On October 15, 2024, the Hyatt Regency San Francisco hosted the much-anticipated Sohn San Francisco Conference, where emerging talent from Cal Berkeley and Stanford University showcased their analytical skills in a riveting stock pitch competition. The stakes were elevated as undergraduate teams presented contrasting investment theses on Clear Secure Inc (NYSE:YOU) and Instacart (NASDAQ:CART), two companies operating within the broader landscape of consumer services. Each pitch highlighted the students’ deep market insights, analytical acumen, and understanding of the companies’ strategic positioning. Here, we delve into the key arguments from both presentations and their implications for investors looking to navigate this dynamic market.
Clear Secure: A Cautionary Tale of Market Limitations
The Cal Berkeley team, composed of Claire and Amanda,...

