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

<p>Our favorite quote from the conference call was Crowdstrike CEO George Kurtz throwing shade at recent (wildly unprofitable) security rival IPO SentinelOne:</p><p>“I think if you buy into the marketing hype, that's one thing. But if you look under the covers, we have more automation by far than any other competitor, including SentinelOne. So on the pricing standpoint, we sell on value, and we routinely win with a higher price point because the product works. It doesn't blow up machines, it's scalable. <strong>There's a difference between a Fiero and Ferrari. And we happen to be the Ferrari model, and that's what a lot of customers want</strong>.”</p><p>Indeed, Crowdstrike is the Ferrari of security software...and probably all of software. We continue to stay long and would buy any pullbacks.</p><p></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>

Our favorite quote from the conference call was Crowdstrike CEO George Kurtz throwing shade at recent (wildly unprofitable) security rival IPO SentinelOne:“I think if you buy into the marketing hype, that's one thing. But if you look under the covers, we have more automation by far than any other competitor, including SentinelOne. So on the pricing standpoint, we sell on value, and we routinely win with a higher price point because the product works. It doesn't blow up machines, it's scalable. There's a difference between a Fiero and Ferrari. And we happen to be the Ferrari model, and that's what a lot of customers want.”Indeed, Crowdstrike is the Ferrari of security software...and probably all of software. We continue to stay long and would buy any pullbacks.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.

Crowdstrike FY2Q22: The Ferrari of Security Platforms

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Granite Bay Capital

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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 This week’s headline developments is a bit of an NFT special, with some very reputable brands getting in on the action (often the best way to learn is to just dive right in!). Firstly, Visa (V) bought one of the 10,000 CryptoPunk NFTs for $150k in ethereum.</p>

Headline Developments This week’s headline developments is a bit of an NFT special, with some very reputable brands getting in on the action (often the best way to learn is to just dive right in!). Firstly, Visa (V) bought one of the 10,000 CryptoPunk NFTs for $150k in ethereum.

<p>Headline Developments: Another week, another major cyber attack!  Last Friday, a global ransomware attack hit up to 1,500 companies in what is believed to be the biggest supply chain attack to date.  In the attack, American software company Kaseya was compromised, opening a door for hackers to spread ransomware to managed service providers that use it’s technology, and in turn their clients.</p>

Headline Developments: Another week, another major cyber attack!  Last Friday, a global ransomware attack hit up to 1,500 companies in what is believed to be the biggest supply chain attack to date.  In the attack, American software company Kaseya was compromised, opening a door for hackers to spread ransomware to managed service providers that use it’s technology, and in turn their clients.

<p>Another incredibly impressive quarterly performance for Crowdstrike. It crushed consensus and raised guidance by well more than the beat. The recent Gartner Magic Quadrant on endpoint protection shows Crowdstrike head and shoulders above the legacy competition. The high profile cyber attack backdrop doesn't hurt either. The only issue is...the market has caught up to Crowdstrike, and its a bit of a consensus long now. We stay long but recognize further gains are harder because of this dynamic. </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>

Another incredibly impressive quarterly performance for Crowdstrike. It crushed consensus and raised guidance by well more than the beat. The recent Gartner Magic Quadrant on endpoint protection shows Crowdstrike head and shoulders above the legacy competition. The high profile cyber attack backdrop doesn't hurt either. The only issue is...the market has caught up to Crowdstrike, and its a bit of a consensus long now. We stay long but recognize further gains are harder because of this dynamic. 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>Kind of a mediocre underwhelming analyst presentation by one of our favorite software companies, but the larger long term picture remains intact: a huge pool of legacy incumbent endpoint providers that Crowdstrike will feast on for years to come.</p><p></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>

Kind of a mediocre underwhelming analyst presentation by one of our favorite software companies, but the larger long term picture remains intact: a huge pool of legacy incumbent endpoint providers that Crowdstrike will feast on for years to come.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. 

Crowdstrike Analyst Day: Really, Just $3B in ARR?

United States

Cisco Systems, Inc. designs, manufactures, and sells Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking and other products related to the communications and information technology (IT) industry and provide services associated with these products and their use. The Company provides products for transporting data, voice, and video within buildings, across campuses, and globally.

Motorola Solutions, Inc. is a data communications and telecommunications equipment provider. The Company develops data capture, wireless, infrastructure, bar code scanning, two-way radios, and wireless broadband networks. Motorola also produces public safety and government products, voice and data communications products and systems, and wireless LAN securities.

Arista Networks Inc. provides cloud networking solutions for data-centers and computer environments. The Company offers ethernet switches, pass-through cards, transceivers, cards, and enhanced operating systems. Arista also provides host adapter solutions and networking services and markets its products globally.

Ubiquiti Inc. provides wireless networking products and solutions. The Company offers radios, antennas, and management tools that have been designed to deliver carrier class performance for wireless networking and other applications in the unlicensed radio frequency. Ubiquiti operates in the State of New York.

EchoStar Corporation manufactures broadcast satellite receivers and antennas, and offers commercial satellite services.

Juniper Networks, Inc. provides Internet infrastructure solutions for Internet service providers and other telecommunications service providers.  The Company offers network infrastructure solutions that includes IP routing, Ethernet switching, security and application acceleration solutions.

F5 Networks, Inc. provides integrated Internet traffic management solutions designed to improve the availability and performance of mission-critical Internet-based servers and applications.  The Company's software-based solutions manage, control and optimize Internet traffic and content.  F5's solutions automatically deliver Internet content for service providers and e-businesses.

Ciena Corporation develops and markets communications network platforms and software, and offers professional services.  The Company's broadband access, data and optical networking platforms, software tools, and global network services support worldwide telecom and cable/MSO services providers, and enterprise and government networks.

InterDigital, Inc. develops technology for advanced digital wireless telecommunications applications.  The Company offers both time division multiple access and wide band code division multiple access proprietary and standards compliant digital wireless technology to customers, licensees, and companies.

Lumentum Holdings Inc. operates as a holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, supplies optical and photonic products. Lumentum Holdings serves data communications and telecommunications, networking, and life-sciences markets worldwide.

ZTE Corporation develops and markets switches, access servers, videoconferencing systems, mobile communication systems, data communication devices, and optical communication devices.  The Company also offers networking solutions for setup, refurbishment and optimization of networks.

Zhongji Innolight Co., Ltd. manufactures and distributes industrial machines and machine parts. The Company produces motor stator windings, insulating machines, coil winding equipment, automatic production lines, and more. Zhongji Innolight mainly conducts businesses domestically.

Nokia Oyj is a global communications company that operates a network of production facilities for location intelligence and network infrastructure, as well as a network of sales and customer service. The Company also operates research and software development facilities worldwide.

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson develops and manufactures network equipment and software, as well as services for network and business operations. The Company's portfolio also includes products for the enterprise, cable, mobile platform and power module markets.

Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsso (ERICB SS)

Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson develops and manufactures network equipment and software, as well as services for network and business operations. The Company's portfolio also includes products for the enterprise, cable, mobile platform, and power module markets.

BYD Electronic International Co., Ltd. researches, develops, manufactures handset components such as handset casings and handset keypads and modules for handset manufacturers.  The Company also provides assembly services comprising assembly service and PCB assembly service to global handset manufacturers.

Accton Technology Corporation researches, develops, manufactures, and markets computer network system products such as adapters, hubs, switches, routers, and bridges. The Company also manufactures network computers and network peripheral equipment.

Suzhou TFC Optical Communication Co., Ltd. researches, develops, and distributes fiber optic components.

Yealink Network Technology Corporation Limited operates as a communication equipment manufacturer. The Company provides telephones, unified communication terminals, video conferencing systems, conference phones, and other accessories. Yealink Network Technology serves customers worldwide.

Yealink Network Technology Cor (300628 CH)

Hengtong Optic-electric Co., Ltd. manufactures and distributes optical fiber and optical cables.

Palo Alto Networks, Inc. provides network security solutions. The Company offers firewalls that identify and control applications, scan content to stop threats, prevent data leakage, integrated application, user, and content visibility. Palo Alto Networks serves customers worldwide.

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Palo Alto Networks (PANW US)

Crowdstrike FY2Q22: The Ferrari of Security Platforms

Crowdstrike had another monster beat and raise quarter. It is the most deserving of any software company with an extreme valuation. Stay Long.

Aaron Gabin

Weekly Innovation Review (WIRE) #46

Headline Developments: This week’s headline developments is a bit of an NFT special, with some very reputable brands getting in on the action...

Granite Bay Capital

Weekly Innovation Review (WIRE) #39

Headline Developments: Another week, another major cyber attack! Last Friday, a global ransomware attack hit up to 1,500 companies

Granite Bay Capital

Crowdstrike 1Q2022: The Best in the Biz

Incredibly strong quarter for Crowdstrike. The business is humming, clearly separating itself from its legacy peers. High profile ransomware...

Aaron Gabin

Crowdstrike Analyst Day: Really, Just $3B in ARR?

Crowdstrike Analyst Day was underwhelming with easily reached ARR and Operating Model Targets introduced. We like the stock anyway, especially with...

Aaron Gabin

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