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
ExxonMobil (XOM) - The Volatility Of Oil Profits And John D. Rockefeller's Legacy
February 20, 2020 04:41 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBPart of John D. Rockefeller's legacy, ExxonMobil boasts one of the world's largest expanse of oil and natural gas reserves. They help provide the raw materials for the world's energy. Though its business goes through long boom and bust cycles, companies like this can reward patient investors who can stomach significant volatility. [email protected] Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: [email protected]
ExxonMobil (XOM)
February 20, 2020 04:41 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBPart of John D. Rockefeller's legacy, ExxonMobil boasts one of the world's largest expanse of oil and natural gas reserves. They help provide the raw materials for the world's energy. Though its business goes through long boom and bust cycles, companies like this can reward patient investors who can stomach significant volatility. [email protected] Instagram: @stockstoryteller
Southwest Airlines (LUV)
February 12, 2020 11:36 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBCan you feel the "luv"? Southwest Airlines, whose trademarked symbol is a colorful heart, has been dominating the skies in the U.S. for decades now. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, they were successful at taking market share away from legacy airlines with their unique culture and simplified approach. [email protected] Instagram: @stockstoryteller
Southwest Airlines (LUV) - Affordable Flights Backed By A Culture Focused On Efficiency
February 12, 2020 11:36 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBCan you feel the "luv"? Southwest Airlines, whose trademarked symbol is a colorful heart, has been dominating the skies in the U.S. for decades now. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, they were successful at taking market share away from legacy airlines with their unique culture and simplified approach. [email protected] Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: [email protected]
Mental Model: The Law Of Competing Standards (Gresham's Law) - Reactions To Scarcity Override Systems Of Morality
February 05, 2020 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBBasic Idea - what gets rewarded gets repeated, regardless of any ethical considerations. Specifically “bad money drives out good” History - named after Sir Thomas Gresham, who was an English Merchant in the 1500s. Also attributed to Copernicus and Aristophanes. Gresham brought to public attention that, in an economic system with fake coinage, the fake coinage will drive out the real coinage in circulation. People will keep what is valuable and spend what is not. A few ways to interpret...
Mental Model: The Law of Competing Standards (Gresham's Law)
February 05, 2020 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBBasic Idea - what gets rewarded gets repeated, regardless of any ethical considerations. Specifically “bad money drives out good” History - named after Sir Thomas Gresham, who was an English Merchant in the 1500s. Also attributed to Copernicus and Aristophanes. Gresham brought to public attention that, in an economic system with fake coinage, the fake coinage will drive out the real coinage in circulation. People will keep what is valuable and spend what is not. A few ways to interp...
Medtronic (MDT)
January 29, 2020 11:20 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBAs the largest creator of medical devices in the world (by revenue), Medtronic supplies all sorts of devices used by hospitals and clinics around the world. Their background has roots in developing cardiac solutions - they created the first externally powered pacemaker in the late 1950s. Since then they have moved on to be become a leading provider of all sorts of medical devices, and have recently moved into the field of robotic surgery. [email protected] Instagram: @stocks...
Medtronic (MDT) - Pacemakers, Robotic Surgery, and Heavy Investment In Medical Devices
January 29, 2020 11:20 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBAs the largest creator of medical devices in the world (by revenue), Medtronic supplies all sorts of devices used by hospitals and clinics around the world. Their background has roots in developing cardiac solutions - they created the first externally powered pacemaker in the late 1950s. Since then they have moved on to be become a leading provider of all sorts of medical devices, and have recently moved into the field of robotic surgery. [email protected] Instagram: @stocksto...
Boston Scientific (BSX) - Designing Technologies To Combat Parkinson's Disease And Heart Failure
January 22, 2020 11:59 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBWho makes the devices that doctors around the world use to perform procedures to help people get healthy? Boston Scientific is one of the big producers of medical devices. From helping people with Parkinson's Disease to predicting heart failure before it happens, they have a wide array of solutions for numerous conditions. The company has decent growth prospects, but is the stock too high to make an investment worth it? --- Instagram: @stockstoryteller [email protected] Ema...
Boston Scientific (BSX)
January 22, 2020 11:59 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBWho makes the devices that doctors around the world use to perform procedures to help people get healthy? Boston Scientific is one of the big producers of medical devices. From helping people with Parkinson's Disease to predicting heart failure before it happens, they have a wide array of solutions for numerous conditions. The company has decent growth prospects, but is the stock too high to make an investment worth it? --- Instagram: @stockstoryteller [email protected]
BlackRock (BLK) - Trillions In Capital And Empire Building In The New Age Of Asset Management
January 15, 2020 10:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBAs the world's largest investment manager, they control over $7 trillion of capital. Yes, that's $7,000,000,000,000!! Because of their scope and size, they are able to offer a wide variety of financial products to institutions and individuals. By making some key acquisitions in past years - namely Barclays iShare - they have been able to maintain a solid market share in a rapidly changing industry. [email protected] Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: alex@stockstoriespodcas...
BlackRock (BLK)
January 15, 2020 10:00 - 39 minutes - 27.2 MBAs the world's largest investment manager, they control over $7 trillion of capital. Yes, that's $7,000,000,000,000!! Because of their scope and size, they are able to offer a wide variety of financial products to institutions and individuals. By making some key acquisitions in past years - namely Barclays iShare - they have been able to maintain a solid market share in a rapidly changing industry. [email protected] Instagram: @stockstoryteller
Q&A: Temperament and Sticking To A Strategy
January 08, 2020 10:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MBToday's episode addresses a listener question about temperance and sticking to an investing strategy. What are some tools we can use as individual investors to do a better job at this? I'm definitely still working on this myself, but here are some suggestions: Experiment with different ideas Keep a journal (investment-specific or otherwise) Develop and use a checklist [email protected] Instagram: @stockstoryteller Email: [email protected]
100 Stock Investing Lessons - What I've Learned So Far Investing In The Stock Market
January 01, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 67.5 MBHappy 2020! To kick off the new year I decided to compile a bunch of the knowledge regarding stock investing that I have learned over the years and compile it into one episode. It's a long one but I hope you get a lot out of it! There is so much to learn in investing and what's included here is just the tip of the iceberg. Happy investing in 2020! [email protected] Instagram: stockstoryteller Email: [email protected]
100 Stock Investing Lessons
January 01, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 67.5 MBHappy 2020! To kick off the new year I decided to compile a bunch of the knowledge regarding stock investing that I have learned over the years and compile it into one episode. It's a long one but I hope you get a lot out of it! There is so much to learn in investing and what's included here is just the tip of the iceberg. Happy investing in 2020! [email protected] Instagram: stockstoryteller
Baxter International (BAX)
December 25, 2019 10:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MBBaxter International is one of the world's largest healthcare companies. Their products can be found in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and doctor's offices around the world. They invented a safe storage method for blood as well as the first artificial kidney, so there is a long history of innovation. In addition to Baxter's past, we also look at how we expect it to perform as an investment in the future. --- [email protected] Instagram: stockstoryteller
Baxter International (BAX) - Manufacturing The First Artificial Kidney And The Future Of Medical Devices
December 25, 2019 10:00 - 23 minutes - 16.5 MBBaxter International is one of the world's largest healthcare companies. Their products can be found in hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and doctor's offices around the world. They invented a safe storage method for blood as well as the first artificial kidney, so there is a long history of innovation. In addition to Baxter's past, we also look at how we expect it to perform as an investment in the future. --- [email protected] Instagram: stockstoryteller Email: alex@stockst...
PPG Industries (PPG) - Switching Product Lines And Seizing Opportunity
December 18, 2019 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBPPG is one of the world's largest producers of paints and coatings. It's an industrial, cyclical business that has transitioned over the years from producing glass to coatings for cars, planes, and buildings. We've studied this industry on the podcast before - but how does management of this company allocate capital? Instagram: stockstoryteller [email protected] Email: [email protected]
PPG Industries (PPG)
December 18, 2019 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBPPG is one of the world's largest producers of paints and coatings. It's an industrial, cyclical business that has transitioned over the years from producing glass to coatings for cars, planes, and buildings. We've studied this industry on the podcast before - but how does management of this company allocate capital? Instagram: stockstoryteller [email protected]
Lockheed Martin (LMT)
December 11, 2019 11:56 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MBLockheed Martin is the largest defense contractor by revenue in the U.S. They make the iconic F-35 fighter, as well as helicopters, missiles, space systems, and cyber security systems. After a lot of industry consolidation over the decades, they now boast a strong portfolio of products. [email protected] Instagram: stockstoryteller
Lockheed Martin (LMT) - Helicopters, Missiles, And The F-35 Fighter
December 11, 2019 11:56 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MBLockheed Martin is the largest defense contractor by revenue in the U.S. They make the iconic F-35 fighter, as well as helicopters, missiles, space systems, and cyber security systems. After a lot of industry consolidation over the decades, they now boast a strong portfolio of products. [email protected] Instagram: stockstoryteller Email: [email protected]
Mabel Nuñez - Girls on the Money
December 06, 2019 10:00 - 39 minutes - 27.1 MBMabel Nuñez is a fellow investor and runs the platform Girls on the Money, focused on helping women learn how to invest. She has a great story and I enjoyed catching up with her at FinCon this year. Check out her content below to learn more: https://girlsonthemoney.com/ Instagram: girlsonthemoney Book: Stock Analysis 101 Email: [email protected]
Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessey (LVMHF) - The Magnificent Intersection Of Luxury Goods And Timeless Brands
December 04, 2019 10:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBLVMH is the premier luxury conglomerate that owns iconic brands such as Louis Vuitton, Moët, Hennessey, Christian Dior, Bulgari, Dom Perignon, Sephora, Fendy, Hublot....the list goes on, and is soon to include the iconic jeweler Tiffany and Co. that was the subject of an episode a few weeks ago. The de-centralized, vertically integrated luxury model, in addition to excellent management, has allowed LVMH's stable of Maisons to thrive for decades. It is one of the best large businesses I hav...
Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessey
December 04, 2019 10:00 - 49 minutes - 34.2 MBLVMH is the premier luxury conglomerate that owns iconic brands such as Louis Vuitton, Moët, Hennessey, Christian Dior, Bulgari, Dom Perignon, Sephora, Fendy, Hublot....the list goes on, and is soon to include the iconic jeweler Tiffany and Co. that was the subject of an episode a few weeks ago. The de-centralized, vertically integrated luxury model, in addition to excellent management, has allowed LVMH's stable of Maisons to thrive for decades. It is one of the best large businesses I ha...
Mental Model: Churn - Water Always Leaks From The Bucket
November 27, 2019 11:57 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBChurn is the concept that doing nothing is not the equivalent of standing still - it's moving backward. In many systems, including biological systems, insurance companies, and your portfolio - churn is a factor. It's important to keep it in mind when analyzing a company or industry, or even when different events happen to stocks in our portfolio. Instagram: stockstories1 [email protected] Email: [email protected]
Mental Model: Churn
November 27, 2019 11:57 - 24 minutes - 16.9 MBChurn is the concept that doing nothing is not the equivalent of standing still - it's moving backward. In many systems, including biological systems, insurance companies, and your portfolio - churn is a factor. It's important to keep it in mind when analyzing a company or industry, or even when different events happen to stocks in our portfolio. Instagram: stockstories1 [email protected]
Wall Street Trapper - From The Trap To Wall Street
November 22, 2019 10:00 - 56 minutes - 38.9 MBWhen I was at FinCon 2019 earlier this year, I had the great pleasure of meeting a man who goes by the name of Wall Street Trapper. He's got an incredible story, and we talk about how he came up from hustling in the streets of New Orleans to learning how to invest in the stock market. We covered a lot of ground in this interview beyond his personal story as well, and spent some time talking about investment philosophy. I hope you enjoy and learn from the conversation as much as I did! ...
Microsoft (MSFT) - Part II
November 20, 2019 10:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBYou can't mention computers or software in the world today without mentioning Microsoft. The now trillion dollar company has changed the way that people interact with the digital world, and they're still making waves today. With cloud computing, artificial intelligence and new operating systems, Microsoft is working hard to stay on the edge of technology. This week's show is the second of two episodes where we go into Microsoft's history, as well as its business model to try to understand...
Microsoft (MSFT) Part II - The Domination Of Corporate Computing And The Evolution Of Software
November 20, 2019 10:00 - 36 minutes - 25 MBYou can't mention computers or software in the world today without mentioning Microsoft. The now trillion dollar company has changed the way that people interact with the digital world, and they're still making waves today. With cloud computing, artificial intelligence and new operating systems, Microsoft is working hard to stay on the edge of technology. This week's show is the second of two episodes where we go into Microsoft's history, as well as its business model to try to understand...
Teri Ijeoma - Trade and Travel
November 15, 2019 10:00 - 38 minutes - 26.4 MBWelcome to Stock Stories! This is a very special episode for me because it is the first interview that I have ever done for this podcast. Not only that, but I got to talk with my friend and mentor Teri Ijeoma, who is a professional trader. Teri and I first met at FinCon in 2018, and we got together again in September 2019 at the same conference to do this interview. I hope you enjoy our conversation! To find out more about Teri's courses, including the one I took, check out her courses ...
Microsoft (MSFT) - Part I
November 13, 2019 11:34 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBYou can't mention computers or software in the world today without mentioning Microsoft. The now trillion dollar company has changed the way that people interact with the digital world, and they're still making waves today. With cloud computing, artificial intelligence and new operating systems, Microsoft is working hard to stay on the edge of technology. This week's show is the first of two episodes where we go into Microsoft's history, as well as its business model to try to understand ...
Microsoft (MSFT) Part I - Bill Gates And The Birth Of A Computing Powerhouse
November 13, 2019 11:34 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBYou can't mention computers or software in the world today without mentioning Microsoft. The now trillion dollar company has changed the way that people interact with the digital world, and they're still making waves today. With cloud computing, artificial intelligence and new operating systems, Microsoft is working hard to stay on the edge of technology. This week's show is the first of two episodes where we go into Microsoft's history, as well as its business model to try to understand ...
Centene (CNC) - Enabling Healthcare Through Acquisitions And Connections
November 06, 2019 11:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBCentene is the leader in providing Medicaid and Medicare health plans in the United States. Their massive growth over the last few decades has been precipitated by a changing health care climate as well as rapid consolidation of smaller competitors. Though this is a complex business that is highly regulated, the fact that the federal government funds the majority of premiums indicates stability of future revenue. --- [email protected] Instagram: stockstories1 Email: alex@stoc...
Centene Corporation (CNC)
November 06, 2019 11:00 - 30 minutes - 20.7 MBCentene is the leader in providing Medicaid and Medicare health plans in the United States. Their massive growth over the last few decades has been precipitated by a changing health care climate as well as rapid consolidation of smaller competitors. Though this is a complex business that is highly regulated, the fact that the federal government funds the majority of premiums indicates stability of future revenue. --- [email protected] Instagram: stockstories1
REPLAY: Ross Stores (ROST) - A Consistent, No-Frills Discount Shopping Destination
October 30, 2019 11:44 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBI took a little vacation this week with the family and have some more research to do on the next company I plan on bringing to you. In the meantime, here's an episode of a company I enjoyed studying some time ago - retailer Ross Stores. They have continued their expansion, and even though there is a lot of doubt out their regarding the future success of retail businesses, Ross still has a lot going for it. --- [email protected] Instagram: stockstories1 Email: alex@stockstori...
REPLAY: Ross Stores (ROST)
October 30, 2019 11:44 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBI took a little vacation this week with the family and have some more research to do on the next company I plan on bringing to you. In the meantime, here's an episode of a company I enjoyed studying some time ago - retailer Ross Stores. They have continued their expansion, and even though there is a lot of doubt out their regarding the future success of retail businesses, Ross still has a lot going for it. --- [email protected] Instagram: stockstories1
Mental Model: Law of Diminishing Returns - When Results Don't Scale Proportionally With Effort
October 23, 2019 10:35 - 23 minutes - 16 MBWhen we put effort into something, we expect to get the same amount of output, right? This can often be the case, but sometimes the rewards we get are not proportional to the risks that we take. For example, in portfolio construction, diversification only makes sense to a certain point before it "waters down" our overall returns. The Law of Diminishing Returns reminds us that we should be mindful of the inflection points in our investments and in our lives as well. --- alex@stockstories...
Mental Model: The Law of Diminishing Returns
October 23, 2019 10:35 - 23 minutes - 16 MBWhen we put effort into something, we expect to get the same amount of output, right? This can often be the case, but sometimes the rewards we get are not proportional to the risks that we take. For example, in portfolio construction, diversification only makes sense to a certain point before it "waters down" our overall returns. The Law of Diminishing Returns reminds us that we should be mindful of the inflection points in our investments and in our lives as well. --- alex@stockstori...
Tiffany & Co. (TIF)
October 16, 2019 10:42 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBTiffany and Co. is known worldwide for their high quality jewelry, particularly for their classic Tiffany diamond rings. They also sell accessories, watches, and fragrances, but the bulk of their sales come from jewelry. They have over 320 stores in over 20 countries, and have a storied history, having been in business since the 1830s. This is not a business that is highly susceptible to technology disruption, and sells classic goods where prices can be raised without much customer object...
Tiffany & Co. (TIF) - Legendary Jewelry And What Success In The Luxury Business Looks Like
October 16, 2019 10:42 - 39 minutes - 27.3 MBTiffany and Co. is known worldwide for their high quality jewelry, particularly for their classic Tiffany diamond rings. They also sell accessories, watches, and fragrances, but the bulk of their sales come from jewelry. They have over 320 stores in over 20 countries, and have a storied history, having been in business since the 1830s. This is not a business that is highly susceptible to technology disruption, and sells classic goods where prices can be raised without much customer object...
Dunkin' Brands (DNKN)
October 09, 2019 10:48 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBDunkin's Brands owns the iconic Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins franchises, and has over 20,000 locations across the globe. They primarily sell coffee, donuts, and ice cream. Sounds delicious! Because of their franchise model, they are able to expand rapidly with very little investment. Although not a high growth business, Dunkin' is interesting because of their overall economics (stability of earnings), and because management has historically been diligent with returning cash to share...
Dunkin' Brands (DNKN) - Coffee, Donuts, And Infinite Return On Equity
October 09, 2019 10:48 - 34 minutes - 23.9 MBDunkin's Brands owns the iconic Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin Robbins franchises, and has over 20,000 locations across the globe. They primarily sell coffee, donuts, and ice cream. Sounds delicious! Because of their franchise model, they are able to expand rapidly with very little investment. Although not a high growth business, Dunkin' is interesting because of their overall economics (stability of earnings), and because management has historically been diligent with returning cash to share...
Ralph Lauren (RL)
October 02, 2019 10:46 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBAs one of the larger American fashion houses, Ralph Lauren produces branded clothes, shoes, and accessories. They cater toward an "Ivy League" or modern look with a lot of their clothing, and sponsor the PGA championships and on-court officials at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Although it is a slower-growing business, management seems to do a decent job at returning cash to shareholders, but can they reinvest effectively for growth? --- [email protected] Instagram: stocksto...
Ralph Lauren (RL) - Building A Fashion Brand By Being Preppy
October 02, 2019 10:46 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBAs one of the larger American fashion houses, Ralph Lauren produces branded clothes, shoes, and accessories. They cater toward an "Ivy League" or modern look with a lot of their clothing, and sponsor the PGA championships and on-court officials at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Although it is a slower-growing business, management seems to do a decent job at returning cash to shareholders, but can they reinvest effectively for growth? --- [email protected] Instagram: stockstorie...
Mental Model: Intergenerational Transmission - The Inescapable Habits We Learn From Our Parents
September 25, 2019 10:20 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBHave you ever thought about the habits and beliefs that you have? Many of these beliefs were likely formed before you even had the consciousness to make many decisions to yourself. This concept applies to life more broadly, but also applies specifically to investing decisions. What brands do you purchase simply because your parents purchased it growing up? What products or services are part of your life that stem from a core belief that was passed down to you as a child? --- alex@sto...
Mental Model: Intergenerational Transmission
September 25, 2019 10:20 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBHave you ever thought about the habits and beliefs that you have? Many of these beliefs were likely formed before you even had the consciousness to make many decisions to yourself. This concept applies to life more broadly, but also applies specifically to investing decisions. What brands do you purchase simply because your parents purchased it growing up? What products or services are part of your life that stem from a core belief that was passed down to you as a child? --- alex@s...
Tapestry (TPR) - Coach, Kate Spade, And An Attempt At Diversifying Fashion
September 18, 2019 10:31 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBCoach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman are the three brands under the Tapestry umbrella, although Coach dominates in terms of sales and profits. This fashion house has been making handbags for decades, but may have lost some of their cachet in recent years. Will their diversification with the purchases of Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman revitalize their bottom line? --- [email protected] Instagram: @stockstories1 Email: [email protected]
Tapestry (TPR)
September 18, 2019 10:31 - 28 minutes - 19.4 MBCoach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman are the three brands under the Tapestry umbrella, although Coach dominates in terms of sales and profits. This fashion house has been making handbags for decades, but may have lost some of their cachet in recent years. Will their diversification with the purchases of Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman revitalize their bottom line? --- [email protected] Instagram: @stockstories1
Under Armour (UAA)
September 11, 2019 11:19 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBUnder Armour has gone from an up and coming sports brand in the United States to one that is now known globally. Though they have faced difficulties in recent years, Under Armour has been able to grow their brand by allying with professional and college sports teams, increasing consumer awareness. --- [email protected] Instagram: stockstories1
Under Armour (UAA) - An Apparel Brand Growing Appeal And Awareness, But Not Profits
September 11, 2019 11:19 - 26 minutes - 18.3 MBUnder Armour has gone from an up and coming sports brand in the United States to one that is now known globally. Though they have faced difficulties in recent years, Under Armour has been able to grow their brand by allying with professional and college sports teams, increasing consumer awareness. --- [email protected] Instagram: stockstories1 Email: [email protected]