TMT & Consumer Independent Equity Research Analyst, Obex Capital Research

Aaron Gabin

TMT & Consumer Independent Equity Research Analyst

TMT & Consumer Independent Equity Research

Obex Capital Research

“Obex” is Latin for Barriers to Entry. Obex Capital Management’s investment philosophy is driven by an intense focus on which business model’s Barriers to Entry are able to withstand the ever increasing competitive disruption in the TMT and Consumer Sectors.

Equity Bottom-Up

Palantir Technologies  / Equity Bottom-Up

<p>I'm trying to come up with some meme-able business idea so like Adam Aron (no relation) I can raise $589MM. If the SmartKarma community has any idea, I'm all ears. I'll even go with something not in terminal secular decline!</p><p>On to the weekly...Palantir's general level of ridiculousness hits another level, Twitter discovers business models invented 4-5 years ago, and work from home keeps working.</p><div class="content-highlight"><p>Obex’s fundamental research process is focused on secular change in the TMT and Consumer sectors. We seek to differentiate between fundamental business analysis and security analysis. Before deciding if a security’s pricing and positioning merit a long or short position, we analyze the four pillars of business fundamentals (Secular Factors, TAM, Competitive Advantage, Business Model) in order to determine if this is a “good” or “not so good” opportunity.  </p></div>

I'm trying to come up with some meme-able business idea so like Adam Aron (no relation) I can raise $589MM. If the SmartKarma community has any idea, I'm all ears. I'll even go with something not in terminal secular decline!On to the weekly...Palantir's general level of ridiculousness hits another level, Twitter discovers business models invented 4-5 years ago, and work from home keeps working.Obex’s fundamental research process is focused on secular change in the TMT and Consumer sectors. We seek to differentiate between fundamental business analysis and security analysis. Before deciding if a security’s pricing and positioning merit a long or short position, we analyze the four pillars of business fundamentals (Secular Factors, TAM, Competitive Advantage, Business Model) in order to determine if this is a “good” or “not so good” opportunity.  

TMT Weekly:  3 Things that Stood Out The Week of 6/​4/​​​​​2021 (Non-AMC Edition)

<p>Palantir’s earnings call was a master class in obfuscation.</p><p><strong>Since 4Q20 earnings on February 16, 2021, five C-Suite executives from Palantir have sold $250MM (!!) in stock, with CEO Alex Karp selling $137MM in just the past 3 months. Luckily for them, Cathie Wood and ARK has bought 20M shares for $480MM! </strong></p><div class="content-highlight"><p>Obex’s fundamental research process is focused on secular change in the TMT and Consumer sectors. We seek to differentiate between fundamental business analysis and security analysis. Before deciding if a security’s pricing and positioning merit a long or short position, we analyze the four pillars of business fundamentals (Secular Factors, TAM, Competitive Advantage, Business Model) in order to determine if this is a “good” or “not so good” opportunity.</p></div>

Palantir’s earnings call was a master class in obfuscation.Since 4Q20 earnings on February 16, 2021, five C-Suite executives from Palantir have sold $250MM (!!) in stock, with CEO Alex Karp selling $137MM in just the past 3 months. Luckily for them, Cathie Wood and ARK has bought 20M shares for $480MM! Obex’s fundamental research process is focused on secular change in the TMT and Consumer sectors. We seek to differentiate between fundamental business analysis and security analysis. Before deciding if a security’s pricing and positioning merit a long or short position, we analyze the four pillars of business fundamentals (Secular Factors, TAM, Competitive Advantage, Business Model) in order to determine if this is a “good” or “not so good” opportunity.

Palantir 1Q21 Earnings: ARK’s Buying What They’re Selling

Korea/Asia, Events, IPOs, Douglas Research Advisory

Douglas Kim

Korea/Asia, Events, IPOs

Equity Capital Markets

<p>Founded in 2003 by the CEO Anthony Casalena, Squarespace is getting ready to complete its direct public listing on May 19 on the New York Stock Exchange. Squarespace raised $300 million ($68.42 per share) in March 2021 from investors including Tiger Global, D1 Capital Partners, and Fidelity Management &amp; Research Company, valuing the company at nearly<a href="https://www.reuters.com/article/us-squarespace-funding-idUSKBN2B832O" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> $10 billion. </a>Other major investors of the company include Accel, Index Ventures, and General Atlantic. </p><p>Squarespace joins a list of numerous technology companies that have become public through the direct listing route, including <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/palantir-technologies-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27728:1" rel="noopener">Palantir Technologies Inc (PLTR US)</a>, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/roblox-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:29697:1" rel="noopener">ROBLOX Corp (RBLX US)</a>, and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/coinbase-global-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:32227:1" rel="noopener">Coinbase (COIN US)</a>. Squarespace's shareholders have registered to sell about 40.4 million common shares with the CEO Anthony Caslena holding a 68.2% stake. </p><p>Squarespace is a one-stop-shop platform for websites creation, domains, e-commerce, and marketing tools for companies and organizations to manage their social media presence. The company generated sales of $621.2 million in 2020, up 28.1% YoY. Its sales growth accelerated by 31.3% YoY to $179.7 million in 1Q 2021. Although the company benefited from higher sales and gross margins, its operating margins declined from 12.7% in 2019 to 6.5% in 2020, which was caused by higher R&amp;D and sales &amp; marketing expenses.</p>

Founded in 2003 by the CEO Anthony Casalena, Squarespace is getting ready to complete its direct public listing on May 19 on the New York Stock Exchange. Squarespace raised $300 million ($68.42 per share) in March 2021 from investors including Tiger Global, D1 Capital Partners, and Fidelity Management &amp; Research Company, valuing the company at nearly $10 billion. Other major investors of the company include Accel, Index Ventures, and General Atlantic. Squarespace joins a list of numerous technology companies that have become public through the direct listing route, including Palantir Technologies Inc (PLTR US), ROBLOX Corp (RBLX US), and Coinbase (COIN US). Squarespace's shareholders have registered to sell about 40.4 million common shares with the CEO Anthony Caslena holding a 68.2% stake. Squarespace is a one-stop-shop platform for websites creation, domains, e-commerce, and marketing tools for companies and organizations to manage their social media presence. The company generated sales of $621.2 million in 2020, up 28.1% YoY. Its sales growth accelerated by 31.3% YoY to $179.7 million in 1Q 2021. Although the company benefited from higher sales and gross margins, its operating margins declined from 12.7% in 2019 to 6.5% in 2020, which was caused by higher R&amp;D and sales &amp; marketing expenses.

IPOs and Catalysts/Events, Global Equity Research Ltd

Arun George

IPOs and Catalysts/Events

Uncompromised, Independent, Conflict-Free Research

Global Equity Research Ltd

Global Equity Research was started in 2017 by a group of experienced research professionals. It was founded on a passionate belief in the importance and the need for uncompromised, independent, conflict-free research. We aim to provide differentiated and actionable primary and bottom up fundamental research.

<div><p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/bairong" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31486:1" rel="noopener">Bairong (1569395D CH)</a> is a leading independent AI-powered technology platform in China serving the financial services industry. Biarong will commence trading on Wednesday, 31 March. Bairong priced its IPO at HK$31.80 and <a href="https://inews.hket.com/article/2920642/%E3%80%90%E6%96%B0%E8%82%A1IPO%E3%80%91%E7%99%BE%E8%9E%8D%E9%9B%B2%E5%89%B56608%E6%9A%97%E7%9B%A4%E6%BD%9B%E6%B0%B4%E3%80%80%E4%B8%80%E6%89%8B%E5%B8%B3%E9%9D%A2%E8%9D%951400%E5%85%83?mtc=40001&amp;srkw=IPO%E6%9C%80%E5%BF%AB%E6%9C%80%E9%BD%8A" target="_blank" rel="noopener">opened around -9% lower</a> at HK$29 in the grey market. The poor grey market performance is perhaps unsurprisingly in light of the choppy market conditions and declining market sentiment on Chinese tech names. </p></div><div><p>In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bairong-ipo-initiation-creditworthy" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:49249" rel="noopener">Bairong IPO Initiation: Creditworthy</a>, we opined that the good 4Q20 revenue growth exit rate points to recovery. We noted that Bairong has the potential to combine solid growth with profitability and cash generation. We concluded that Bairong is worth a closer look. In <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/bairong-ipo-valuation-insights" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:49418" rel="noopener">Bairong IPO: Valuation Insights</a>, we noted that the IPO price range is reasonable.</p></div><div><div><div class="content-highlight"><p>Updating for the final IPO net raise, our base-case DCF derived price target of HK$35.79 per share. Our DCF sensitivity analysis shows that the IPO price remains reasonable and the grey market factors in conservative market share and margin forecasts. For investors with a longer-term horizon, we think that the grey market price represents good value. </p></div></div></div>

Bairong (1569395D CH) is a leading independent AI-powered technology platform in China serving the financial services industry. Biarong will commence trading on Wednesday, 31 March. Bairong priced its IPO at HK$31.80 and opened around -9% lower at HK$29 in the grey market. The poor grey market performance is perhaps unsurprisingly in light of the choppy market conditions and declining market sentiment on Chinese tech names. In Bairong IPO Initiation: Creditworthy, we opined that the good 4Q20 revenue growth exit rate points to recovery. We noted that Bairong has the potential to combine solid growth with profitability and cash generation. We concluded that Bairong is worth a closer look. In Bairong IPO: Valuation Insights, we noted that the IPO price range is reasonable.Updating for the final IPO net raise, our base-case DCF derived price target of HK$35.79 per share. Our DCF sensitivity analysis shows that the IPO price remains reasonable and the grey market factors in conservative market share and margin forecasts. For investors with a longer-term horizon, we think that the grey market price represents good value. 

Coinbase Global  / Equity Capital Markets

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/coinbase-global-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:32227:1" rel="noopener">Coinbase (COIN US) </a>plans to complete its direct public listing in April. Coinbase is an operator of one of the largest digital currency exchanges in the world. Established in 2012, Coinbase currently has more than 43 million retail users and 7,000 institutional investors. </p><p>According to the prospectus, the Coinbase shares have traded hands at prices from $200 to $375. The volume weighted average price per share was $343.58 from January to 15 March. Coinbase has recently been valued as high as <a href="https://www.etftrends.com/crypto-channel/coinbase-valued-at-100-billion-ipo-approaches/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$100 billion</a>, which is a significant increase from its private market value of $8 billion in October 2018. Early investors in Coinbase include Tiger Global Management, Y Combinator Continuity, New York Stock Exchange, and Andreessen Horowitz.</p><div class="content-highlight">
<h2>A $100 Billion Valuation?</h2>
<p>Numerous media sources have cited that Coinbase is seeking about <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2021-03-02/coinbase-ipo-coin-the-crypto-exchange-is-a-100-billion-cult" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$100 billion</a> in valuation at its direct public listing. Despite the numerous positive factors (such as surging sales growth and turn to profitability), it is difficult to argue for this high of a valuation. At $100 billion valuation, it would represent a whopping 78x P/S multiple (using 2020 sales). It certainly helps that Bitcoin and Ethereum have been surging in prices in the past year.</p>
<p>Nonetheless, even Coinbase itself has pointed out in its prospectus that Bitcoin has experienced four major cycles since its launch (the fourth cycle is still ongoing). We would argue that for the prudent investors, there is no rush to buy Coinbase while Bitcoin price is near at its all time highs. The prudent investor should wait until there is a major correction in the Bitcoin price to see how the Coinbase's financials are able to withstand such correction. </p>
<p><strong>In addition, we would argue that as the Bitcoin and crypto trading become more mainstream, the trading fees for the cryptos WILL GO DOWN much more significantly, which is likely to negatively impact Coinbase.  </strong></p>
</div>

Coinbase (COIN US) plans to complete its direct public listing in April. Coinbase is an operator of one of the largest digital currency exchanges in the world. Established in 2012, Coinbase currently has more than 43 million retail users and 7,000 institutional investors. According to the prospectus, the Coinbase shares have traded hands at prices from $200 to $375. The volume weighted average price per share was $343.58 from January to 15 March. Coinbase has recently been valued as high as $100 billion, which is a significant increase from its private market value of $8 billion in October 2018. Early investors in Coinbase include Tiger Global Management, Y Combinator Continuity, New York Stock Exchange, and Andreessen Horowitz.
A $100 Billion Valuation?
Numerous media sources have cited that Coinbase is seeking about $100 billion in valuation at its direct public listing. Despite the numerous positive factors (such as surging sales growth and turn to profitability), it is difficult to argue for this high of a valuation. At $100 billion valuation, it would represent a whopping 78x P/S multiple (using 2020 sales). It certainly helps that Bitcoin and Ethereum have been surging in prices in the past year.
Nonetheless, even Coinbase itself has pointed out in its prospectus that Bitcoin has experienced four major cycles since its launch (the fourth cycle is still ongoing). We would argue that for the prudent investors, there is no rush to buy Coinbase while Bitcoin price is near at its all time highs. The prudent investor should wait until there is a major correction in the Bitcoin price to see how the Coinbase's financials are able to withstand such correction. 
In addition, we would argue that as the Bitcoin and crypto trading become more mainstream, the trading fees for the cryptos WILL GO DOWN much more significantly, which is likely to negatively impact Coinbase.  


United States

Palantir Technologies Inc. develops software to analyze information. The Company offers solutions support many kinds of data including structured, unstructured, relational, temporal, and geospatial. Palantir Technologies serves customers worldwide.

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Palantir Technologies (PLTR US)

TMT Weekly: 3 Things that Stood Out The Week of 6/4/2021 (Non-AMC Edition)

Palantir's general level of ridiculousness hits another level, Twitter discovers business models invented 4-5 years ago, and work from home keeps...

Aaron Gabin

Palantir 1Q21 Earnings: ARK’s Buying What They’re Selling

Since 4Q20 C-Suite executives from Palantir have sold $250MM (!!) in stock, with CEO Alex Karp selling $137MM in just the past 3 months. Luckily...

Aaron Gabin

Squarespace Direct Listing Preview

Squarespace is getting ready to complete its direct public listing on May 19 on the New York Stock Exchange. In this insight, we provide the key...

Douglas Kim

Bairong IPO: Trading Debut

Bairong priced its IPO at HK$31.80 and opened around -9% lower at HK$29 in the grey market. Our DCF sensitivity analysis shows that the grey market...

Arun George

Coinbase Direct Public Listing Preview

We would argue that as the Bitcoin and crypto trading become more mainstream, the trading fees for the cryptos WILL GO DOWN much more...

Douglas Kim

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TMT Weekly: 3 Things that Stood Out The Week of 6/​4/​​​​​2021 (Non-AMC Edition)

Palantir's general level of ridiculousness hits another level, Twitter discovers business models invented 4-5 years ago, and work from home keeps...

Aaron Gabin

Palantir 1Q21 Earnings: ARK’s Buying What They’re Selling

Since 4Q20 C-Suite executives from Palantir have sold $250MM (!!) in stock, with CEO Alex Karp selling $137MM in just the past 3 months. Luckily...

Aaron Gabin

Squarespace Direct Listing Preview

Squarespace is getting ready to complete its direct public listing on May 19 on the New York Stock Exchange. In this insight, we provide the key...

Douglas Kim

Bairong IPO: Trading Debut

Bairong priced its IPO at HK$31.80 and opened around -9% lower at HK$29 in the grey market. Our DCF sensitivity analysis shows that the grey market...

Arun George

Coinbase Direct Public Listing Preview

We would argue that as the Bitcoin and crypto trading become more mainstream, the trading fees for the cryptos WILL GO DOWN much more...

Douglas Kim

TMT Weekly: 3 Things that Stood Out The Week of 6/4/2021 (Non-AMC Edition)