Equity Analyst, LightStream Research

Supun Walpola

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.

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

United states Internet software and services / Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<ul>
<li><strong>In this note, we look at the Google Play rankings of some popular mobile apps in the US, offered by public companies and potential IPO candidates, to get an idea as to how online businesses are shaping up as the US goes into an indefinite lockdown. </strong></li>
<li>A rather surprising theme across the board is that entertainment-related apps (such as video streaming, music, social media, gaming, etc.) haven’t really picked up despite people being stuck at home. Could this be because people are still in panic?</li>
<li>On the other hand, the lockdown seems to be working out well for some relatively newer apps, like Disney+, Amazon Prime, Smule, TikTok, and Nintendo Switch Online, with people willing to try new things in their newfound “free” time.</li>
<li>The sharing economy is falling apart – with both ride-hailing and food delivery services being interrupted.</li>
<li>As expected, the beneficiaries of the lockdown are, grocery delivery, video conferencing/team working and distant learning services.</li>
</ul>


In this note, we look at the Google Play rankings of some popular mobile apps in the US, offered by public companies and potential IPO candidates, to get an idea as to how online businesses are shaping up as the US goes into an indefinite lockdown. 
A rather surprising theme across the board is that entertainment-related apps (such as video streaming, music, social media, gaming, etc.) haven’t really picked up despite people being stuck at home. Could this be because people are still in panic?
On the other hand, the lockdown seems to be working out well for some relatively newer apps, like Disney+, Amazon Prime, Smule, TikTok, and Nintendo Switch Online, with people willing to try new things in their newfound “free” time.
The sharing economy is falling apart – with both ride-hailing and food delivery services being interrupted.
As expected, the beneficiaries of the lockdown are, grocery delivery, video conferencing/team working and distant learning services.


What Are US Smartphone Users Downloading While in Lockdown?