Mega-Brands: Investing in Mega Trends & the Mega Brands Best Positioned to Add Value to Your Wallet
By Eric Clark
Mega-Brands: Investing in Mega Trends & the Mega Brands Best Positioned to Add Value to Your WalletJul 12, 2021
S5 Ep 6: LVMH Q1 Earnings Update
We love the luxury goods category and LVMH is a key core brand to own as the category leader. Q1 was solid and stable with core consumers engaging as always and some aspirational consumers pulling back a bit. Fashion & leather goods performed well, select retail-Sephora - was very strong. Sephora is clearly taking share from Ulta and Ulta's stock reflects it.
The stock is cheap relative to the peer group and itself and fits all the important style factors to own in this kind of "higher for longer" environment. We will certainly buy the dips as they come.
April 10, 2024
+11.4% Q1 2024 Update: Brands Matter
I cover Q1 Dynamic Brands performance, lots of stock, sector, style box return info as well as how we see consumer spending playing out the rest of the year and where we are allocated to benefit from this spending. I talk about inflation, interest rates, the quality style factor, and where we see sticky inflation regardless of what the Fed or gov't tell us. Enjoy!
S5 - Ep 5 Manchester United, MANU - Worth $10B one day?
MANU is one of the most recognized and valuable sports brands in the world. This club is worth much more with a new owner, strategy, players, stadium, and a debt refinancing. All of this is possible with the new minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliff and the stock is down 46% from the recent highs making the entry point much more attractive IMO. Here's what I see. This is NOT advice. Do your own research, make your own decisions.
S5 - Ep 4 Feb 2024 Brands & Trading Update
A February 2024 and YTD Dynamic Brands & Market update. I also talk about the active trading environment and the net gains taken for the month with all the stats.
For more info on investing in Mega Brands:
https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S5 - Ep 3: Jan 2024 Brands, Trading, & Market Update
Here's our January 2024 market and global brands update. I talk about the market overall, the brands portfolio in specific, and the results of the active trading we did inside the fund for January. Active trading can be a wonderful addition to a core, buy-hold portfolio when executed well. In an algo and 0DTE (zero days to expiration) options focused market, volatility will always be present making it something to focus on for clients. For more information on the brands fund and portfolio holdings: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S5 Ep2: Energy Stocks & Markets via Expert Paul Sankey
Todays episode talks about the energy markets, energy stocks, and where there could be opportunities for investors and even traders. I check in with energy expert, Paul Sankey, of SankeyResearch.com
We talk about the integrated oils, oil services, refiners, and LNG. Paul is such a great chat because he has such a great grasp of energy markets, M&A, production, and the stocks.
Check out his site: https://sankeyresearch.com/
S4 Ep 18: Dominos Pizza: Back to Winning
With >20,000 stores worldwide, Domino's is the largest Pizza company in the world. The stock has a strong history of beating the S&P 500 over time yet its lagged over the last few years due to a tough 2022. With store growth set to accelerate and operating efficiencies taking hold, we think the stock is a solid mean reversion opportunity in 2024 and beyond.
S4 Ep 17: TJX - Off-Price Retail is Where it's at
TJX, Marshalls, Home Goods, and Sierra is a >$100B retail brand that has compounded at a above-market rate for many decades. With over 3500 stores worldwide, this model can keep growing over time. Solid management team that is always looking for new, interesting concepts and strong capital allocation decisions at the core. The stock is well positioned for today's stingy consumer spending environment. For more information on investing in leading brands: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S5 Ep 1: 2024 Dynamic Brands Fund Commentary
In today's episode, I discuss the 2023 Brands Fund returns, what worked, and what we expect for 2024. I highlight the Mega Brands returns, the mean reversions that still are likely to come and what a goldilocks scenario looks like using 53 years of market returns at different Fed Funds and inflation regimes.
To get more information on how to invest in the brands that matter most:
https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S4 Ep 16: Why we Like Expedia in a Big Way Today
Travel has always been a very important spending category for consumers globally. Post pandemic, we still see strong travel demand and better profitability for key online travel platform Expedia, EXPE. Through Expedia brands like VRBO, Expedia, Travelocity, Orbitz, Hotwire, CarRentals.com, and Homeaway, Expedia is getting its mojo back. There's a huge gap between the market cap of EXPE and its two key peers, Booking and AirBnb. As Expedia gets back on track and the industry continues to flourish, we expect a major catch-up opportunity in shares of EXPE. Using a conservative comp with ABNB, the VRBO division on a stand-alone basis would likely be worth at least 50% of EXPE total value making the rest of the business exceptionally cheap. EXPE trades at 9x, BKNG at 16x and ABNB at 27x earnings. We think EXPE can expand the multiple well and the company seems to agree with its new $5B buyback authorization.
To learn more about investing in the world's leading brands:
https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S4 Ep 15: Boring Can Make You alot of Money - AZO & ORLY
In today's quick video, I discuss our allocation to a more defensive, stable consumer spending industry, auto parts and retail auto maintenance via the two leaders, Autozone and O'Reilly Automotive. I'm sure you have seen each brand in your community. AZO has 7165 stores and ORLY has 6111 stores so they are well represented in most communities. They have been strong compounders as stocks in a very important but boring industry making them solid investments over time.
For more info on how to invest in leading global brands:
https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S4 - Ep 14: Lilly & Obesity Disruption
Eli Lilly has been a monster stock over the last 5 years. It's compounded at 40%+ a year versus the market at roughly 11%. This great biopharma brand spends $6B a year on R&D, organically grows well, grows the dividend 15% a year and has a full pipeline thats diverse. This management team is second to none. The stock is not cheap anymore and it's a bit crowded but long-term we see great things for this brand. Mounjaro and Tirzepatide get alll the attention given their blockbuster potential but this company does $33B in annual revenue and very little is coming from the obesity and chronic over-weightedness theme thus far. In this quick video, I update people on what we see and why we still like the name long term.
For more information on investing in dominant, innovative growth brands:
https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S4 - Ep 13 Microsoft: A Core Compounder
Mr Softy has been a monster stock for over 40 years. The business is incredibly stable and predictable and management continues to keep innovating and growing. We see nothing that changes that on the horizon. The Mega Brand core equity position is still intact. Cloud and AI is driving the growth now and we are still early days in that opportunity. The small dividend grows each year and the stock has performed well in most economic environments. When it gets clocked, as every company does on occasion, you get a chance to own more.
For more information about investing in Mega Brands:https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S4 - Ep 12 Apple, a Monster Stock
Apple could be the greatest consumer tech staple ever created. Sometimes we feel like we can't live without our phones, laptops, and airpods. Apple embodies everything a Mega Brand should be: high brand love, innovator of products and services we love and can't live without, globally dominant, demographically diverse consumer base, super strong balance sheet and quality management team. Would you expect a business described like this to trade at or below a market multiple? I certainly wouldn't. Apple is a core holding for the brands investment portfolio and we love the opportunity to buy more when it dips. iPhone sales and top line revenues have flatlined generally after a massive pull-forward from the pandemic but we expect sales to re-accelerate going forward as iphone 15 really kicks into high gear for consumers. In the meantime, they pay a small dividend that grows every year and they buyback a large part of the float every single year. There's always risk to any business but we see nothing systemic too stop Apples dominance, particularly as India ramps up. For more information about investing in the most dominant brands: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S4 - Ep 11 Luxury Brands Review: LVMH, L'Oreal, Hermes
The global luxury goods market is expected to be about $320B over the next 5 years. Strong demographic tailwinds exist as younger, aspirational luxury goods consumers spend more on the category than older baby boomers. Between the largest wealth transfer in history ($45Trillion moving over the next 2 decades) and the high brand love LVMH, Hermes, L'Oreal,, and Ferrari have with consumers, we see big things ahead even as the economy cools off a bit short-term. Luxury spending tends to be less cyclical and more stable in slowdowns than most other categories. Here's a quick review of LVMH, Hermes, and L'Oreal's dominance in their categories. For more information on investing in leading global brands: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S4 - Ep 10 Nike & Lululemon - Athleisure as a global thematic
Athleisure is a lifestyle trend for global consumers. Nike & Lulu are dominating this trend along with a few other mega brands and emerging brands like Vuori. When you appeal to kids through older adults, men and women and on a global basis, you have strong growth prospects. These all drive great stock performance over time. Nike is a more mature growth brand, Lulu has experienced much better growth off a lower base. Both have strong tailwinds going forward from a demographic perspective. Here's my take on both brands, the thematic and the charts.
For more information on investing in global brands:
https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S4 - Ep 9 Visa & Costco - Steady Eddy Investments
A solid, well-balanced portfolio holds great growth brands and steady-eddy, singles and doubles brands that have a history of beating the S&P 500. In this episode, I talk about the stable, predictable allocations in Visa and Costco. Dividend growers, FCF generators with stable, revenue and EPS growth offer a lot of value for investors, particularly as the economy gets less certain. For more information on investing in the most relevant, dominant global brands: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S4 - Ep 7 Private Market Investing - I review BX, APO, KKR & industry
More assets are migrating from public bond and equity markets to private markets each year. Why? The volatility profile and return profiles have been better and the private markets can act as a solid diversifier to public markets. Institutions have known this for decades, they have 25-50% of total assets in private markets across Private Equity, Infrastructure, Real Estate, Energy Transition, Private Credit, Growth Equity, etc. HNW retail investors are in inning one of this transition. The best part: the mega brands get the lions share of the asset flows which makes them great investments. These are some of the smartest, most savvy investors around the world and they have $trillions of dollars of dry powder to put to work over time and at attractive prices. This drives better earnings for the asset managers, which drives the stocks over time. Here's the rub: very few investors have private market exposure and even fewer own these stocks. Blackstone recently was added to the S&P 500, I feel confident KKR and Apollo will be added in due time. Currently, about 12% of the brands portfolio is BX, APO, KKR, we love these companies and we love them as investments that also pay a dividend and grow it over time. For more info on the brands strategy: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S4 - Ep 8 UBER - Earnings Review
When a company is a verb, it's become part of the social consciousness. When that happens, Mega Brand Status is a sure thing. That tends to be a great thing for a stock. Uber finally got its act together, thanks to Dara, the CEO. He inherited a horrendously run business but a great consumer service. It's only a matter of time before UBER is added to the S&P 500, that is a great catalyst for more upside in my opinion. In the video, I do a quick rundown of today's earnings report. To learn more about investing in top global brands and important consumer trends: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S4 - Ep 6 Mercado Libre MELI Earnings Review
Mercado Libre is the Amazon of Latin America. They provide an e-commerce marketplace along with the ancillary products and services to keep consumers engaged and merchants selling products. Those include payments, loans, e-comm, logistics. The have a loyalty program membership similar to Prime which consistently adds new products and services to keep customers loyal and using the services more frequently. The stock has been a monster outperformer since the 2007 IPO and they are just getting started. Please remember, this is an emerging market company operating in various countries with high quarterly economic variability and lots of foreign currency volatility. This is NOT advice,, please do your own research to decide what investments are right for you. For more information about investing in global brands: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S4 - Ep 5 Draftkings (DKNG) Earnings Review
Draftkings has become the #1 market share brand in the sports betting and iGaming industry. We love the company, the app, and the stock has been a monster over the last year. The company has made the inflection from unprofitable to profitable and is growing fast. That drives significant revenue, FCF, and margin expansion. In a world where growth is hard to come by, Draftkings stands out over lots of other companies. The sportsbetting TAM by 2030 is estimated to be about $167B from roughly $81B today. If Draftkings gets its fair share, there's a significant revenue ramp from here. The stock can be volatile so use the VOL to your advantage.
Important: this is NOT advice, please do your own research to determine what investments are right for your personal circumstances.
S4 - Ep 4: Live Nation Earnings Review
Live Nation and the experience economy is a key theme and holding in the Brands equity strategy. In today's video, I review the live entertainment trends and the record quarter reported by this 800lb gorilla of a Mega Brand.
This is NOT advice, please do your own research and identify investments that make sense for your personal situation.
For more information on the Dynamic Brands equity strategy:
https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S4 - Ep 3: Amazon Earnings Review
Today, I review Amazons earnings, supply some fun facts and remind investors, core retail is worthy of paying attention to. Sum of the parts warrants 50% upside and retail, Ads, AWS inflecting positively offer bigger punch than any other Mega Cap Brand.
S4 - Ep 2 - Spotify Earnings Review & Outlook
I talk about Spotifys earnings report and their cross-over into sustainable profitability. They are well on their way to having 1 billion global subscribers and profitability has a catch-up coming. The stock is +100%+ already YTD but plenty of room to re-rate ahead with the new profits and growth focus.
NFL - Season 1 - Ep 1 Niners & Eagles Chat
Weekly NFL sports betting episode: Niners & Eagles discussed.
We are investors of Mega Brands and emerging Mega Brands. Names like Apple, Amazon, Google, Meta, Nike, Lululemon, Visa, Costco come top mind.
The thesis is: Brands Matter. In investing, in life, and in sports betting.
Why mess around with "wanna-be brands" or teams, just focus on the dynasties and emerging dynasties of the NFL.
This week we talk Niners and Eagles, the two only unbeaten teams at 5-0.
Enjoy.
This is not advice, this is for fun.
S4 - Ep 1 Global Brands Update - September 2023
A quick update on why it's important to own sufficient consumer discretionary and tech exposure and why mega brands are such great investments. I also provide an update on the portfolio and performance along with a quick inflation, rates, and consumer spending trends.
S3 Ep 10 - Making Money Tracking Large, Unusual Options Flows with @jamesbulltard7 on Twitter
The options markets have become enormous and are large enough that even long-term investors have to pay attention. There's a ton of madness that happens in options markets and its a favorite for traders. Watching the large and unusual options trades being placed every day can offer traders and investors an edge but its costly, time consuming, and complicated. If you have the skill, congratulations, if you do not but want to gain an edge, considering subscribing to an options trading and research service could be an answer.
Today, I discuss the craziness that happens in the options markets and how to sift through all the volume to uncover great investment and trading ideas. I use this service as a compliment to our internal research on Brands and the information is very helpful when I'm looking for active trading around the core brands portfolio, to see when the big money is beginning to get more bearish, and to identify when strong options flows can add more confidence to adding to core long ideas in the fund.
You can check out James' options and commentary service here:
https://jamesbulltard.substack.com/
You can follow him on Twitter @jamesbulltard7
For more information on building a portfolio of the most important, blue chip brands and the emerging brands that could become the next Mega Brand, go to:
https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S3 - Ep 9 Q2 Dynamic Brands Commentary & Outlook
This is the audio version for the Q2 Brands commentary and portfolio positioning. This is not investment advice, just one mans opinion on markets, brands, and the consumer! Enjoy!
S3 - Ep 8 The State of the Consumer Today & How the Brands Portfolio is Positioned
Today's interview where we talk about the global consumption theme, why it's an important allocation to a portfolio and what drove outperformance 2017-2021, why we underperformed in a tough 2022, what the current opportunities are, and finally, how the portfolio is positioned currently between offense and defense-related brands.
For more information: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
To reach out directly to me: eric.clark@accuvest.com
S3 - Ep 7 The Dynamic Brands Fund - Why the Consumer, Brands, & the Portfolio May 2023
This is an all encompassing audio presentation that discusses why anyone would want to invest in the theme of global household spending (it's a $40+ trillion a year theme), why the theme is the ideal core holding for a portfolio, why having dedication to the most relevant brands makes sense, and why the HSUTX fund is the easiest way to get the broad "lifestyle spending" allocation you need. I also remind listeners that most portfolios are chronically underweight the consumer stocks, which is a great complement to the growth stocks or growth funds/ETF's one might own. The Brands fund tends to be equal or underweight technology in favor of being overweight Consumer Discretionary and often, Consumer Staples brands. The best performing 2 sectors long-term are tech and consumer discretionary yet theres 3x more money invested in tech than in consumer stocks. That's the opportunity, having exposure to both sectors through the leading brands is an ideal core portfolio and gets you exposure to some of the most powerful beloved brands ever created. I show what a portfolio of great brands would have looked like going back 20 years to highlight how important "brand relevancy" really is. I also talk about the current portfolio of brands, which can change at any time. I describe the holdings through the sub-sectors of consumption we think are most powerful and enduring today.
If you would like to chat about brands and/or the fund, you can reach me at eric@globalbrandsmatter.com or check out the brands page:
https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S3 - Ep 6 Quality is Winning Again in 2023 - John Rotonti Convo
Like many in our industry, John started investing (studying businesses and valuing stocks) in college so he's been analyzing businesses and following markets for almost 25 years. John graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Magna Cum Laude from the University of Richmond and graduated with his MBA as part of the Beta Gamma Sigma International Honors Society from Tulane University. John published a book on Investing titled "A Manual on Common Stock Investing" in 2013. For the past 9 years John has been the Senior Analyst, Portfolio Lead, and the Head of Investor Training and Development at The Motley Fool. He recently resigned from the Motley Fool so he could focus on joining a new team at an institutional value firm as a senior analyst.
We talked about a handful of John's favorite businesses and stocks including BRK, O'Reilly Automotive, Nextera Energy, CarMax, and Domino's.
We also talked about the private market alternative asset managers via Blackstone, KKR and tried to dispel the myths around taking marks, and the opportunities for the Alt firms as prices get dislocated and dry powder gets put to work at attractive prices. We also talk about John liking energy and banks as sentiment has turned sour. We both like to buy diamonds (great businesses) in the dumpster (hated and with low expectations). We also talk about the JNJ spin-off of its consumer products brand, now called Kenvue.
Great talk, I think you'll enjoy it.
Follow John on Twitter @JRogrow
For more information on the Brands Fund and investing in the worlds leading brands, please go to:
S3 - Ep 5 2022 in Review & How the Brands see's things & is positioned for 2023
This is the audio version of our 2022 Fund Letter for the brands strategy.
I discuss what went wrong in 2022, where sentiment is and what that could mean for 2023, the history of Fed Funds and inflation versus what we have seen since 2009 and what mega themes and brands we are exposed to as we start 2023.
For more information on the brands strategy & portfolio: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S3 - Ep 4 Sean Emory - Avory & Co on 2023 and stock talk
I check in with great investor, Sean Emory CIO of Avory & Co.
We talked about the macro and inflationary environment and when we might see a rate of change tailwind.
We got back into the company fundamentals, that's what really matters.
We talked about $NTNX growing business case as well as updates on $FVRR $ZG $CPRI
Nutanix is still a mis-understood name and acquisition target cited in the press on numerous occasions.
Capri is still cheap and their brands Kors, Jimmy Choo and Versace remain strong.
Fiverr is still the largest global platform for contract work and technically, the stock looks like a ball under water opportunity.
Zillow has been dragged down with the real estate group and remains the leader in real estate search and services. Founder and CEO Rich Barton owns about 14/15% of the biz and they have $3.5B in cash so the stock looks quite interesting after a massive drawdown.
2023 should be the year where company fundamentals matter and the year when great businesses set themselves apart from the peers.
You can find more information at linker.ee/avoryco
S3 Ep 3 - Paul Cerro, Cedar Grove Capital on markets, the consumer, cannabis, private investing
Today I chatted with a dedicated Cannabis, Consumer and Consumer Tech investor, Paul Cerro from Cedar Grove Capital.
I met Paul on Twitter ( @paulcerro )and really enjoy his thoughts and reading his notes on substack https://www.cedargrovecm.com
We talked about the Fed, ZIRP and consumer behavior. We talked about Pauls current views on consumer spending and markets and when markets might bottom. We then talked about his firms new investment in a private pet grooming business and their plans for that new investment. Then we closed on cannabis and where we are with that business line.
I really enjoyed our chat and Paul is a super smart investor. Check out his substack research, I'm confident you will love it!
If you want more information on the brands portfolios and podcasts: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/podcasts
The Dynamic brands strategy info can be found here: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S3 Ep 2 David Trainer - New Constructs - Better Fundamental Research using Machine Learning
Today's conversation was really fun. I talked with founder of New Constructs Research, David Trainer.
David has a long career in fundamental analysis and founded New Constructs to enhance the research and data gathering process by harnessing technology.
There's enormously important data hidden in company 10Q and 10K's but 99% of analysts do not read these important reports. I am guilty of that myself. These documents are a painful read and David's robust research extracts the important data from these reports and creates much better snapshots of the current business and places a rating on the business, the quality of earnings (economic versus reported EPS) using important and predictive metrics like ROIC, FCF Yield, etc. From there the team compares that to the current stock price to identify if theres an opportunity for investors.
Sell side research is hard to trust, there are too many hidden agenda's inside ratings and recommendations IMO.
We talk about their Zombie stock report, aka alot of the meme stocks and likely many that ARK owns today. ZIRP allowed profitless businesses to thrive for much longer than they should have and now we are getting back to what's important: profitability, ROIC, compounding EPS through strong capital allocation decisions, etc.
The fundamentals matter most, even if the market is supremely focused on macro>micro today. In the end, the company and its ability to grow, generate cash, compound earnings and cash flows above its cost of capital. Finally we seem to be getting back to the reality of markets, the business and its profitability matter.
https://www.newconstructs.com is a wonderful site to check out to see if they can help you or your RIA practice build better stock, mutual fund, or ETF portfolios.
For more information on the Mega brands portfolio: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S3 Ep 1 - Quick Market Update - Wide Lens View of Sectors, Cost Averaging Benefits, and Portfolio Overview
In today's 30 minute quick update I talk about the macro > micro world we live in today, the Fed, the effects on the economy, and which sectors tend to outperform the most. Hint: Tech, Consumer Discretionary, and Healthcare have been the top 3 sectors outperforming the market over most time periods and 30 years of data.
I discuss the benefit of having a consumer core equity allocation, and the tremendous benefits that can accrue to investors if they are opportunistic and add to those positions when the market dislocates and a bear market arrives. We are all programmed to sit on our heels today because the Fed is aggressive, not your friend and stock prices are under assault. Taking advantage of these periods to buy more of great businesses aka brands paid handsomely over time.
The next 6 months will provide some of the best long-term buying opportunities we have seen since the financial crisis. Don't get shaken out folks, big dips in great companies are for buying.
S2 Ep 14 - Adam Parker - Trivariate Research on markets, winning sectors and estimates
Today's podcast was a treat for me, I have been following Adam for a very long time back to his days at Morgan Stanley.
Adam founded Trivariate Research, which combines fundamental, quantitative, and macro analysis to produce actionable research, practical investment advice and analytically rigorous risk management for our clients. They serve institutions, hedge funds, fund companies, and RIA's family offices through their research platform.
"Winners could be those with above average estimate achievability".
We talked about the market today, where estimates are likely headed, which sectors likely have a better opportunity and which could see a more difficult go of it.
To learn more about Trivariate: https://trivariateresearch.com
To learn more about investing in the world's most relevant global brands: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S2 Ep 13 - An Energy Chat w/Paul Sankey, Sankey Research
Today's chat was incredibly fun. I talked with Paul Sankey, founder of Sankey Research, an energy consultant and advisor to energy companies and large institutional investors. With many decades of energy industry experience, Paul has become THE expert on energy stocks and the energy industry.
We talked about energy policy, the current supply/demand imbalance and the new and improved investment opportunities across the energy sector as these companies transition from cash destroyers to free cash generators and big dividend payers.
Paul highlights E&P names, natural gas opportunities, refining opportunities as well as some in the MLP and pipeline space.
Paul is a wealth of knowledge in this category that is still very under-owned by investors of all kinds. His view has been that energy stocks should make up a much bigger percent of the market and indices and the future is bright for the equities that are strong capital allocators and shareholder friendly.
For more information on Sankey Research: https://www.sankeyresearch.com
For more information on the Global Brands strategy: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S2 - Ep 12 Paul Cerro - Consumer/Cannabis/Tech focused Long/Short Fund
Today I chatted with a dedicated Cannabis, Consumer and Consumer Tech investor, Paul Cerro from Cedar Grove Capital.
I met Paul on Twitter ( @paulcerro )and really enjoy his thoughts and reading his notes on substack ( https://cedargrovecapital.substack.com )
We talked about the Cannabis industry and the absolutely huge potential for outsized gains for patient investors willing to hold through the VOL until federal regulation gets approved. It's only a matter of time, the more states approve it, the more likely a federal mandate will happen. A huge amount of investment capital will flow to this industry, it's just a matter of when. We talked about the U.S. companies being the best long term opportunities. Names to research include: Greenthumb, Truleaf, Curaleaf.
We then moved into the consumer brands and talked alot about Petco, WOOF, and how its very misunderstood and ignored by investors. I suspect they need to spend more time on the actual brand and why consumers have to spend that extra time getting to their stores versus buying all their pet supplies wherever they are shopping at the moment. We then talked about Exponential Fitness, XPOS. I didn't know much about this brand because its under my market cap threshold at $800m but I absolutely know some of the sub-brands they own like Yoga6 and Pure Barre.
I really enjoyed our chat and Paul is a super smart investor. Check out his substack research, I'm confident you will love it!
If you want more information on the brands portfolios and podcasts: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/podcasts
The Dynamic brands strategy info can be found here: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S2 - Ep 11 Under Armour: Deep Dive via Brand, Biz, Innovation
I spent a week going through Under Armour's website, its app, the quarterly reports and annual reports to try and identify what's wrong with the company and it's stock. Overall, UAA seems to be following the typical trajectory of a brand that becomes irrelevant over time. One of the hallmarks of mostly irrelevant brands and underperforming stocks is having lower margins than peers while still having more revenue than the current market cap of the business. The brand just gets less interesting to people each year. I've seen that happening in UAA for many years now. Consumer stocks that have good pricing power, high brand love, and strong repeat business tend to have stronger returns. Revenue growth is key, smart innovation spending and marketing is key, strong overall operating metrics are key. The most important part of longevity with consumers though, is maintaining or increasing your brand relevancy. Staying relevant needs to happen for companies to continue to thrive. Companies don't always need to sell premium products to stay relevant, witness Costco and Target, but they need to offer a better mousetrap, a better customer experience, and to remove as much friction as possible so consumers can act over and over with buying. That game becomes a high sales, low margin and high recurring revenue business. Generally, that's not ideal in the apparel and footwear business, this is not the grocery and general merchandise business. In the athleisure business, "brand heat" or "brand coolness" is very important. Athleisure as a lifestyle and mentality offers companies enormous revenue and free cash flow opportunities but designs have to be cool and sexy and functional, stores have to be aesthetically pleasing, with friendly and knowledgable staff, and there has to be a buzz about the brand. The digital business needs to engage people and serve people. The data needs to be harnessed for continued innovation. Data on your browsers and customers is the X-factor that can and should drive future engagement. Without all of these things combined, you are just hoping someone transacts with you without the ability to keep them engaging. That drives low multiples permanently. Your buzz can't be that the brand is super cheap and serving a basic consumer staples purpose. Brands that fall into that category tend to be persistent underperforms and ultimately become completely irrelevant.
Under Armour has made huge strides to get back on track from an operational perspective, there's more to do but I'm very pleased at their progress. What they need to focus on next is a complete brand reset. Maybe that's creating a new premium brand, maybe it's making a small acquisition, or maybe it's leaning deeper and more aggressive into the Project Rock brand but it has to happen quickly. For now, UAA is a value stock without a clear catalyst. They have set the bar quite low from a future expectations perspective so it likely has some value around $8.15/share but to make the real comeback which I think can happen, it needs to become a much more relevant brand, make premium and differentiated products, cut the undifferentiated boring skews and spend on a smart branding strategy. They need to connect with people on a deeper psychological level, like they did in their early days. They need to be more than a perceived athletic apparel and footwear brand. They need to move into active lifestyle and street-wear. And most of all, they need to be the edgiest brand in the category. Loud, edgy, opinionated and serving every demographic because we believe what they believe. The Rock and his philosophies are a great first step, now we need a collective of motivators like the Rock, from sports to music to other pop culture categories. Let's find brand ambassadors around the world that stand together with a positive, motivational message to kids through older adults. That's the revolution I want to join. There's no reason UAA can't drive it!
S2 - Ep 10 Best Consumer Analyst in the Industry - Simeon Siegel - Consumer Equity Research at BMO
This chat is my all-time favorite conversation with the best consumer analyst in the industry. He's a top ranked analyst for a reason, he knows retail and the consumer better than anyone. Simeon started his career at Goldman and simply has better insights than most analysts. In my experience, not every analyst understands the power of the brand, sometimes the intangible asset of brand tells a different story than the excel spreadsheets. When combining the raw numbers with the brand relevancy analysis, and adding some technical & sentiment work, better entries and exits often happen.
We talked about the state of the consumer (don't bet against them), how inflation is affecting consumption trends, inventory issues short term, demand being pulled-forward, and which categories seem well positioned. We talked at length about Under Armour, a new obsession of mine. We also talked about the discounters like TJX and Ross Stores. Other brands and categories discussed: Nike, Lulu, Deckers, footwear, apparel, omni-channel.
For more information on Simeon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeonsiegel/
https://capitalmarkets.bmo.com/en/our-bankers/simeon-siegel-cfa/
For more information about global brands investing: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com
Simeon Siegel is a Managing Director and Senior Analyst at BMO Capital Markets specializing in Retail and E-commerce. Simeon started his career at Goldman Sachs and his since worked on the #1 ranked Retail franchise at JPMorgan and Nomura | Instinet.
Simeon has been named a Rising Star of Wall Street by Institutional Investor, a Rising Star of Equity Research by Business Insider, a Top Stock Picker by StarMine and a Top Earnings Estimator by Thomson Reuters and Refinitiv. He has worked on the Institutional Investor #1 ranked All America Research Team for Specialty Retail and the Wall Street Journal's "Best on the Street" list of top analysts. He is in constant dialogue with investors and C-Level Management across the industry, analyzing and advising on the ever-evolving retail landscape. He is a regular guest on CNBC and frequently quoted across the media including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Women's Wear Daily, The Business of Fashion, Barron's and Bloomberg, among others.
Link to media disclosures at BMO:
https://researchglobal0.bmocapitalmarkets.com/public-disclosure/
S2 - Ep 9 (Audio) Sean Emory from AvoryCo returns to talk markets, macro and stocks
It's nice to have a former guest, Sean Emory back on the podcast.
We talked about the macro and inflationary environment and when we might see a rate of change tailwind.
We also talk about the kinds of companies that should continue to perform well into the future and how disconnected the current businesses are from their stock prices. Eventually the actual business performance will drive these stocks which, given the drawdowns in many of these great businesses, should offer very robust recoveries once the market bottoms and macro stops driving the narrative.
We talked about Duolingo $DUOL $WIX $SHOP $SQ $FVRR $ZM
There will be an epic opportunity to buy so many of the emerging growth brands that have been left for dead, its only a matter of time.
You can find more information at linker.ee/avoryco
S2 - Ep8 - Dynamic Brands Q2 2022 Commentary
I discuss the market for the first half of 2022 and add a historical perspective from 1970, the last time markets had as bad a first 6 months. I talk about the inflation, rates and macro headwinds we face and add some color around how consumers and businesses are dealing with a slowdown and high inflation. I talk about the power of Brands and why they are very well positioned for the environment we are in, even if the market does not reflect this currently. I also discuss the top 10 holdings as of June 30, 2022. Thanks for listening!
Website: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com
S2 - Ep7 - Mark Mahaney - Evercore ISI Tech & Internet Analyst - Lets talk high quality that's dislocated & cheap
Today's conversation was one of my favorites. I have been a long-term follower of Mark Mahaney (@markmahaney on Twitter).
He's been covering tech and Internet stocks for 30+ years and has seen every cycle - good and bad. In periods like today, that's enormously valuable to investors. We talked about his recent book release "Nothing But Net", my new favorite.
Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Nothing-But-Net-Timeless-Stock-Picking/dp/1264274963/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4TEJ7ROO1TVZ&keywords=nothing+but+net&qid=1653077374&sprefix=nothing+but+net%2Caps%2C141&sr=8-1
We talked about a key tenet in his book:
Focus most of your time on finding the highest quality companies operating in large TAM's, with relentless product innovation, a compelling customer value proposition, and great visionary management teams. If you can buy these great companies, aka Brands, during periods of dislocations and off 30%+, even better, you buy them. Being able to buy a great business trading off 30%+ and trading at less than 2x their growth rate is a great LT opportunity.
We covered Amazon, Google, FB-Meta, Apple, Uber, Booking, AirBnb, and tech investing in general.
Great insights from a very smart and humble guy!
I hope you enjoy the conversation!
For more information about the Dynamic Brands equity strategy, https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S2 - Ep6 - Barry Schwartz - Baskin Wealth, $1B Advisory Firm - The market sell-off continues
In episode 6, I have a wonderful conversation with Barry Schwartz of Baskin Wealth in Toronto. Barry's a very smart investor of high quality, stable companies. We talk about the current market sell-off and what drives his investment decisions. Baskin runs a core equity portfolio that holds some significant exposure in Mega Brands like Microsoft, Apple, Google, Costco, Visa, Amazon, Netflix, Ferrari, Domino's Pizza, Vail Resorts, and more. We talk about the firm's target client and running their core portfolio plus some bonds where appropriate. Barry focuses on 5 core criteria:
1. Moat businesses
2. Tailwinds for opportunities
3. Great management & culture
4. Strong history of smart capital allocation decisions and ROI
5. Attractive valuations
Portfolio focus: think like a business owner and don't sell the companies that execute.
Clients have benefitted greatly because of this strategy and have some tremendous long-term gains.
Great convo on Adobe and what looks attractive to his team.
For more information on Baskin: https://baskinwealth.com and info@baskinwealth.com
For more information on the Dynamic Brands portfolio: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S2 - Ep5 - Rahul Sharma - @Retail_Guru on Twitter = Consumer brands & the opportunities today
In today's chat, I talk with an incredibly experienced retail investor, Rahul Sharma of Neev Capital (@Retail_Guru on Twitter)
Rahul is a former Global Consumer Fund Manager and has worked with Citi and Alliance Capital.
Our discussion begins with the state of the consumer and consumer balance sheets. We talk about consumer sentiment and the inflation that consumers around the world are seeing and feeling in their purchase decisions. We talk about the obvious high comparisons across the consumer discretionary & staples sectors. We dig deep into the concept that many of the most relevant brands are now structurally much stronger and how the best brands used the pandemic to become a better company. The opportunity is to identify the better companies that are still trading for multiples that do not reflect they upgraded business models, margins and growth opportunities. Consumer sentiment is now back to 2009 levels which makes it more like a contrarian indicator as the economy heals and inflation goes lower over time. US housing is still severely supply constrained and high end consumers are still generally flush and willing to spend on important, high priced consumer goods. Rahul answers my question about a handful of brands that he would be comfortable owning for the long-term without much worry.
We talk about the following brands: Dicks Sporting Goods, Target, Williams Sonoma, Home Depot, Lowes, Amazon, Nike, LVMH, Richemont (Cartier)Porsche, Estee Lauder, RH, Nordstrom Starbucks as well as broadly about the discount brands like DLTR and DG
For more information on the Dynamic Brands portfolio: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S2 - Ep4 - Sharif Farha, Safehousecap.com on Consumer Stock Investing
Today I welcome back a former guest, Sharif Farha from Safehouse Capital in Dubai. We both manage consumer-focused portfolios and todays conversation we cover a host of brands and thematics.
We talked about the loathing of anything with the word "growth" attached to it and talk about why we own:
RH - Restoration Hardware & Amazon
Why Sharif likes and owns: Sony, Activision, Spotify, Universal Music, Crocs
We also talk about China Tech and his stakes in Alibaba, TenCent and TenCent Music.
https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/dynamic-portfolio
S2 - Ep 3 - 2021 Brands Fund Letter - Audio version
This is the audio version of our 2021 Brands Fund Letter. Welcome to Mr. Toads Wild Ride market in 2021.
I highlight the kind of market environment we had in 2021, what we see for 2022 and how we are positioned.
I talk about the spending categories we are invested in as well as which brands are the most relevant based on our analysis.
I talk about the distortions that have been created through Covid and what we see normalizing in 2022.
I show how the fund has performed in the 2 year stack of 2020 & 2021 - hint - we outperformed the S&P 500 ~575 bps annual due to a strong 2020 Covid stage 1 year. I compare the fund to the S&P 500 and a plain vanilla, traditional ETF-only blend which lagged the S&P 500 by roughly 300bps annual with this blend. The ETF’s & weights we used for this analysis are: SPY(15%), QQQ(25%), SPHD (20% - low vol, high dividend), IWS (5% - mid-cap value), IWP (5% - mid-cap growth), IWN (5% - small-cap value), VGK (5% - broad based Europe), GEM (5% - emerging markets), IWD (15% - large cap value). This is a fairly typical broad market portfolio using ETF's.
If you would like to read the commentary, please email me at Eric.clark@accuvest.com and Ill send you the PDF.
I will post the commentary on the www.globalbrandsmatter.com homepage soon.
S2 - Ep 2 - METAVERSE discussion with Sean Avory & Will Hershey "META" ETF, Roundhill Investments
Today, we have a spirited discussion with two well-informed METAVERSE investors and ETF product creators.
Sean Avory or Avory & Co and Will Hershey of Roundhill Investments join me to discuss the Metaverse, (META ETF via Roundhill) why it's being created and demands our attention and who likely benefits from its creation and evolution. We also talk about the video gamers and their role in the METAVERSE development as well as NFT's and crypto through blockchain development.
For more information about Sean and his high conviction equity portfolio go to https://www.avory.xyz/
For more information about Roundhill and all their ETF's go to: https://www.roundhillinvestments.com/
For more information about the global brands portfolios I manage with my partners at Accuvest Global advisors go to: https://www.globalbrandsmatter.com/
For more information about the Dynamic Brands Fund we manage, go to: https://rationalmf.com/funds/rational-dynamic-brands-fund/