Hundreds of investing and finance newsletters hit my (and maybe your) inbox every week. This is the best of the best.
This week, we bring you
- 23andMe Slashes Workforce by 40%
- Hershey Gets a Taste of Sour Strips
- Crystal-Clear Microscopy for Everyone
- Zero’s Innovation Redefines Motorcycles
- Pistachios Make California Richer
- AI Robots Watch and Learn Surgery
- 3 Stocks To Consider
Thanks for reading.
Wyatt
Table of Contents
23andMe Slashes Workforce by 40%
The genetic testing pioneer’s valuation plummeted from $3.5 billion to $100 million following its 2021 SPAC merger.
23andMe announced a 40% workforce reduction and the closure of its therapeutics business. CEO Anne Wojcicki’s attempt to take the company private was rejected by the board, leading to a mass director resignation.
The company is now betting on a new $500 monthly premium “longevity platform” subscription service to revive its fortunes.
Hershey Gets a Taste of Sour Strips
The Hershey Company has made a strategic move by acquiring Sour Strips, a viral candy brand founded by content creator Maxx Chewning.
The deal is the latest in a trend of social media-driven brands achieving legitimate commercial success and attracting attention from industry giants.
While the acquisition price remains undisclosed, it demonstrates Hershey’s continued commitment to expanding its portfolio through strategic acquisitions.
Crystal-Clear Microscopy for Everyone
The iMicro Q3p has revolutionized portable microscopy by offering professional-grade magnification at just 1% of traditional costs. The fingertip-sized device offers up to 1,200x magnification with resolution below a single micron.
The technology includes polarization features for viewing crystal structures and comes with a stable focusing stand for precise imaging, making professional-grade microscopy accessible to everyone with a smartphone.
See how this tiny lens is democratizing microscopy.
Zero’s Innovation Redefines Motorcycles
UK-based White Motorcycle Concepts achieved a 10% reduction in aerodynamic drag on Zero’s SR/S electric motorcycle through an innovative central duct design, potentially extending range by 5% or more at highway speeds.
The modification, which channels air through the center of the bike, demonstrates that meaningful improvements in EV performance can be accomplished through aerodynamic engineering.
Once time-tested, the relatively low-cost solution could be adopted across multiple platforms.
Pistachios Make California Richer
US pistachio production soared to 676,000 metric tons, a 69% jump from the previous year. California farmers are increasingly pivoting from water-intensive almonds to hardier pistachio trees, better suited to drought conditions.
The shift has made pistachios California’s sixth-largest agricultural commodity, surpassing traditional crops like tomatoes and strawberries. With strong international demand, the pistachio boom shows no signs of slowing.
AI Robots Watch and Learn Surgery
Johns Hopkins University researchers achieved a breakthrough in surgical robotics, training the da Vinci Surgical System to perform complex medical procedures by watching videos of human surgeons.
Using a combination of ChatGPT-style architecture and kinematics, the system effectively learned to “speak surgery” through mathematical movements. The robot showed impressive adaptability by performing unplanned tasks like retrieving dropped needles.
See how AI is revolutionizing surgery.
What I’m reading
I get a lot of mail asking where I find all this good stuff. Here are a few of my favorite newsletters, all of which are free to subscribe to:
Interviews, articles, memes & research reports from Twitter, Substack, YouTube & more. Get smarter about investing.
Aussie-focussed market news that gives a solid non-US perspective on global finance.
Visual insights into business, tech, entertainment, and society.
Stock ideas
Here are three of my favorites from this past week.
Analysis provided by public.com.
Remember to always DYOR.
Danaos Corporation($DAC)
Bullish Case
- Strong Contract Coverage: Secured charters through 2026 provide insulated revenue streams from potential market weakness, plus a locked-in revenue backlog.
- Potential Market Upside: 2025 could see significant growth due to Trump’s tariffs and potential port strikes.
- Conservative Management Approach: Focus on debt reduction and fleet diversification strengthens the balance sheet and positions the company well.
Bearish Case
- Limited Shareholder Returns: Management’s conservative approach leads to weak shareholder returns, directing cash toward vessel acquisitions.
- Industry Overcapacity Concerns: Record-high containership order book of 8.4M TEU (26.7% of the current fleet) threatens market stability and future charter rates.
Sky Harbour($SKYH)
Bullish Case
- Market Leadership and High Barriers: Secured 40-50 year airport leases in strategic locations create local monopolies with high barriers to entry.
- Strong Unit Economics: Annual net operating income exceeds $50 per square foot, delivering unlevered returns above 15%.
- Expansion Potential: Current valuation at $11.60 is justified by existing 14 campuses alone, with significant upside potential as the company expands.
Bearish Case
- Funding Risk: The company needs approximately $2 Billion in additional capital to reach its 50-airport goal.
- Limited Operating History: Sky Harbour lacks a proven track record of managing large-scale operations and construction projects.
Krispy Kreme($DNUT)
Bullish Case
- McDonald’s Partnership Expansion: Accelerating to 12,000 locations in two years, with 2,000 stores by late 2024.
- Efficient Hub-and-Spoke Model: A superior distribution system enable the servicing of 100 doors per hub, with 30 new hubs planned.
- Strong International Growth: Strong-margin international business yields 30% of revenue, while international hot light theaters outperform US locations by double.
Bearish Case
- High Capital Expenditure Requirements: Requires $180 million in capital and operating costs over two years for hub expansion.
- Historical Performance Concerns: Previous accounting issues and poor franchise model execution have created skepticism among investors.
If you write amazing content and want to be featured, please send it through for consideration.
Cheers,
Wyatt
Disclosures
- There are affiliate links above; we’ll get a couple of bucks if you take action after you click.
- Nothing above is financial advice. DYOR, you filthy animal.
