Curious to get folks’ takes — what’s the best business of all time / the best business model you’ve seen?
Was asked this in an interview and would love to hear some other responses
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Based on the WSO Dataset, the best business or business model often depends on various factors including scalability, profitability, market impact, and sustainability. However, a commonly admired business model in the finance community is the Software as a Service (SaaS) model. This model is highly scalable, has recurring revenue streams, and typically enjoys high margins due to low incremental costs after the initial development.
Another example often cited is the franchise model used by companies like McDonald's. This model allows for rapid expansion and market penetration while minimizing corporate risk and capital expenditure, as franchisees bear much of the costs and risks.
Both models demonstrate strong economic moats, scalability, and the ability to generate significant long-term value, making them standout choices in discussions about the best business models.
Sources: How to analyse business models?, McKinsey Who?, Officially Out of the HF Business, Books that Changed Your Perspective on Life, Best Books on Understanding Businesses?
Google - it's effectively a monopoly. Largest risk prior to the advent of OpenAI 12 months ago was the US government breaking it up. Network effects / winner-take all industry dynamics.
McDonalds - global brand, value-oriented customer (i.e., recession resistant), demand will never go away, owns a F-ton of RE.
Coca Cola - cheaper than water. Costs nothing to make. Not really subject to any tech disruption. Marketing behemoth.
Waste Management - garbage business is a quasi-monopoly regionally based on ownership of landfills. New landfills can't be built. Guess who owns most of them in the US
Basically think about businesses that are likely to exist 100 years from now. Very hard to guess which tech names will still exist. But I'm reasonably confident that Coca Cola and McD's will be around.
Parking lots / garages
Tabacco companies got a good model, they kill there best customers but quitting nicotine is very hard.
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