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PODCAST

Stock Spotlight

Stock Spotlight is a podcast dedicated to highlighting intriguing investment opportunities. In each episode, host Michael shines a light on promising stocks that have earned a "watch" or "pass" rating on his 33-question research checklist. Listeners can expect a thorough exploration of selected companies, covering their business models, financial performance and market positioning. As the show evolves, Michael will also delve into broader investing topics.

business investing

All Episodes

00:26:27

15 Investing Metrics That Actually Matter - and Why

Stock Spotlight ·

2025/11/28

In this special episode of Stock Spotlight, host Michael steps back from individual company deep dives to unpack the core framework behind his entire investing process — the 15 metrics that truly matter. From returns on capital to reinvestment discipline, from free cash flow conversion to innovation efficiency, these are the numbers that separate durable compounders from fragile growth stories.Michael explains what each metric reveals, how to calculate it and why it deserves a place in every

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00:34:49

Cintas Corporation (CTAS): The Engine for Workplace...

Stock Spotlight ·

2025/11/12

On this episode of Stock Spotlight, Michael shines the light on Cintas Corporation ($CTAS) — the quiet giant that keeps America’s workplaces running. From uniforms and first aid to safety and facility services, Cintas powers over one million business locations with an unmatched blend of scale, efficiency and recurring revenue.Michael walks through why Cintas scored an impressive 82% on his Quality Checklist (94th percentile overall), its durable moat built on route density and switching costs and

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00:34:10

Copart, Inc. (CPRT): The Salvage Vehicle Marketplace...

Stock Spotlight ·

2025/10/31

On this special episode of Stock Spotlight, Michael is joined by Shivam Kashan to shine the spotlight on Copart — the global leader in online salvage vehicle auctions and one of the most quietly dominant marketplaces in the United States. Think of Copart as a vertically integrated marketplace: like eBay economically, but with Amazon-like logistics infrastructure and a scale advantage that’s incredibly hard to replicate.Michael’s Quality Checklist gives Copart a strong 78% Quality Score, placing it

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00:44:46

Tyler Technologies (TYL): The Operating System of...

Stock Spotlight ·

2025/10/08

On this episode of Stock Spotlight, Michael shines the spotlight on Tyler Technologies ($TYL), the largest pure-play provider of public sector software. Think of Tyler as the “operating system of state & local governments” — powering tax collection, court systems, payroll, permitting, and digital citizen services across 13,000+ client sites. With 98% retention and 85% recurring revenue, it’s a mission-critical business that governments simply can’t run without.Michael breaks down why Tyler

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00:41:11

Badger Meter, Inc. (BMI): The Cash Register of Water...

Stock Spotlight ·

2025/09/10

On this episode of Stock Spotlight, Michael shines the spotlight on Badger Meter ($BMI), the hidden powerhouse behind smart water management. Think of BMI’s meters as the cash registers of utilities: essential, sticky, and increasingly digital. With secular tailwinds in conservation, regulation, and infrastructure investment, the company sits at the intersection of necessity and innovation.Michael breaks down why Badger Meter scored a strong 81% on his Quality Checklist, how SaaS revenue and

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00:24:25

How I Tilt My Portfolio With Factors

Stock Spotlight ·

2025/08/27

On this episode of Stock Spotlight, Michael pulls back the curtain on how he personally invests with factors. Instead of spotlighting one company, he explains how he layers factor ETFs on top of his core index exposure - building what he calls a 3-layer cake portfolio: S&P 500 base, factor tilts for extra flavor, stock picks on top for fun.You’ll learn about the major factors (size, value, momentum and more), why they’ve delivered long-term premiums and how Michael blends them into his own

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00:42:36

The Trade Desk, Inc. (TTD): Programmatic’s Neutral King

Stock Spotlight ·

2025/07/23

On this episode of Stock Spotlight, Michael dives into The Trade Desk ($TTD), the demand-side platform at the heart of programmatic advertising. With deep integrations, a founder-led culture and a commitment to neutrality in a world of walled gardens, TTD has become the go-to tool for agencies and brands navigating the open internet.But even a king has its challenges. Despite strong free cash flow, high gross margins and tailwinds from CTV and digital spend, The Trade Desk faces valuation risk,

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00:24:48

Alternatives for the Stock-Heavy Investor

Stock Spotlight ·

2025/06/25

In this special episode of Stock Spotlight, Michael steps away from his usual stock deep dives to explore how alternatives can boost portfolio resilience — not for alpha, but for staying power.He shares why traditional diversification failed in 2022, the role of risk-adjusted returns, and the liquid alternatives he now uses personally:• Managed Futures ($DBMF, $KMLM, $CTA)• Gold & Precious Metals ($GLDM, physical)• Long/Short Equity ($BTAL)• Why $CAOS didn’t make the cut• Tax tips &

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00:46:21

Manhattan Associates, Inc. (MANH): Exceptional...

Stock Spotlight ·

2025/06/04

On this episode of Stock Spotlight, Michael breaks down Manhattan Associates ($MANH), a quiet powerhouse in supply chain software that’s been helping global retailers like Home Depot and CVS orchestrate complex omnichannel operations. With a versionless cloud platform and nearly 30% annual growth in cloud revenue, Manhattan is transitioning from a legacy services-heavy model to a high-margin SaaS business.But is it already priced for perfection? Despite best-in-class capital discipline, strong ROIC,

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00:27:16

Watch List Battle: $SPGI vs $MCO vs $FDS (Financial...

Stock Spotlight ·

2025/05/07

On this episode of Stock Spotlight, we’re kicking off a brand-new series, Watchlist Battles. These episodes will feature quality companies going head-to-head for a potential spot in my watch list or portfolio. Today’s showdown features three financial services giants: Standard & Poor’s Global ($SPGI) - A diversified powerhouse in financial data, credit ratings and indexing, with scale and reach that few can match. But after its massive $44B acquisition of IHS Markit in 2022, is its balance sheet

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00:45:11

Medpace Holdings, Inc. (MEDP): Undervalued CRO or...

Stock Spotlight ·

2025/04/02

On this episode of Stock Spotlight, Michael analyzes Medpace Holdings (MEDP), a unique player in the contract research organization (CRO) space. Unlike industry giants focused on big pharma, Medpace specializes in small to mid-sized firms - a double-edged sword that grants pricing power, but also exposes it to biotech funding volatility.With a potential return to double-digit growth in 2026, Medpace meets the criteria for a Quality Growth company, but its narrow moat, lack of true market leadership

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00:41:25

Duolingo, Inc (DUOL): The Rule of 40 Champion

Stock Spotlight ·

2025/03/05

On this episode of Stock Spotlight, Michael dives into Duolingo (DUOL), the #1 education app that has mastered engagement through viral marketing and AI-driven personalization. He unpacks Duolingo’s high-growth, subscription-led business model, discussing its impressive pricing strategy versus competitors and its expanding optionality beyond language learning. With a Rule of 40 score reaching 87% in 2024 - akin to top-tier software companies - Duolingo’s rapid growth is undeniable. But are its low

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00:39:49

Evolution AB (EVO, EVVTY): Balancing Growth and...

Stock Spotlight ·

2025/02/05

In this episode of Stock Spotlight, host Michael dives into Evolution AB, a prominent player in the online gambling industry known for its innovative live casino solutions. He discusses how Evolution has successfully leveraged its B2B business model to capture significant market share among its competitive set. Despite meeting numerous quantitative benchmarks for Quality Growth, Evolution's capital allocation strategy and moderate acquisition intensity raise some concerns. Additionally, the

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00:18:07

A Beginner's Guide to Investing

Stock Spotlight ·

2025/01/01

In this episode of Stock Spotlight, host Michael provides an essential overview of investment concepts tailored for novice investors. He covers key investing concepts, various investment types such as stocks and bonds, and different investment vehicles, equipping listeners with a solid foundation to understand the investing landscape.Michael also delves into effective investment strategies and the importance of portfolio construction. To conclude, he shares 10 actionable tips designed to empower

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00:00:34

Stock Spotlight Trailer

Stock Spotlight ·

2024/12/11

Discover hidden investment gems with Stock Spotlight! Join Michael as he uncovers promising opportunities through deep dives into company fundamentals. Each episode meticulously examines stocks that have earned a ‘watch’ or ‘pass’ rating on his 33-question research checklist, providing you with valuable insights from investor presentations, 10-K filings, and industry trends.Tune in on the first Wednesday of every month at 5:30 AM PST for an in-depth exploration of a compelling investment

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00:49:38

Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK): Strong Business Model Meets...

Stock Spotlight ·

2024/12/04

In this episode of Stock Spotlight, host Michael examines Autodesk, Inc. (ADSK), a leader in design and engineering software solutions with a legacy dating back to 1982. Michael highlights Autodesk's evolution from AutoCAD to a comprehensive suite of innovative tools under the leadership of CEO Andrew Anagnost, who took over in 2017. He discusses the company's strong market position, characterized by its successful transition to a subscription-based revenue model and strategic initiatives like

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00:20:39

The Investor's Toolbox: Entering Positions &...

Stock Spotlight ·

2024/11/20

In this episode of Stock Spotlight, host Michael expands on his investment strategy, focusing on the process of entering new positions and creating effective portfolio tracking metrics. This episode builds upon the previous discussion of investment checklists and benchmarks by introducing additional tools and techniques for successful investing.Michael begins by reiterating his 33-question research checklist for initial stock assessment, which helps identify companies worthy of a 'watch' or 'pass'

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00:49:34

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP): Can They...

Stock Spotlight ·

2024/11/06

In this episode of Stock Spotlight, host Michael examines Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP), a leader in HR services and human capital management (HCM) solutions with a legacy dating back to 1949. Michael highlights ADP's evolution from manual payroll processing to a comprehensive HCM innovator, especially under the leadership of CEO Maria Black, who took over in 2023. He discusses the company's strong market position, characterized by high customer retention rates and strategic initiatives like

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00:40:35

e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (ELF): Affordable Glam for All

Stock Spotlight ·

2024/10/23

In this episode of Stock Spotlight, host Michael explores e.l.f. Beauty, Inc. (ELF), an innovative cosmetics company known for its affordable products that are revolutionizing the beauty industry. With 22 consecutive quarters of 20%+ sales increases, e.l.f. has captured the attention of both beauty enthusiasts and savvy investors alike.Michael highlights e.l.f.'s digital-first strategy and rapid product development. As of October 2nd 2024, he plans to buy a starter position in e.l.f. Beauty at

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00:13:40

The Investor's Toolbox: Unpacking the Power of...

Stock Spotlight ·

2024/10/09

In this episode of Stock Spotlight, host Michael dives into a powerful secret weapon in every savvy investor's arsenal: the investment checklist. He walks you through his comprehensive 33-question framework designed to help him separate the market's gems from the duds. Listeners will explore 9 categories of company research, including fundamentals, industry, management and valuation. Michael explains how to leverage quality scores and top-quartile benchmarks to make data-driven decisions that could

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23 results

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