Roy Swisa talks about Daily Journal (DJCO) and the evolving thesis behind its valuation. Roy shares how independent research into Journal Technologies’ court case management systems led to consulting work with the company. They examine the sum-of-the-parts framework, the sizable equity portfolio, and incentives post-Charlie Munger. The discussion also explores vertical software durability, regulatory moats, primary research methods, expert networks, and AI’s impact on niche SaaS businesses. Roy outlines how compliance, proprietary data, and procurement dynamics shape competitive positioning in local government markets.

Roy's Substack: https://substack.com/@valuetheelephant?

Roy's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rswisa/

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[00:00:00] Introduction to Roy Swisa

[00:03:02] Roy’s Daily Journal consulting role

[00:03:51] Overview of Daily Journal structure

[00:06:13] Vertical software durability thesis

[00:12:41] Sum-of-the-parts valuation debate

[00:14:02] Equity portfolio and capital allocation

[00:25:58] Incentives and balance sheet concerns

[00:35:14] Primary research methodology explained

[00:42:26] Expert networks versus direct sourcing

[00:45:44] SaaS disruption and AI risks

[00:48:37] Compliance and proprietary data moats

[00:55:57] Where to follow Roy

Links:

Yet Another Value Blog - https://www.yetanothervalueblog.com

See our legal disclaimer here: https://www.yetanothervalueblog.com/p/legal-and-disclaimer

Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant - https://thepodcastconsultant.com/

Dan Rasmussen and Greg Obenshain of Verdad Capital discuss their white paper on quantitative investing in biotech. Topics include why biotech’s complexity makes it attractive for systematic investors, how specialist fund ownership serves as a quality signal, and why insider buying and spending-based valuation metrics can outperform traditional financial analysis. The conversation also examines momentum within therapeutic categories, risk management on the short side, and how diversification and rebalancing help address biotech’s event-driven volatility.

Verdad paper on investing in biotech: https://t.co/JZ1uDURDG2

[00:00:00] Introduction to biotech quant paper

[00:02:53] Why biotech attracts value investors

[00:05:07] Specialist ownership as quality signal

[00:08:24] Defining biotech sector specialists

[00:11:29] Acquisition patterns and return drivers

[00:19:37] Managing short risk in biotech

[00:23:06] Short interest as negative signal

[00:27:38] Insider buying predictive power

[00:32:44] Spending-based valuation framework

[00:40:21] Classifying biotech by clinical trials

[00:45:34] Momentum within therapeutic categories

[00:48:23] Events versus underlying return drivers

[00:51:34] Verdad’s contrarian investing philosophy

Links:

Yet Another Value Blog - https://www.yetanothervalueblog.com

See our legal disclaimer here: https://www.yetanothervalueblog.com/p/legal-and-disclaimer

Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant - https://thepodcastconsultant.com/

Phil Namara of Antipodes discusses Volaris (VLRS), a Mexican low-cost airline with significant domestic exposure and cross-border routes into the U.S. Phil outlines the structural growth opportunity in Mexico’s aviation market, where air travel continues taking share from long-distance buses. The discussion examines industry consolidation, competitive dynamics, grounded aircraft from Pratt & Whitney engine issues, and the proposed merger between Volaris and Viva. They analyze regulatory considerations, potential synergies, and valuation scenarios, framing the investment debate around both standalone fundamentals and merger upside.

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[00:00:00] Introduction to Volaris and thesis

[00:03:37] Volaris business overview

[00:08:42] Airline industry economics explained

[00:12:58] U.S. basic economy impact

[00:19:08] European vs U.S. competition

[00:22:44] Mexico aviation growth story

[00:25:54] Volaris and Viva merger

[00:31:07] Competitive barriers in Mexico

[00:37:21] Regulatory approval considerations

[00:42:41] Pratt & Whitney engine grounding

[00:48:59] Merger valuation upside

[00:50:05] Downside if deal fails

Links:

Yet Another Value Blog - https://www.yetanothervalueblog.com

See our legal disclaimer here: https://www.yetanothervalueblog.com/p/legal-and-disclaimer

Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant - https://thepodcastconsultant.com/