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

<div><p>We have been longtime fans of Netflix the product and Netflix’s management team can rightfully be described as visionary. They had the vision to have the public markets fund an experiment in business models that appears now set to breakeven on FCF in 2021. Over the course of the past year we have gone from being short Netflix to long Netflix beginning this past summer, which has played out...and now we return to the sidelines (but not interested in reshorting Netflix), as we think to get more bullish on Netflix from here requires greater clarity on future revenue optionality around gaming and consumer products. The increasingly saturated streaming space means Netflix will only be growing subs ~10% for the forseeable future, with most of that growth from lower priced regions, while it will be investing with a vengeance to drive more content, likely capping expectations for continued margin expansion and FCF.</p></div><div><div><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></div></div>

We have been longtime fans of Netflix the product and Netflix’s management team can rightfully be described as visionary. They had the vision to have the public markets fund an experiment in business models that appears now set to breakeven on FCF in 2021. Over the course of the past year we have gone from being short Netflix to long Netflix beginning this past summer, which has played out...and now we return to the sidelines (but not interested in reshorting Netflix), as we think to get more bullish on Netflix from here requires greater clarity on future revenue optionality around gaming and consumer products. The increasingly saturated streaming space means Netflix will only be growing subs ~10% for the forseeable future, with most of that growth from lower priced regions, while it will be investing with a vengeance to drive more content, likely capping expectations for continued margin expansion and FCF.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.  

Value Investing

Vladimir Dimitrov, CFA

<ul>
<li>Although it was largely due to the pandemic, Disney significantly underperformed the market since I first advised for caution.</li>
<li>The risk of Disney being a far less profitable entity is significant, even if the company retains its leading position in streaming.</li>
<li>Disney valuation remains at peak levels while competition continues to intensify.</li>
</ul>


Although it was largely due to the pandemic, Disney significantly underperformed the market since I first advised for caution.
The risk of Disney being a far less profitable entity is significant, even if the company retains its leading position in streaming.
Disney valuation remains at peak levels while competition continues to intensify.


Disney: Retaining Storytelling Crown Does Not Mean High Shareholder Returns

Japan/Asia Long-Short, LightStream Research

Mio Kato

Japan/Asia Long-Short

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.

<p>While the battle for payment systems between Epic and Apple will continue with Epic filing an appeal, the rather mild ruling against Apple has some interesting implications, as do the responses of both companies to the ruling. In the context of regulatory upheaval in the key gaming space in China and a slew of regulatory moves in other Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea, there is plenty worth mulling as new winners and losers could emerge.</p>

While the battle for payment systems between Epic and Apple will continue with Epic filing an appeal, the rather mild ruling against Apple has some interesting implications, as do the responses of both companies to the ruling. In the context of regulatory upheaval in the key gaming space in China and a slew of regulatory moves in other Asian countries such as Japan and South Korea, there is plenty worth mulling as new winners and losers could emerge.

Latest News from the World’s Leading Innovators

Granite Bay Capital

An innovation focussed investment company

Granite Bay Capital is an innovation focussed investment company with a deep focus on the companies at the leading edge of innovation across major themes such as AI, ubiquitous computing, sustainability, automation and longevity.

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<p>Headline Developments As has been widely expected, China has moved to greatly reduce the time under-18s spend playing computer games.  Under the new rule, younger gamers will be restricted to one hour (8 pm - 9 pm) of online games on Fridays, weekends and holidays, with online gaming companies barred from providing gaming services to minors in any form outside of those hours.</p>

Headline Developments As has been widely expected, China has moved to greatly reduce the time under-18s spend playing computer games.  Under the new rule, younger gamers will be restricted to one hour (8 pm - 9 pm) of online games on Fridays, weekends and holidays, with online gaming companies barred from providing gaming services to minors in any form outside of those hours.

Independent research on the U.S. markets, Baptista Research

Baptista Research

Independent research on the U.S. markets

Baptista Research is an independent financial research house focused on the U.S. markets. We provide equity research as well as credit research reports on the top-listed U.S. companies with most of our focus on technology, consumer goods and services, automobiles, industrials, oil and gas, pharma, and healthcare. Our research has served more than 3000 institutional investors including mutual funds, hedge funds, banks, family offices, and various buy-side firms. We operate a research subscription service where institutions, as well as retail investors, can have priority access to all our research. We also have a wide distribution of our research reports across some of the top global financial platforms. Apart from equity research and credit research, we also provide advisory services with respect to mergers & acquisitions (M&A), private equity/ venture capital fundraising, valuation reports, and investment management services for corporates.
Baptista Research is owned and managed by Ishan Majumdar, an ex-Venture Capitalist/ Investment Banker, a Chartered Accountant, and a Masters’ degree holder in Management from HEC Paris. Ishan has nearly a decade of experience in Mergers and Acquisitions, Leveraged Buyouts (LBOs), Venture Capital Investing, Corporate Strategy, and Valuation in front-office roles at the likes of BNP Paribas CIB, Credit Agricole CIB, Groupe Danone, and TIW Private Equity. He has worked on and closed multiple acquisition deals, leveraged buyouts, and start-up investment transactions.

Equity Capital Markets

The Walt Disney Co / Equity Capital Markets

<ul><li>With the gradual resumption of theme park and cruise activity, Disney was able to report a strong third fiscal quarter with adjusted earnings per share increasing ten folds to $0.80 as compared to $0.08 from 2020.</li><li>The management has made significant investments in state-of-the-art tools and technology, creating a revolutionary new multi-tiered service – Disney Genie.</li><li>Given its current valuation, we are optimistic about Disney and maintain our 'Buy' rating with a revised target price.</li></ul>

With the gradual resumption of theme park and cruise activity, Disney was able to report a strong third fiscal quarter with adjusted earnings per share increasing ten folds to $0.80 as compared to $0.08 from 2020.The management has made significant investments in state-of-the-art tools and technology, creating a revolutionary new multi-tiered service – Disney Genie.Given its current valuation, we are optimistic about Disney and maintain our 'Buy' rating with a revised target price.

United States

The Walt Disney Company is an entertainment company that conducts operations in media networks, studio entertainment, theme parks and resorts, consumer products, and interactive media. The Company produces motion pictures, television programs, and musical recordings, as well as books and magazines.

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The Walt Disney Co (DIS US)

Netflix 3Q21: Saved By Squid Game

Over the course of the past year we have gone from being short Netflix to long Netflix...and now we return to the sidelines. We need greater...

Aaron Gabin

Disney: Retaining Storytelling Crown Does Not Mean High Shareholder Returns

Although it was largely due to the pandemic, Disney significantly underperformed the market since I first advised for caution. The risk of Disney...

Vladimir Dimitrov, CFA

Not an Epic Ruling Against Apple

We examine developments in Epic's legal battle with Apple to identify potential long-term implications and winners and losers.

Mio Kato

Weekly Innovation Review (WIRE) #47

Headline Developments: As has been widely expected, China has moved to greatly reduce the time under-18s spend playing computer games. Under the...

Granite Bay Capital

Walt Disney Co - Investment Thesis

With the gradual resumption of theme park and cruise activity, Disney was able to report a strong third fiscal quarter with adjusted earnings per...

Baptista Research

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