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The Synopsis: Speedwell Research In-Depth Business Talks

The Synopsis: Speedwell Research In-Depth Business Talks

By: Drew Cohen
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About this listen

Speedwell Research spends hundreds of hours researching public businesses each month and in "The Synopsis" they share their key learnings. Most business podcasts are superficial and assume their listeners are unsophisticated. In contrasts, The Synopsis trusts listeners are interested in learning about complex, industry-specific issues, so long as they are explained clearly. We cover businesses from inception to current day, coupling business analysis through an investors lens. Start listening today to become a better analyst and investor.© 2023 Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Interview. Shift4 CEO Taylor Lauber and CFO Christopher Cruz on Capital Allocation, Competition, and Global Blue Strategy.
    Mar 18 2026

    In this fantastic interview we spoke with the CEO of Shift4, Taylor Lauber, and CFO, Christopher Cruz. We covered everything from what sets Shift4 apart from competition to capital allocation and their latest acquistion of Global Blue.

    You can find our Shift4 Research report here.

    AlphaSense has a repository of over 200k expert call transcripts that are similar to this conversation. Sign-up for access here.

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    Get access to all of Speedwell Research's in-depth Research Reports here.

    If you need help getting Speedwell added as an approved research vendor for your investment firm, please reach out to info@speedwellresearch.com

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    Show Notes

    (0:00) — Shift4 Business Overview
    (1:14) — Where Shift4 Fits in the Payment Value Chain
    (3:17) — How Shift4 Differentiates Itself
    (7:12) — Competitive Dynamics
    (8:46) — Toast vs Shift4
    (14:26) — ROIC and Capital Allocation
    (24:46) — The Role of Gateway and Global Blue
    (36:34) — Global Blue Competitive Dynamics
    (44:06) — Organic Growth vs M&A
    (59:39) — 2027 Free Cash Flow Target Still on the Table?
    (1:04:22) — Can Shift4 be Recreated?

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    Become a Speedwell Member here to gain access to *all* of our in-depth research reports and more!

    Sign up for Speedwell's free newsletter and weekly memos here

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    Follow Us:

    Twitter: @Speedwell_LLC

    Threads: @speedwell_research

    Email us at info@speedwellresearch.com for any questions, comments, or feedback.

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    Disclaimer

    Nothing in this podcast is investment advice nor should be construed as such. Contributors to the podcast may own securities discussed. Furthermore, accounts contributors advise on may also have positions in securities discussed. Please see our full disclaimers here: https://speedwellresearch.com/disclaimer/

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Interview. Billionaire Square (Block) Cofounder Jim McKelvey on Competing Against Amazon
    Mar 12 2026

    In this exceptional interview, we talk to Cofounder of Square (Block) Jim McKelvey on competing against Amazon. From his time at Square, he saw how they were able to outcompete Amazon and he wasn't sure how that was possible given their superior resources, merchant network, and large base of talented employees. After better understanding how that was possible, he wrote a book on his insights called "The Innovation Stack". In this interview we touch on some of his key learnings, as well as talk about why it is so hard to copy some businesses.

    **Purchase Jim's Book, The Innovation Stack, Here

    AlphaSense has a repository of over 200k expert call transcripts that are similar to this conversation. Sign-up for access here.

    *~*~*~*~*

    Get access to all of Speedwell Research's in-depth Research Reports here.

    If you need help getting Speedwell added as an approved research vendor for your investment firm, please reach out to info@speedwellresearch.com

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    Show Notes

    (0:00) — Amazon vs Square
    (13:22) — Why Amazon Quit Against Square
    (24:58) — Southwest
    (37:33) — Copying a Companies Innovation Stack
    (40:53) — Advice to Build a Business

    -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

    Become a Speedwell Member here to gain access to *all* of our in-depth research reports and more!

    Sign up for Speedwell's free newsletter and weekly memos here

    *~*~*~*~*

    Follow Us:

    Twitter: @Speedwell_LLC

    Threads: @speedwell_research

    Email us at info@speedwellresearch.com for any questions, comments, or feedback.

    -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

    Disclaimer

    Nothing in this podcast is investment advice nor should be construed as such. Contributors to the podcast may own securities discussed. Furthermore, accounts contributors advise on may also have positions in securities discuessed. Please see our full disclaimers here: https://speedwellresearch.com/disclaimer/

    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Dialogue. Netflix Walks, Underlying Duolingo Growth Issues, and Bad Decisions at Paypal
    Mar 5 2026

    In this Dialogue episode of The Synopsis, we discuss Netflix stepping away from Warner Bros., Duolingo and underlying growth issues, plus Paypal and what makes a great manager.

    Five Minute Money Newsletter Free Sign Up

    YouTube Video Links: Paypal, Netflix, Duolingo

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    You can also get a free trial to AlphaSense to read 200k+ expert calls through this link.

    ~*~

    For full access to all of our updates and in-depth research reports become a Speedwell Member here.

    Please reach out to info@speedwellresearch.com if you need help getting us to become an approved research vendor in order to expense it.

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    Show Notes

    (0:00) — Intro, Netflix/Paramount Warner Bros. Deal
    (17:17) — Duolingo Selloff
    (30:08) — Duolingo Valuation
    (36:20) — PayPal Overview
    (42:48) — What Makes a Good Manager?
    (52:41) — PayPal Valuation

    -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

    For full access to all of our updates and in-depth research reports, become a Speedwell Member here.

    Please reach out to info@speedwellresearch.com if you need help getting us to become an approved research vendor in order to expense it.

    *-*-*-

    Follow Us:

    Twitter: @Speedwell_LLC

    Threads: @speedwell_research

    Email us at info@speedwellresearch.com for any questions, comments, or feedback.

    -*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

    Disclaimer

    Nothing in this podcast is investment advice nor should be construed as such. Contributors to the podcast may own securities discussed. Furthermore, accounts contributors advise on may also have positions in companies discussed. This may change without notice. Please see our full disclaimers here: https://speedwellresearch.com/disclaimer/

    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
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