The Value Thesis

The Value Thesis

Investment Notes

How to Actually Win at Investing

Success isn’t about predicting the future; it’s about owning great businesses at fair prices and sitting on your hands.

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Arda Solmaz
Jan 29, 2026
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The Golden Rule: Know What You Own

The biggest reason people lose money is simple: they buy a ticker symbol, not a business. If you cannot explain how a company makes money, you have no business owning it.

  • Understand the “Why”: Does the company sell a product people need (like toothpaste) or just want right now (like a trendy gadget)?

  • The 5-Year Test: If y…

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