Beginning of Earnings Season, Netflix & Tesla, Ep. #187

Hello and welcome to this week's episode of The Capitalist Investor. Today, we will be diving into two main topics: the upcoming British Open and the current state of the market. We will explore the key themes discussed in our recent podcast episode, providing in-depth analysis and insights. So, let's get started.

In this episode of The Capitalist Investor, we begin by discussing the British Open.. Our hosts, Diamond Hands D, Cool Hand Luke, and Tony the Tiger, share their thoughts on the tournament and its significance. They also touch upon other sports events, such as Wimbledon and the rising popularity of pickleball.

Exploring the British Open: Course Conditions and Contenders

The hosts delve into the details of the British Open, focusing on the course conditions and the contenders. They highlight the historical significance of the tournament and its challenging course. The conversation revolves around the accuracy of driving and the impact of the elements on the players' performance.

According to Tony, "The one thing that stuck out to me was that this course, in the last 20 years, has favored players who do not hit driver off the tee. Accuracy is key, as the rough and fescue can be extremely penalizing."

The hosts discuss several players who have the potential to perform well in these conditions. Cam Smith, Justin Rose, and Men Lou Lee are among the favorites due to their accuracy off the tee. Corey Conners and Adam Scott are also mentioned as potential contenders.

The State of the Market: Earnings and the Impact of Interest Rates

Shifting gears, the hosts turn their attention to the current state of the market. They specifically focus on the recent earnings reports from major banks and the impact of interest rates on the financial sector.

They note that while the big banks have reported positive earnings, margins are being compressed due to rising interest rates. Tony speculates on the potential flight risk for regional banks and the need for higher yields to retain customers.

Luke states, "I think there's flight risk for regional banks, as customers may be enticed by higher yields offered by bigger banks. The access to money market mutual funds also gives larger institutions an advantage."

Netflix and Tesla: Earnings Expectations and Market Speculation

The hosts then turn their attention to two major companies reporting earnings: Netflix and Tesla. They discuss the potential impact of the Hollywood strike on Netflix's content and the challenges the company may face in retaining subscribers.

Regarding Tesla, the hosts speculate on Elon Musk's potential comments about interest rates and their impact on the company's loans and margins. They also discuss the valuation of Tesla and its potential for future growth.

Luke shares his thoughts, saying, "I think Elon Musk may try to temper market expectations and address the impact of interest rates on loans and margins. It's not rare for him to publicly comment on the overvaluation of his stock, so it will be interesting to see his approach."

Implications and Future Outlook

The hosts conclude the episode by reflecting on the implications of the discussed themes and offering their future outlook. They emphasize the importance of accurate driving in the British Open and the potential for surprise performances from lesser-known players.

In terms of the market, they highlight the need for regional banks to offer competitive yields and the challenges faced by Netflix in retaining subscribers. They also acknowledge the potential for Tesla's continued growth but caution against the high valuation of the company.