as a pharmacist’s concoction in the small town of Waco, TX. Over time its popularity grew and spread around the United States. Other brands like 7-Up and Schweppes also grew in influence. These brands, and many others were combined and broken up again various times and corporate influencers fought for control over the soda market. In today's episode we cover the history of the carbonated beverage business that ultimately became one half of Keurig Dr. Pepper. Check out...
Salesforce (CRM) - Cloud Computing And The End Of Software
January 20, 2021 11:00 - 29 minutes - 20.6 MBSalesforce is the leader in CRM (customer relationship management) software. By focusing on the cloud from the industry’s infancy, they’ve grown to become a major business that serves most of America’s large companies. In today's episode we cover the history, business model, financials, and future outlook of Salesforce. SAP (SAP) - episode 145 Microsoft (MSFT) Part I - episode 90 Microsoft (MSFT) Part II - episode 92 Let’s connect! Instagram: @stockstoryteller Twitter: @stckstrytel...
Costco (COST) - Using Economies Of Scale And Subscriptions To Master The Wholesale Experience
January 13, 2021 11:00 - 52 minutes - 35.9 MBAlthough Costco didn’t invest the wholesale concept, one might think that they have perfected it. One of only a few companies able to compete with Walmart’s Sam’s Club, Costco focuses on providing quality products to people at very low prices, and they do it by selling in bulk with a “no frills” approach. In today's episode we cover the history, business model, financials, and future outlook of Costco. Let’s connect! Instagram: @stockstoryteller Twitter: @stckstryteller Email: alex@stoc...
State Of The Market 2021 - Reflections From Another Year Of Investing
January 06, 2021 11:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBThis year, I learned a lot happened. Not just in the investment world, but in the world at large. In today's episode, we take a moment to reflect on major events of 2020, a bit about how I'm thinking about things going forward, and a quick update about the show. Also, there's a few listener shout outs! Thank you for your reviews this year! Let’s connect! Instagram: @stockstoryteller Twitter: @stckstryteller Email: [email protected]. Email: [email protected]
O'Reilly Automotive (ORLY) - Fast Growing Auto Parts Profits Masked By Slow But Steady Sales
December 30, 2020 11:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBO’Reilly Automotive has been a consistent grower in the auto parts space since it began in Springfield, Missouri decades ago. Of the big three in this space (the other two being AutoZone and Advance Auto Parts), O’Reilly has the most evenly split business between commercial and DIY customers. They don’t pay dividends but consistently return a TON of money back to shareholders through share buybacks. In today's episode we cover the history, business model, financials, and future outlook of...
Mental Model: Feedback Loops
December 23, 2020 11:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBCause and effect is a generally understood principle - one thing happens and that causes another thing to happen. But, what about when the effect comes back to influence the cause? This is known as a feedback loop. In today's episode we explore the general concept of a feedback loop, and then apply it to how we look at markets as individual investors. Let’s connect! Instagram: @stockstoryteller Twitter: @stckstryteller Email: [email protected].
Mental Model: Feedback Loops - When The Output Influences The Input
December 23, 2020 11:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBCause and effect is a generally understood principle - one thing happens and that causes another thing to happen. But, what about when the effect comes back to influence the cause? This is known as a feedback loop. In today's episode we explore the general concept of a feedback loop, and then apply it to how we look at markets as individual investors. Let’s connect! Instagram: @stockstoryteller Twitter: @stckstryteller Email: [email protected]. Email: alex@stockstoriespodca...
Advance Auto Parts (AAP) - Selling Car Parts To Businesses
December 16, 2020 11:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBAdvance Auto Parts is a specialty auto parts retailer in the United States. They sell most of their product to commercial customers, but have a retail portion of their business as well. They've gone through multiple transformations over the years, and have grown mostly as a result of acquiring other smaller auto parts companies. In today's episode we cover the history, business model, financials, and future outlook of Advance Auto Parts (AAP). Let’s connect! Instagram: @stockstorytell...
Advance Auto Parts (AAP)
December 16, 2020 11:00 - 30 minutes - 21.2 MBAdvance Auto Parts is a specialty auto parts retailer in the United States. They sell most of their product to commercial customers, but have a retail portion of their business as well. They've gone through multiple transformations over the years, and have grown mostly as a result of acquiring other smaller auto parts companies. In today's episode we cover the history, business model, financials, and future outlook of Advance Auto Parts (AAP). Let’s connect! Instagram: @stockstorytell...
Tesla (TSLA) Part II
December 09, 2020 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBTesla has taken the auto world by storm by designing and producing a suite of high tech electric vehicles, as well as a system of software and energy products to complement them. Over time, Elon Musk and his team have transformed the company from a small startup with a single car to a fast growing and polarizing company that has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. In today's episode we cover the business model, financials, and discuss Tesla’s future outlook. For a review of Tesl...
Tesla (TSLA) Part II - Innovation Through Energy, Transportation, And Software
December 09, 2020 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBTesla has taken the auto world by storm by designing and producing a suite of high tech electric vehicles, as well as a system of software and energy products to complement them. Over time, Elon Musk and his team have transformed the company from a small startup with a single car to a fast growing and polarizing company that has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. In today's episode we cover the business model, financials, and discuss Tesla’s future outlook. For a review of Tesl...
Tesla (TSLA) - Part I
December 02, 2020 11:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBTesla has taken the auto world by storm by designing and producing a suite of high tech electric vehicles, as well as a system of software and energy products to complement them. Over time, Elon Musk and his team have transformed the company from a small startup with a single car to a fast growing and polarizing company that has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. In today's episode we cover the history of Tesla’s business. Come back next week for the full analysis... Want to s...
Tesla (TSLA) Part I - The Rise Of Elon Musk And The New Age Of Electric Vehicles
December 02, 2020 11:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBTesla has taken the auto world by storm by designing and producing a suite of high tech electric vehicles, as well as a system of software and energy products to complement them. Over time, Elon Musk and his team have transformed the company from a small startup with a single car to a fast growing and polarizing company that has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. In today's episode we cover the history of Tesla’s business. Come back next week for the full analysis... Want to s...
AutoZone (AZO) - Serving The DIY Auto Parts Niche And Buying Back Lots Of Stock
November 25, 2020 11:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBAutoZone is an auto parts retailer that created a niche for itself throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s. Through catering to DIY’ers, they’ve established themselves as a go to source for auto parts and advice. Though relatively mature in the U.S. market, there has been gradual expansion into Mexico and Brazil. While this company pays no dividends, one of the more interesting facts about it is the significant amount of money it returns to shareholders through share buybacks. In today's episod...
AutoZone (AZO)
November 25, 2020 11:00 - 45 minutes - 31 MBAutoZone is an auto parts retailer that created a niche for itself throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s. Through catering to DIY’ers, they’ve established themselves as a go to source for auto parts and advice. Though relatively mature in the U.S. market, there has been gradual expansion into Mexico and Brazil. While this company pays no dividends, one of the more interesting facts about it is the significant amount of money it returns to shareholders through share buybacks. In today's episod...
General Motors (GM) - The Rise, Fall, And Recovery Of America's Auto Titan
November 18, 2020 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.9 MBGeneral Motors became a powerhouse in the early 1900s and gave Henry Ford a run for his money. Boasting several brands, each tailored to certain socio-economic and demographics groups, GM achieved significant market share in the past. Now, the company has just four core brands and is trying to break into the electric vehicle and autonomous market. In today's episode we cover the history, business model, financials, and future outlook of General Motors. Want to say hi? Send me a DM on ...
General Motors (GM)
November 18, 2020 11:00 - 44 minutes - 30.9 MBGeneral Motors became a powerhouse in the early 1900s and gave Henry Ford a run for his money. Boasting several brands, each tailored to certain socio-economic and demographics groups, GM achieved significant market share in the past. Now, the company has just four core brands and is trying to break into the electric vehicle and autonomous market. In today's episode we cover the history, business model, financials, and future outlook of General Motors. Want to say hi? Send me a DM on ...
8 Mistakes of Beginner Investors - What I Wish I Knew When I Started Investing
November 13, 2020 11:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBThese are some thoughts about what I wish I had known when I started investing. I could have paid more attention to these lessons and saved a lot of money. Because I made some of these mistakes, I am STILL paying for it in my portfolio. I don’t want you to go through what I went through. I'd like to give a special shout out to some of my fellow investors out there who contributed their thoughts to this episode: Harvir - @millenial_mogul_investing Mabel - @girlsonthemoney (check out our ...
8 Mistakes of Beginner Investors
November 13, 2020 11:00 - 47 minutes - 32.7 MBThese are some thoughts about what I wish I had known when I started investing. I could have paid more attention to these lessons and saved a lot of money. Because I made some of these mistakes, I am STILL paying for it in my portfolio. I don’t want you to go through what I went through. I'd like to give a special shout out to some of my fellow investors out there who contributed their thoughts to this episode: Harvir - @millenial_mogul_investing Mabel - @girlsonthemoney (check out our ...
Mental Model: Multiplying By Zero
November 11, 2020 11:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBMultiplying anything by zero equals zero. It's a numerical truth that we learn when we're young and in school. Sadly, I think this concept gets applied to little more than math and people's homework when they're in formal education programs. How can we apply this concept beyond the numerical and theoretical? Today's episode explores what happens when we take the concept of multiplying by zero and apply it to life and investing. We'll talk about: The basic definition of Multiplying By Z...
Mental Model: Multiplying by Zero - Sometimes, One Thing Negates Everything
November 11, 2020 11:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MBMultiplying anything by zero equals zero. It's a numerical truth that we learn when we're young and in school. Sadly, I think this concept gets applied to little more than math and people's homework when they're in formal education programs. How can we apply this concept beyond the numerical and theoretical? Today's episode explores what happens when we take the concept of multiplying by zero and apply it to life and investing. We'll talk about: The basic definition of Multiplying By Z...
SAP SE (SAP)
November 04, 2020 11:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBSAP - short for Systems, Applications, and Products, is a software company based in Germany. For decades, they have created software systems for businesses, and are most known for their Enterprise Resource Planning software, or ERP. By linking the needs and requirements of different sides of a business, SAP's software becomes a single solution that a lot of businesses rely on to run their daily operations. Today's episode explores the history, business model, financials, and valuation of ...
SAP SE (SAP) - Advancing Productivity At Work Through Enterprise Software
November 04, 2020 11:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBSAP - short for Systems, Applications, and Products, is a software company based in Germany. For decades, they have created software systems for businesses, and are most known for their Enterprise Resource Planning software, or ERP. By linking the needs and requirements of different sides of a business, SAP's software becomes a single solution that a lot of businesses rely on to run their daily operations. Today's episode explores the history, business model, financials, and valuation of ...
SAP SE (SAP) - Advancing Productivity At Work Through Enterprise Software
November 04, 2020 11:00 - 42 minutes - 29.5 MBSAP - short for Systems, Applications, and Products, is a software company based in Germany. For decades, they have created software systems for businesses, and are most known for their Enterprise Resource Planning software, or ERP. By linking the needs and requirements of different sides of a business, SAP's software becomes a single solution that a lot of businesses rely on to run their daily operations. Today's episode explores the history, business model, financials, and valuation of ...
Ventas (VTR) - Nursing Homes, Medical Centers, And The Intersection Of Healthcare And Real Estate
October 28, 2020 10:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBVentas is a REIT that operates at the intersection of real estate and healthcare. With over 1200 properties spread throughout the United States, they are one of the biggest nursing home and medical office landlords out there. We'll discuss Ventas' history, business model, and financials, as well as some closing thoughts. Want to say hello? Send a DM on Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Ventas (VTR)
October 28, 2020 10:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBVentas is a REIT that operates at the intersection of real estate and healthcare. With over 1200 properties spread throughout the United States, they are one of the biggest nursing home and medical office landlords out there. We'll discuss Ventas' history, business model, and financials, as well as some closing thoughts. Want to say hello? Send a DM on Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: [email protected]
Digital Realty (DLR) - The Intersection Of Data Storage And Real Estate
October 21, 2020 10:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBDigital Realty buys and operates buildings that house data centers. Data centers are physical locations where computer systems are stored. Companies pay DLR to store, protect, and route their data. Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Digital Realty (DLR)
October 21, 2020 10:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBDigital Realty buys and operates buildings that house data centers. Data centers are physical locations where computer systems are stored. Companies pay DLR to store, protect, and route their data. Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: [email protected]
Federal Realty (FRT) - Developing The Diamonds Of Commercial Retail And Producing Consistent Dividends
October 14, 2020 10:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBToday we're talking about another REIT (REITs have definitely been on my mind lately!) Federal Realty is one of the oldest REITs in America and has one of the best dividend track records. In today's episode we explore the history, business model and financials of a company that has been focused on commercial retail - a challenging industry, to be sure. We look at what Federal Realty is doing to position itself for future growth, as well as how it is dealing with current challenges relate...
Federal Realty (FRT)
October 14, 2020 10:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBToday we're talking about another REIT (REITs have definitely been on my mind lately!) Federal Realty is one of the oldest REITs in America and has one of the best dividend track records. In today's episode we explore the history, business model and financials of a company that has been focused on commercial retail - a challenging industry, to be sure. We look at what Federal Realty is doing to position itself for future growth, as well as how it is dealing with current challenges relate...
Mental Model: Seizing the Middle - Achieve Greater Flexibility Through Alignment
October 07, 2020 10:00 - 18 minutes - 13.1 MBBasic Idea: By aligning yourself in a certain domain with favorable characteristics, you are more likely to have greater flexibility and reap more rewards. Today's mental model is called Seizing the Middle. Seizing the middle is all about options. Where can we put ourselves in life and business such that, in the future, we’re more likely to have a lot of options? Check out Shane Parrish's website Farnam Street for excellent coverage of mental models. Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email:...
Mental Model: Seizing the Middle
October 07, 2020 10:00 - 18 minutes - 13.1 MBBasic Idea: By aligning yourself in a certain domain with favorable characteristics, you are more likely to have greater flexibility and reap more rewards. Today's mental model is called Seizing the Middle. Seizing the middle is all about options. Where can we put ourselves in life and business such that, in the future, we’re more likely to have a lot of options? Check out Shane Parrish's website Farnam Street for excellent coverage of mental models. Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email:...
Host Hotels and Resorts (HST) - Marriott, Hyatt, And Collecting Rent From Hotel Stays
September 30, 2020 10:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBThis week we're discussing the other Marriott spin-off. This company is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that is the largest lodging REIT in the U.S., and the largest owner of Marriott properties. They operate Marriott, Hyatt, and other branded hotels. Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Host Hotels and Resorts (HST)
September 30, 2020 10:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBThis week we're discussing the other Marriott spin-off. This company is a real estate investment trust (REIT) that is the largest lodging REIT in the U.S., and the largest owner of Marriott properties. They operate Marriott, Hyatt, and other branded hotels. Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: [email protected]
Marriott Vacations Worldwide (VAC)
September 23, 2020 10:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBA few weeks ago we discussed Marriott, one of the world's largest hotel chains. In that episode I mentioned that at one point, they spun off a few businesses. This is one of those businesses! Marriott Vacations Worldwide is in the vacation club business, or timeshares, as they are more frequently known. We discuss how the timeshare industry works as well as details specific to the company. Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: [email protected]
Marriott Vacations Worldwide (VAC) - A Look Inside The Timeshare Industry
September 23, 2020 10:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBA few weeks ago we discussed Marriott, one of the world's largest hotel chains. In that episode I mentioned that at one point, they spun off a few businesses. This is one of those businesses! Marriott Vacations Worldwide is in the vacation club business, or timeshares, as they are more frequently known. We discuss how the timeshare industry works as well as details specific to the company. Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: [email protected] Email: alex@stockstoriespodcast....
Investing in Space with Aaron Burnett of Spaced Ventures
September 16, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 53.6 MBIn last week's episode we discussed one of the few publicly traded space companies out there - Virgin Galactic. Well, what about all of the other start-up space companies that exist that aren't publicly traded? Is there a way to invest in them? Today, I'm happy to share a conversation I had with entrepreneur Aaron Burnett, who has founded Spaced Ventures, a crowdfunding platform for space-focused start-ups. We cover a lot of ground, including Aaron's story, how funding for private compan...
Virgin Galactic (SPCE) - Shooting For The Stars And The Birth Of Space Tourism
September 09, 2020 10:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBIt's one of the few publicly traded space companies out there. Virgin Galactic's mission is to help the greater good of humanity through space. Though it's a vaguely described mission, Virgin has been putting their money where their mouth is by building space planes and actually launching them into orbit. Now a revenue generating operation, let's look at one of billionaire Richard Branson's more highly publicized projects as of late, and develop a better understand of the business behind ...
Virgin Galactic (SPCE)
September 09, 2020 10:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBIt's one of the few publicly traded space companies out there. Virgin Galactic's mission is to help the greater good of humanity through space. Though it's a vaguely described mission, Virgin has been putting their money where their mouth is by building space planes and actually launching them into orbit. Now a revenue generating operation, let's look at one of billionaire Richard Branson's more highly publicized projects as of late, and develop a better understand of the business behind ...
Mental Model: Opportunity Costs (Comparative Advantage) - Every Action Or Inaction Is A Choice With Consequences
September 02, 2020 10:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBChoose one thing, and you can't choose something else. Say no to one thing in order to say yes to another. This is the essence of opportunity cost, and it is a central idea in behavioral economics. In this episode we take a look at what opportunity cost means from a holistic perspective as well as what this concept means for investors. Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Mental Model: Opportunity Cost
September 02, 2020 10:00 - 20 minutes - 14.2 MBChoose one thing, and you can't choose something else. Say no to one thing in order to say yes to another. This is the essence of opportunity cost, and it is a central idea in behavioral economics. In this episode we take a look at what opportunity cost means from a holistic perspective as well as what this concept means for investors. Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: [email protected]
Marriott International (MAR)
August 26, 2020 09:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBWith over 7,000 properties spread throughout the world, Marriott has become one of the biggest and most recognizable lodging brands out there. They have 30 different brands, each with their own distinct feel. Let's look at where Marriott came from and how we can understand this business from an investor's perspective. Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: [email protected]
Marriott International (MAR) - Success Is Never Final And The Transformation Of A Hospitality Icon
August 26, 2020 09:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBWith over 7,000 properties spread throughout the world, Marriott has become one of the biggest and most recognizable lodging brands out there. They have 30 different brands, each with their own distinct feel. Let's look at where Marriott came from and how we can understand this business from an investor's perspective. Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Macerich (MAC) - High Quality Tenants In A Pure-Play Mall REIT
August 19, 2020 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBMacerich is one of the larger pure-play mall REITs in America, and they have several dozen properties scattered across the country. Though they have a good history of paying generous payouts to shareholders, is their very existence in trouble because of COVID-19 and the general trend of e-commerce? Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Macerich (MAC)
August 19, 2020 09:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBMacerich is one of the larger pure-play mall REITs in America, and they have several dozen properties scattered across the country. Though they have a good history of paying generous payouts to shareholders, is their very existence in trouble because of COVID-19 and the general trend of e-commerce? Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: [email protected]
Simon Property Group (SPG) - Evolution Of The Modern Mall In The Age Of E-commerce
August 12, 2020 09:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MBThe modern mall has existed for only a century or so, but gathering places of commerce have existed for millenia. Simon Property Group has a large portfolio of quality commercial real estate spread throughout America and in countries around the world. Say hi on Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email me: [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Simon Property Group (SPG)
August 12, 2020 09:00 - 49 minutes - 33.8 MBThe modern mall has existed for only a century or so, but gathering places of commerce have existed for millenia. Simon Property Group has a large portfolio of quality commercial real estate spread throughout America and in countries around the world. Say hi on Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email me: [email protected]