After 50 episodes and almost a year, the Intrinsic Value podcast hosts, Sean O'Malley and Daniel Munker, reflect on their journey of building a portfolio from scratch. Starting 100% in cash in January 2025, they aimed to show the progression from uninvested to fully deployed capital, a perspective often missing from "super investor" portfolios.
Despite a significant cash drag, which has now reduced to about 25% from 50%, the portfolio has achieved a respectable 9% return. The hosts acknowledge that one year isn't enough to validate a strategy but are pleased with the initial performance, especially considering recent investments in undervalued companies.
**Portfolio Highlights & Changes:**
* **Winners:** Google, the largest position, is up over 50%. Reddit has been a "phenomenal" performer, reaching a 3-bagger at one point and currently up about 120% since purchase, despite being a small 3.5% holding. Though not adding due to current valuation, the hosts see Reddit as a long-term compounder, citing its differentiated social media approach and strong monetization metrics.
* **New Position: Crocs.** The hosts decided to add Crocs as a 2.5% position, viewing it as an "asymmetric opportunity" or a value play. Despite declining sales, primarily due to the "Heydude" brand acquisition, the core Crocs brand remains stable. With an 18% free cash flow yield and aggressive buybacks (16% yield), its valuation is compelling. Management's past acquisition missteps and current incentives are discussed, alongside positive insider buying activity.
* **Adding to Uber.** Uber, a frequently discussed company, will see its position increase to 7% or 8%. The hosts highlight its transition into a "genuine cash flow machine" with improving margins and operating leverage. Trading at 18x forward free cash flow, it's considered cheap given its 20%+ growth. Bear cases, such as competition from Waymo/Tesla and a potential Lyft acquisition by Amazon, are addressed. The hosts argue that big tech's past failures in entering established markets suggest Uber's moat is stronger than perceived.
* **Adding to Adobe.** Facing fears of AI disruption, Adobe's stock is down almost 30% year-to-date. However, the hosts emphasize its deep embedment in corporate America and the creative industry, with high switching costs. They believe AI will transform the industry *within* Adobe's products, not to its detriment. With a forward P/E and P/FCF below 14, Adobe offers an implied 18% annual return over five years, even with conservative assumptions.
* **Selling Ulta Beauty.** The podcast's first portfolio addition, Ulta Beauty, is being sold for a 28% return after almost a year. The hosts explain that the original thesis played out, and while it remains a good business, the current valuation no longer offers the same "asymmetric" opportunity. The capital is being reallocated to more compelling prospects.
* **Holding Nubank.** A "learning position" at 2.5%, Nubank has grown 30% since purchase. Despite concerns about the Brazilian consumer market, Nubank demonstrates impressive growth while maintaining comparable risk metrics to traditional banks. Its expansion into Mexico and a recent U.S. bank charter application are positive signs, though the hosts acknowledge their limited expertise in the South American banking sector, justifying its smaller position size.
* **Holding Nike & Lululemon.** Nike is up 10% from its entry price, but its turnaround is ongoing. The hosts suggest selling if it hits $80 without fundamental improvement, acknowledging potential "anchoring bias." Lululemon, currently their worst performer (down 20%), is viewed as undervalued. Despite a slowdown in the U.S., international growth remains strong. Trading at 15x forward P/FCF, its valuation is at historical lows, backed by a strong brand and high customer loyalty.
* **Holding PayPal.** Affectionately dubbed "PainPal," the stock is down significantly since the pitch (17-18%). While earnings have been good and partnerships are growing (e.g., Perplexity, OpenAI), sentiment remains low. Management indicates a longer turnaround, but aggressive buybacks (10% of the company this year) and a new dividend are compensating shareholders.
* **Watchlist: Exor & Salesforce.** Exor, an Italian holding company, is intriguing due to its 39% stake in Ferrari, essentially allowing access to Ferrari at a significant discount. It also owns stakes in cyclical companies like CNH and Stellantis, and Philips. Salesforce, despite AI concerns, holds a strong moat through high switching costs and deep integration in corporate workflows. The hosts seek a larger margin of safety due to lack of personal product experience before investing.
The hosts emphasize the importance of a long-term mindset, patience, and the "consumer edge" in their investment process. Next week, they will deep dive into a social media company with nearly a billion users that has struggled with monetization, hinting at a potential new addition.