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

Spotify printed a 1Q21 miss on MAUs and mediocre guidance update for 2021. We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again…Spotify strikes us as one of the worst business models of a large cap TMT company we’ve ever seen. The future bliss of podcasting driven profitability is clearly just that…future bliss. Management has NEVER explained how podcasting will translate into a more profitable business other than through hazy comments about “holistic nature of churn reduction and new users”…it reminds us of Reed Hastings when he promised that one day Netflix would be FCF positive years ago…but at least Netflix had an operating model with inherent operating leverage and pricing power, neither of which is present with Spotify. We can justify downside to $125, but realistically think $200 is a reasonable price target. Stay Short.<div class="content-highlight">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.</div>

Spotify printed a 1Q21 miss on MAUs and mediocre guidance update for 2021. We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again…Spotify strikes us as one of the worst business models of a large cap TMT company we’ve ever seen. The future bliss of podcasting driven profitability is clearly just that…future bliss. Management has NEVER explained how podcasting will translate into a more profitable business other than through hazy comments about “holistic nature of churn reduction and new users”…it reminds us of Reed Hastings when he promised that one day Netflix would be FCF positive years ago…but at least Netflix had an operating model with inherent operating leverage and pricing power, neither of which is present with Spotify. We can justify downside to $125, but realistically think $200 is a reasonable price target. Stay Short.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.

Spotify 1Q21 Earnings: What Is an Audio Platform Worth? 2-3x Sales?

Korea/Asia, Events, IPOs, Douglas Research Advisory

Douglas Kim

Korea/Asia, Events, IPOs

Equity Capital Markets

Coinbase Global  / Equity Capital Markets

<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. 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.<div class="content-highlight">
<h2>A $100 Billion Valuation?</h2>
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.
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.  
</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.  


Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Shifara Samsudeen, FCMA, CGMA

Equity Analyst

Long-Short Analysis on Japan, Asia and the World

LightStream Research

LightStream conducts quantitatively rigorous and data-driven analysis with a focus on Japan and Asia.

We consistently cover the Tech, Consumer and Industrial sectors, and provide ECM and Events coverage more broadly.

We supplement traditional qualitative insights from company relationships with a robust quantitative foundation that examines as much historical data as is available.
We further refine the accuracy of our insights and calls through the use of alternative data to flesh out current trends, and through a valuation framework that emphasises non-superficial peer group selection and a proper attempt to understand the metrics and changes that have driven security valuations in the past.

<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tencent-music-entertainment" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27255:1" rel="noopener">Tencent Music (TME US)</a>  is the leading online music entertainment platform in China offering online music, online karaoke, and music-centric live streaming services. The company is said to be in the process of filing for a secondary listing on the Hong Kong Exchange and seeks to raise as much as US$5bn through the secondary listing. This is the Second of a series of reports on TME where we will be discussing the company’s margins in detail. In our previous insight, we examined the company’s business model, segments and revenues.We highlighted that TME continues to enhance its monetisation efforts in the social entertainment services segment and the online music service segment offers a steady flow of users for social entertainment business.

Tencent Music (TME US)  is the leading online music entertainment platform in China offering online music, online karaoke, and music-centric live streaming services. The company is said to be in the process of filing for a secondary listing on the Hong Kong Exchange and seeks to raise as much as US$5bn through the secondary listing. This is the Second of a series of reports on TME where we will be discussing the company’s margins in detail. In our previous insight, we examined the company’s business model, segments and revenues.We highlighted that TME continues to enhance its monetisation efforts in the social entertainment services segment and the online music service segment offers a steady flow of users for social entertainment business.

Tencent Music Secondary: Unlikely for Margins to Expand but Should Remain Stable at Current Level

Insight Provider, CrossASEAN Research

Nicolas Van Broekhoven

Insight Provider

CrossASEAN Research

At CrossASEAN Research we strive to produce unbiased and differentiated on the ground insights on companies across South East Asia. Our Research is produced for the most part after face to face meetings and conversations with company management to dig deep into the long term vision and strategy of the companies we cover. We seek to deliver investable and actionable themes on sectors and markets across SE Asia, often in collaboration with other Insight Providers across the region, pooling the vast experience of the analysts within the Smartkarma Ecosystem. We also offer bespoke work and tailor made trips for our clients. 

Insights across South East Asia

Since 2017 we have written various insights on <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/vivendi-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:21076:1" rel="noopener">Vivendi SA (VIV FP) and Chairman Bollore.</a><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/vivendi-coming-ipo-of-universal-music-group-umg-gives-best-exposure-to-growth-in-streaming-music" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:14102" rel="noopener">Vivendi: Coming IPO of Universal Music Group (UMG) Gives Best Exposure to Growth in Streaming Music</a> in October 2017<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/vivendi-50-trade-sale-of-universal-music-will-receive-strong-interest-17-2-2022-is-coming-closer" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:24640" rel="noopener">Vivendi: 50%Trade Sale of Universal Music Will Receive Strong Interest; 17/2/2022 Is Coming Closer</a> in October 2018<a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/insights/vivendi-viv-fp-equity-all-about-umg-bet-on-vincent-bollore-to-create-maximum-value-by-17-02-22" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="insights:33243" rel="noopener">Vivendi (VIV FP Equity): All About UMG. Bet on Vincent Bollore to Create Maximum Value by 17/02/22</a> in October 2019The crown jewel of Vivendi has been UMG and news over the weekend has come out that 60% of UMG will be listed in Amsterdam. Recall, 20% of UMG is already owned by <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tencent-holdings-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26:1" rel="noopener">Tencent Holdings (700 HK)</a> which increased its stake from 10% to 20% in late December 2020. The remaining 20% will stay with Vivendi.Vivendi's share price rallied 19.6% on the news and as it is digested all eyes should now be on 17/02/2022. This is the official retirement date of Vincent Bollore. As we have predicted over the years (see previous insights) he will want to leave the group on a high note.We, therefore, expect more value-enhancing moves for Vivendi shareholders by Vincent Bollore. Vivendi remains a solid large-cap European story with anticipation for UMG's IPO surely building in 2Q and 3Q. The question that has been posed since 2017 remains the same: would you rather own <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/spotify-technology-sa" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26772:1" rel="noopener">Spotify Technology SA (SPOT US)</a> (65 billion USD market cap), which is the distributor of music, OR would you rather own the largest music catalog owner?Our bet is that once this understanding gets out in the market valuation expectations for UMG will be ramped up aggressively from the minimum 30 billion EUR valuation. Over the coming six months Wall Street banks will be falling over each other to help investors understand the opportunity we have been writing about since 2017. Better late than never.

Since 2017 we have written various insights on Vivendi SA (VIV FP) and Chairman Bollore.Vivendi: Coming IPO of Universal Music Group (UMG) Gives Best Exposure to Growth in Streaming Music in October 2017Vivendi: 50%Trade Sale of Universal Music Will Receive Strong Interest; 17/2/2022 Is Coming Closer in October 2018Vivendi (VIV FP Equity): All About UMG. Bet on Vincent Bollore to Create Maximum Value by 17/02/22 in October 2019The crown jewel of Vivendi has been UMG and news over the weekend has come out that 60% of UMG will be listed in Amsterdam. Recall, 20% of UMG is already owned by Tencent Holdings (700 HK) which increased its stake from 10% to 20% in late December 2020. The remaining 20% will stay with Vivendi.Vivendi's share price rallied 19.6% on the news and as it is digested all eyes should now be on 17/02/2022. This is the official retirement date of Vincent Bollore. As we have predicted over the years (see previous insights) he will want to leave the group on a high note.We, therefore, expect more value-enhancing moves for Vivendi shareholders by Vincent Bollore. Vivendi remains a solid large-cap European story with anticipation for UMG's IPO surely building in 2Q and 3Q. The question that has been posed since 2017 remains the same: would you rather own Spotify Technology SA (SPOT US) (65 billion USD market cap), which is the distributor of music, OR would you rather own the largest music catalog owner?Our bet is that once this understanding gets out in the market valuation expectations for UMG will be ramped up aggressively from the minimum 30 billion EUR valuation. Over the coming six months Wall Street banks will be falling over each other to help investors understand the opportunity we have been writing about since 2017. Better late than never.

Vivendi: IPO of UMG Late '21 to Benefit Tencent; Still Watching 17/02/22 For Final Bollore Fireworks

Spotify printed a modest beat on 4Q and a particularly poor guidance for 2021 – even for a company that chronically underwhelms on guidance. What strikes us is this is one of the worst business models of a large cap TMT company we’ve ever seen. The future bliss of podcasting driven profitability is clearly just that…future bliss. Management has NEVER explained how podcasting will translate into a more profitable business other than through hazy comments about “holistic nature of churn reduction and new users”…it reminds us of Reed Hastings when he promised that one day Netflix would be FCF positive years ago…but at least Netflix had an operating model with inherent operating leverage and pricing power, neither of which is present with Spotify. We can justify downside to $125, but realistically think $200 is a reasonable price target.<div class="content-highlight">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.</div>

Spotify printed a modest beat on 4Q and a particularly poor guidance for 2021 – even for a company that chronically underwhelms on guidance. What strikes us is this is one of the worst business models of a large cap TMT company we’ve ever seen. The future bliss of podcasting driven profitability is clearly just that…future bliss. Management has NEVER explained how podcasting will translate into a more profitable business other than through hazy comments about “holistic nature of churn reduction and new users”…it reminds us of Reed Hastings when he promised that one day Netflix would be FCF positive years ago…but at least Netflix had an operating model with inherent operating leverage and pricing power, neither of which is present with Spotify. We can justify downside to $125, but realistically think $200 is a reasonable price target.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.

Luxembourg

Spotify Technology S.A. provides music streaming services. The Company offers commercial free music and ad-supported services to subscribers. Spotify Technology serves clients worldwide.

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Spotify (SPOT US)

Spotify 1Q21 Earnings: What Is an Audio Platform Worth? 2-3x Sales?

Spotify printed a 1Q21 miss on MAUs and mediocre guidance update for 2021. Spotify is one of the worst business models of a large cap TMT company...

Aaron Gabin

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

Tencent Music Secondary: Unlikely for Margins to Expand but Should Remain Stable at Current Level

Though higher social entertainment ARPPU helps absorb most of the COGS, we believe TME will have to continuously spend on S&M costs to convert its...

Shifara Samsudeen, FCMA, CGMA

Vivendi: IPO of UMG Late '21 to Benefit Tencent; Still Watching 17/02/22 For Final Bollore Fireworks

Vivendi popped 19.6% as plans for a listing of UMG on the Amsterdam exchange were announced. With Vincent Bollore's retirement coming up, expect...

Nicolas Van Broekhoven

Spotify 4Q20: Just Trust Us

Spotify printed an OK quarter paired with awful guidance for 2021, especially given that its excuses for missing guidance were they reasons they...

Aaron Gabin

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