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The Bear Cave is a weekly newsletter focused on uncovering financial discrepancies, questionable corporate practices, and significant leadership changes within companies. It includes activist reports, executive resignations, and market insights, alongside highlighting legal, operational, and competitive challenges faced by corporations across various industries.

Financial Analysis Corporate Governance Market Trends Legal and Regulatory Issues Competitive Analysis Leadership and Management Changes Investor Insights

The hottest Substack posts of The Bear Cave

And their main takeaways

The Bear Cave #261

396 implied HN points • 16 Feb 25
💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis Risk management
  1. There's been some concern about AppLovin, a mobile app company. A researcher claims they are using a scheme that makes it look like users are rewarded for in-app purchases, which might not be genuine.
  2. Multiple company executives have recently resigned, including CEOs and CFOs from several firms. This shows instability in some companies and could affect their future performance.
  3. Some activists are raising issues about well-known companies, like Coca-Cola, and their social policies. This highlights ongoing debates around corporate responsibility and public perception.

The Bear Cave #260

489 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis Executive Changes
  1. New activist reports have revealed serious allegations against several companies, including Applied Optoelectronics and GeneDx Holdings, suggesting they may be involved in fraud and misleading practices.
  2. There were significant executive resignations this week from companies like Match Group and Digital Turbine, indicating possible instability within these businesses.
  3. The SEC is changing how it conducts investigations, which may slow down enforcement actions, showing a shift in regulatory approach.

Diamonds Aren’t Forever

629 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
💼 Business Retail Market Trends Consumer behavior Jewelry Industry Analysis
  1. The diamond industry is in trouble because lab-grown diamonds are cheaper and just as good as natural ones. More people are choosing lab-grown diamonds over mined ones.
  2. Diamond prices are dropping fast, with reports showing sharp declines recently. Many buyers are frustrated with companies that refuse to lower their prices.
  3. Younger women are moving away from traditional mined diamonds. They find lab-grown options more reasonable and prefer spending money on experiences rather than expensive stones.

The Bear Cave #259

513 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
💰 Finance Investing Market Analysis Corporate Governance Financial regulation
  1. New reports from activist investors reveal concerns about companies like Mercury General and FTAI Aviation. These reports suggest significant financial issues and mismanagement that could affect stock prices.
  2. There's a new tool called FOIAsearch.com that makes it easier to find information about SEC investigations and FOIA requests. This can help investors spot potential problems in companies earlier.
  3. Recent executive resignations in companies like Compass Minerals and NextEra Energy indicate instability. Frequent leadership changes can create uncertainty about the company's future.

The Bear Cave #258

583 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investments Market Trends Financial reports Stock Analysis Corporate Governance
  1. Recent reports by researchers highlighted concerns about companies like AppLovin and Construction Partners, suggesting they are facing serious revenue and operational issues.
  2. There have been notable executive resignations at companies such as Blue Bird Corp and Lanzatech Global, indicating potential instability within those organizations.
  3. The SEC released FOIA logs suggesting certain companies are under investigation, as many investors see this as a red flag about their business practices.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

Our 2024 Hedge Fund Analyst Christmas List

2799 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
💰 Finance Investing Market Analysis Financial tools Research
  1. There are many great free tools available for investors to research companies, such as the SEC Full-Text Search and Google Advanced Search.
  2. Paid resources like EdmundSEC and TIKR can provide deep insights and data for serious investors to enhance their research.
  3. Following insightful social media accounts and newsletters can be a valuable way to generate investment ideas and stay updated on market trends.

Sezzle Removes Merchants Following The Bear Cave’s Investigation

513 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
💰 Finance Payment Systems E-commerce Fraud prevention
  1. Sezzle stopped working with several online pharmacies after an investigation revealed they were illegal. This means those pharmacies can no longer process payments using Sezzle.
  2. Many of these online pharmacies sell medications that may not be safe for U.S. consumers. They often have poor regulations and can provide the wrong or dangerous drugs.
  3. By highlighting these issues, the investigation helped prevent fraud and potential harm to consumers. Removing the payment option makes it harder for these illegal pharmacies to reach American buyers.

Problems at Signet Jewelers (SIG)

559 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
💼 Business Retail E-commerce Consumer Trends Market Analysis Branding
  1. Lab-grown diamonds are becoming very popular, especially among younger couples, because they are cheaper and ethically sourced. Many people prefer them over traditional mined diamonds.
  2. Signet Jewelers, a major diamond retailer, is facing challenges as the market shifts towards lab-grown diamonds. They are trying to promote mined diamonds through a new advertising campaign aimed at younger customers.
  3. The diamond industry has a lot of hidden information and marketing tricks that make it hard to understand the true value of diamonds. An expert is now sharing insights to help clear up the confusion.

The Bear Cave #256

653 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investing Markets Healthcare Corporate Governance Activism
  1. There are serious concerns about AppLovin's business practices, including alleged money laundering and low-quality apps. Activist reports suggest their recent growth is questionable.
  2. TransMedics Group is facing backlash for alleged unethical practices in organ transportation. Reports indicate they may have refused life-saving procedures due to billing issues.
  3. A number of executives in various companies have resigned recently, showing instability in leadership roles. This includes multiple CFOs and the CEO of Hershey, which may impact company performance.

The Bear Cave #257

396 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investing Market Analysis Corporate News Regulatory issues Activism
  1. Activist reports are highlighting possible financial issues with several companies, suggesting they may not be as strong as they claim.
  2. Recent executive resignations at various companies indicate instability and potential challenges within their leadership.
  3. The U.S. Department of Transportation is taking action against Southwest Airlines for their ongoing delays, showing the importance of accountability in the travel industry.

The Bear Cave #255

676 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
💰 Finance Investing Stock Market Corporate News Economic Trends Financial Analysis
  1. Hims & Hers Health could be in trouble if the FDA removes its shortage label on semaglutide, which would stop them from selling compounded versions of the drug.
  2. Recent reports revealed Carvana's questionable dealings related to $800 million in loan sales and a possible SEC investigation, leading to a significant drop in their stock.
  3. There have been several high-profile executive resignations recently, indicating potential instability in companies like Integral Ad Science and Aurora Innovation.

Problems at Sezzle (SEZL)

443 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
💰 Finance Payments Investments Banking Regulations Fraud
  1. Sezzle is a payment platform that allows customers to buy now and pay later, but there are concerns about its roles in facilitating fraud and illegal businesses.
  2. Some online pharmacies using Sezzle have been found to sell unapproved or counterfeit drugs, leading to consumer complaints about quality and delivery issues.
  3. Regulatory actions against companies like Google and past illegal activities show the serious risks and penalties involved in dealing with rogue online pharmacies.

The Bear Cave #254

489 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
💼 Business Finance Technology Resignation Investments Corporate Governance
  1. A blogger raised concerns about SoundHound AI, saying it may be losing clients to cheaper and better technology. This could mean big changes for the company.
  2. There have been several high-profile resignations at major companies like Fastenal and Arhaus. These leadership changes could affect their future performance.
  3. The weekly tweets section highlights some interesting social media discussions related to these companies. It's a good way to see what people are saying online.

The Bear Cave #253

489 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
💼 Business Finance Investing Economics Corporate Governance Market Trends
  1. There are serious concerns about Aegon's sales tactics, which some say look like a multi-level marketing scheme.
  2. Recent investigations show JOYY's app Bigo Live is facing major issues after being removed by Google and Apple due to child abuse allegations.
  3. Multiple companies have seen rapid executive turnover, with several CEOs and CFOs resigning or being replaced in just a short time.

Problems at Hindenburg Research

1982 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Investing Research Media Reporting
  1. Hindenburg Research has been accused of copying or closely mirroring reports made by The Bear Cave without giving credit. This includes similar wording and findings in their investigations.
  2. The Bear Cave has done extensive work on issues such as safety and child abuse on platforms like Roblox, which Hindenburg has also reported on without mentioning The Bear Cave's previous contributions.
  3. There are growing concerns about the ethics of Hindenburg's reporting practices, as many see it as taking credit for others' research without acknowledgment.

Problems at The Wall Street Journal

1399 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
💰 Finance Market Analysis Investment Strategies Stock Trading Consumer Advocacy
  1. There's concern about trading actions linked to Wall Street Journal stories. In one case, a trader made a lot of money by buying stocks right before a negative article was published.
  2. The Wall Street Journal may not have fully disclosed important information about sources in its articles. This raises questions about transparency and ethics in their reporting.
  3. Some journalists at the Wall Street Journal have connections to the companies they write about. This could lead to conflicts of interest that affect the trustworthiness of their reporting.

The Bear Cave #251

513 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
💼 Business Finance Markets Investing Corporate Governance Research
  1. There are significant legal troubles for companies like LendingTree, which could face lawsuits costing hundreds of millions of dollars. This could affect their financial stability and future operations.
  2. Recent executive resignations in several companies, including Intel, suggest instability at the management level. Frequent leadership changes can indicate underlying issues within a company.
  3. Research reports from different groups are highlighting possible problems in companies like Serve Robotics and Plug Power. These findings could impact investor confidence and stock prices.

The Bear Cave #250

606 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis Activism
  1. The Bear Cave focuses on finding problems in companies that are often ignored by the mainstream. This helps identify potential short selling opportunities.
  2. The publication has tracked executive resignations and has shown that many companies with leadership changes tend to underperform in the market.
  3. Over the past few years, the companies highlighted by The Bear Cave have consistently lagged behind the S&P 500, hinting at serious issues that investors should consider.

The Bear Cave #252

419 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💰 Finance Investing Market Analysis Corporate Governance Economic Trends
  1. There are new reports about companies experiencing accounting issues and bad loans. It's important to pay attention to these signs as they could lead to financial trouble.
  2. Many executives are resigning from their positions, which could indicate instability within those companies. If a company keeps changing leadership, it might be a bad sign for its future.
  3. Short sellers are becoming more vocal, and there are discussions about plans that could affect companies negatively. Watching how these short sellers act can give clues about company health.

Problems at TransDigm (TDG)

699 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
💼 Business Corporate Governance Government Regulation Market Analysis
  1. TransDigm has been accused of charging extremely high prices for small aircraft parts, with markups sometimes reaching thousands of percent. This has raised concerns about potential price gouging, especially with government contracts.
  2. The incoming Department of Government Efficiency aims to address issues like waste and fraud in government spending, targeting companies like TransDigm for their pricing practices. This could lead to significant audits and potential savings for taxpayers.
  3. There is bipartisan criticism of TransDigm's pricing strategies, suggesting that their business model relies on acquiring sole-source suppliers and drastically increasing prices at the expense of the government and taxpayers.

The Bear Cave #249

513 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
💼 Business Finance Investors Market Analysis Corporate Governance Executive Changes
  1. Multiple activist reports have raised concerns about major companies like Roblox, Oklo, and elf Beauty, suggesting issues of financial integrity and management competence. These reports could indicate potential future problems for these companies.
  2. Several key executives have recently resigned from their positions, including CEOs and CFOs from various companies. This turnover can point to instability within these organizations, potentially affecting their performance.
  3. There are ongoing investigations into companies like Zeta Global for unethical practices. Allegations of deceptive marketing and revenue manipulation highlight the importance of transparency in business.

The Bear Cave #248

583 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate strategy Market Analysis Business Ethics
  1. Culper Research claims Zeta Global Holdings is involved in shady practices, including false data and deceptive websites to gather consumer information. They think Zeta's stock price is too high and expect it to drop soon.
  2. There have been several high-profile resignations among executives in various companies, highlighting instability in leadership. It's concerning when CFOs and CEOs leave, especially in such quick succession.
  3. Recent reports have raised concerns about financial discrepancies in VusionGroup, which may indicate larger issues within the company. The connection with a major Chinese partner raises further questions about its operations.

The Bear Cave #244

769 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis Regulation
  1. Fuzzy Panda Research raised concerns about Stride Inc, suggesting it might face serious challenges after benefiting from COVID-related funding. They believe the company is going to struggle with competition and internal issues.
  2. Recent executive resignations from companies like CVS Health and The Joint Corp signal potential instability, as these leaders leave amid significant financial downturns for their companies.
  3. A new FTC rule will make it easier for consumers to cancel subscriptions. This change aims to prevent businesses from making it too hard for people to stop payments for services they no longer want.

The Bear Cave #245

653 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
💰 Finance Investing Market Analysis Corporate News Regulatory issues Economic Trends
  1. New reports are raising serious concerns about several companies, including Hershey, which was found to have harmful chemicals in its products. This could impact its reputation and sales.
  2. Several high-profile executives have recently resigned from their positions at major companies, suggesting possible instability or issues within those organizations.
  3. There are calls for caution when it comes to tweeting about stocks, as public opinions and statements can significantly affect market perceptions and investments.

The Bear Cave #246

559 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
💼 Business Finance Management Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis
  1. Blue Orca Capital reported that Baldwin Insurance Group has been using some tricky financial practices to make their profits look better than they actually are. They claim the company has serious profitability issues.
  2. Recent leadership changes show a lot of turnover among company executives, with several CFOs and CEOs resigning or being let go. This could indicate bigger problems within those companies.
  3. There are also activist reports about Byrna Technologies, suggesting they might be exaggerating their business success. The reports claim many of their dealers don’t really exist or aren't effective.

Problems at POET Technologies (POET)

256 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
💰 Finance Stock Market Investing Corporate Finance Market Trends Financial Analysis
  1. POET Technologies is working on an optical interposer technology, but it has very little revenue and a large debt, raising concerns about its long-term survival.
  2. The stock price of POET has risen dramatically this year, largely due to promotional campaigns rather than the company’s actual performance or growth.
  3. Several YouTube videos promoting POET were paid for by the company, which coincided with big jumps in stock price, suggesting that hype is driving interest more than solid fundamentals.

Problems at Roblox (RBLX) #5

513 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Gaming Child safety Online Communities Digital Content
  1. Roblox has been linked to serious issues like school shooting games and child abuse, raising concerns about children's safety on the platform.
  2. Many Roblox developers admit the site isn't safe for kids, often referring to its content as harmful and emphasizing the lack of proper moderation.
  3. Roblox's current sign-up process allows easy access for predators, as it only requires a username and password, and there are serious suggestions for improving safety measures to protect children.

Problems at Viasat (VSAT)

349 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
💼 Business Tech Companies Market Competition Aviation Government Influence
  1. Viasat is facing tough competition from SpaceX's Starlink, which offers better internet services with lower costs and faster speeds. This competition is stealing customers from Viasat's main markets.
  2. Starlink's quick response during disasters, like Hurricane Helene, shows its effectiveness and has gained recognition from notable figures like President Trump. This has raised its profile and user demand.
  3. Viasat's challenges are significant enough that many believe it could struggle to survive, as Starlink continues to grow and dominate the satellite internet industry.

The Bear Cave #243

489 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
💼 Business Finance Corporate Governance Market Analysis Investment Strategies Regulatory issues
  1. Roblox has been accused of inflating its user numbers by including fake accounts and bots. This has raised safety concerns, especially regarding child safety on the platform.
  2. There have been multiple recent resignations of CFOs from various companies, often after short tenures. This may indicate instability or issues within those organizations.
  3. Some companies are being investigated for their marketing practices, including the use of questionable data sources for email campaigns. This raises questions about ethical business practices.

The Bear Cave #205

1562 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
💼 Business Activist Reports Recent Resignations Financial Analysis
  1. New activist reports highlight concerns about various companies' practices and financial status.
  2. Recent resignations of notable executives from multiple companies indicate ongoing changes in leadership.
  3. Range of articles and tweets shared on different topics provide diverse insights and updates in the financial world.

Problems at an ARK Invest Favorite

1026 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💰 Finance Investing Stocks Analysis Market
  1. The Bear Cave raises concerns about an ARK Invest favorite, suggesting it may not live up to the hype and bold promises of innovation.
  2. The company in question has been spending on questionable celebrity partnerships, leading to doubts about its true potential.
  3. Despite predictions of high growth, The Bear Cave predicts a potential crash for this company, signaling a caution for investors.

The Bear Cave #204

1119 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
💰 Finance Activist Reports Recent Resignations Tweets
  1. New activist reports revealed alleged financial manipulation by companies like Grifols and ethical lapses at DocGo.
  2. Multiple executive resignations were announced, including CFOs and CEOs from various companies.
  3. Notable tweets of the week were highlighted, showcasing discussions on regulatory actions and financial concerns.

The Bear Cave #203

1096 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
💼 Business Financial News
  1. New Activist Reports on Medical Properties Trust and consequences
  2. Significant Recent Resignations from various companies
  3. Highlighted Tweets of the Week referencing market happenings and insights

The Bear Cave #208

863 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
💰 Finance Activist Reports Recent Resignations
  1. New activist reports highlighted issues with companies like CAVA Group, Soho House & Co, Fairfax Financial Holdings, and Dun & Bradstreet Holdings.
  2. Recent resignations from notable executives, including CEOs and CFOs at companies like Grifols, HF Foods Group, Enerpac Tool Group, and Allego, were disclosed.
  3. The Bear Cave also featured insightful tweets of the week and suggested articles on topics such as how the funeral industry hides bad actors and SEC charging Cloopen Group with accounting fraud.

The Bear Cave #213

583 implied HN points • 17 Mar 24
💰 Finance Activist Reports Recent Resignations
  1. Activist reports on companies like LPP S.A. and Enfusion Inc. shed light on potential issues affecting their businesses.
  2. Recent resignations of notable executives from companies like Hertz Global Holdings and Turning Point Brands raise questions about leadership stability and financial health.
  3. Interesting reads include SEC charging former Tallgrass Energy board member with insider trading and Senator Josh Hawley calling for DOJ investigation into FICO for anticompetitive practices.

More Problems at B. Riley (RILY)

653 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
💰 Finance Investigation Stocks Auditing Fraud Regulatory issues
  1. The Bear Cave has raised concerns about B. Riley's ties and financial exposure to an accused fraudster, Brian Kahn, as well as regulatory and disclosure issues at the company.
  2. Short seller Marc Cohodes referred to B. Riley as the "biggest pound-for-pound financial fraud" he has seen.
  3. New evidence presented by The Bear Cave includes a potential departure of B. Riley's audit engagement partner, contradicting statements about a loan to Brian Kahn, and engagement of outside counsel by B. Riley's auditor in response to concerns.

The Bear Cave #211

583 implied HN points • 03 Mar 24
💰 Finance Reports Resignations Social media
  1. Kerrisdale Capital and Capybara Research published critical reports on Carvana and SoundHound AI, highlighting concerns about valuation, growth prospects, and financial status.
  2. Recent high-profile resignations include executives from companies like Chemours, Outbrain, SunPower Corp, and New York Community Bancorp, raising various concerns like accounting practices, company performance, and leadership changes.
  3. The SEC charged Lordstown Motors with misleading investors about their electric vehicle, and Panera Bread's exemption from California's new $20 minimum wage law revealed through a Bloomberg report.