Alpha-Centric ESG Research

Kyle Rudden

<p>Oh, the inhumanity of <em>Monopolium Inquisitorum</em>, leviathans made to stand before the judgement of inquisitorial courts. Repent and reform, or burn in everlasting… fine, maybe just shed a few worldly possessions, WhatsApp would be a good start, and stop coveting thy neighbors' data so much.</p><p>Big technology companies (aka "Big Tech") are the subject of ever-expanding antitrust inquisitions by regulators and courts around the world. In the U.S., informal inquiries into prominent members of FAANG by the U.S. Congress turned into formal antitrust suits, first Alphabet then Facebook.</p><p>Yesterday, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced yet another inquiry, this one into the data collection practices of social media companies. It mentioned nine companies by name, a few of which are "new" to this conversation (ByteDance, Tencent-investee Discord, and Snap).</p><p>This Insight looks at one particular ESG angle to this antitrust stuff. Specifically, the potential for antitrust investigations – not the outcomes, but the process – to trigger ESG ratings downgrades and, in turn, constituency changes to major ESG indices. Summary points, for the cover page:</p><ul>
<li>Antitrust investigations will inevitably result in additional ESG ratings downgrades, and since most ESG indices are constructed using those ratings, constituency changes are likely.</li>
<li>Index changes might not happen until annual reviews a few months from now, but they are not tied to eventual antitrust outcomes (e.g., breakups) that could be years away, or not at all.</li>
<li>Presently, Facebook and Alphabet are the only U.S. stocks that stand out vis-à-vis the potential for antitrust-driven changes to ESG ratings and/or ESG indices (more so for Facebook).</li>
<li>Let's be honest, we are not talking about Tesla being added to the S&amp;P 500. Even for larger ESG indices, index-linked AUM is <em>comparatively</em> small vis-à-vis broader market indices.</li>
<li>However, one thing keeps it interesting. ESG indices are bloated with Big Tech, many of which are right behind Facebook and Alphabet on the antitrust plank walk.</li>
</ul><p>Herein, I explain my thought process – antitrust, to ESG ratings downgrades, to ESG index changes – then cover Facebook and Alphabet in some detail (albeit limited by constraints). There is less to say about the other U.S. "antitrust stocks" at the moment, but that may change. More importantly, I am looking into something similar, but related to Asian stocks. So, more to come.</p>

Oh, the inhumanity of Monopolium Inquisitorum, leviathans made to stand before the judgement of inquisitorial courts. Repent and reform, or burn in everlasting… fine, maybe just shed a few worldly possessions, WhatsApp would be a good start, and stop coveting thy neighbors' data so much.Big technology companies (aka "Big Tech") are the subject of ever-expanding antitrust inquisitions by regulators and courts around the world. In the U.S., informal inquiries into prominent members of FAANG by the U.S. Congress turned into formal antitrust suits, first Alphabet then Facebook.Yesterday, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced yet another inquiry, this one into the data collection practices of social media companies. It mentioned nine companies by name, a few of which are "new" to this conversation (ByteDance, Tencent-investee Discord, and Snap).This Insight looks at one particular ESG angle to this antitrust stuff. Specifically, the potential for antitrust investigations – not the outcomes, but the process – to trigger ESG ratings downgrades and, in turn, constituency changes to major ESG indices. Summary points, for the cover page:
Antitrust investigations will inevitably result in additional ESG ratings downgrades, and since most ESG indices are constructed using those ratings, constituency changes are likely.
Index changes might not happen until annual reviews a few months from now, but they are not tied to eventual antitrust outcomes (e.g., breakups) that could be years away, or not at all.
Presently, Facebook and Alphabet are the only U.S. stocks that stand out vis-à-vis the potential for antitrust-driven changes to ESG ratings and/or ESG indices (more so for Facebook).
Let's be honest, we are not talking about Tesla being added to the S&amp;P 500. Even for larger ESG indices, index-linked AUM is comparatively small vis-à-vis broader market indices.
However, one thing keeps it interesting. ESG indices are bloated with Big Tech, many of which are right behind Facebook and Alphabet on the antitrust plank walk.
Herein, I explain my thought process – antitrust, to ESG ratings downgrades, to ESG index changes – then cover Facebook and Alphabet in some detail (albeit limited by constraints). There is less to say about the other U.S. "antitrust stocks" at the moment, but that may change. More importantly, I am looking into something similar, but related to Asian stocks. So, more to come.

Big Tech Antitrust Scrutiny Could Mean ESG Ratings Downgrades, Constituency Changes for ESG Indices

Asian Insight Provider - Actionable ideas, CrossASEAN Research

Henry Soediarko

Asian Insight Provider - Actionable ideas

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

Equity Bottom-Up

<p>Although Japan is not out of the woods in terms of COVID-19 and the vaccine is not yet found, let alone distributed, investors have rushed to own <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/tkp-corp" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:28305:1" rel="noopener"> TKP Corporation (3479 JP)</a> as it was seemingly cheap in terms of PBR. The reality was that COVID-19 economic impact caused a weak earning and a secondary offering that boosted the book value has made the company's PBR looks cheap. TKP is the only one with negative earnings compared to its peers, underlining the economic reality that the company is more exposed to.</p>
<p>TKP's share price has risen more than doubled to some of its peers amidst the tough business outlook. Its peers such as <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/kenedix-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:11321:1" rel="noopener">Kenedix Inc (4321 JP)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/katitas-co-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:26073:1" rel="noopener">Katitas Co Ltd (8919 JP)</a> share price rose almost double but their business remains profitable during COVID-19 while TKP's earnings have turned negative. <strong>Turned Bearish on TKP on slow business condition improvement and the <em>meteoric</em> share price increase. </strong></p>

Although Japan is not out of the woods in terms of COVID-19 and the vaccine is not yet found, let alone distributed, investors have rushed to own  TKP Corporation (3479 JP) as it was seemingly cheap in terms of PBR. The reality was that COVID-19 economic impact caused a weak earning and a secondary offering that boosted the book value has made the company's PBR looks cheap. TKP is the only one with negative earnings compared to its peers, underlining the economic reality that the company is more exposed to.
TKP's share price has risen more than doubled to some of its peers amidst the tough business outlook. Its peers such as Kenedix Inc (4321 JP) and Katitas Co Ltd (8919 JP) share price rose almost double but their business remains profitable during COVID-19 while TKP's earnings have turned negative. Turned Bearish on TKP on slow business condition improvement and the meteoric share price increase. 

TKP (3479): Slow Recovery yet Share Price Has More than Doubled?

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.

Equity Capital Markets

<p><a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/pinduoduo-inc" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27250:1" rel="noopener">Pinduoduo (PDD US)</a> plans to raise around $5bn through an issue of ADS and convertible bonds. PDD will offer $1.75bn worth of 5-year bonds convertible from 2023-25 and around 22m ADS worth around $3bn (at the market price of $132.4 as of 17/11/2020).</p>
<p>Proceeds from the placement will be used to invest in agricultural logistics infrastructure and responsive manufacturing as a part of the company’s broader strategy to take on e-commerce giants like <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/alibaba-group-holding-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:787:1" rel="noopener">Alibaba Group (BABA US)</a> and <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jd-com-inc-adr" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:446:1" rel="noopener">JD.com Inc (ADR) (JD US)</a> by tapping into the emerging online grocery shopping market.</p>
<p>In this note, we revisit our thesis on PDD ahead of the proposed placement.</p>
<p><strong>PDD’s valuation looks bit of a stretch against Chinese e-commerce peers, however, not so much against other high-growth large-cap names. PDD’s share price has increased by more than 200% YTD and the momentum is still quite strong. With PDD potentially nearing profitability, we believe there could be further gains to be made on good news over the next few quarters. We would participate in the placement at the current valuation.  </strong></p>

Pinduoduo (PDD US) plans to raise around $5bn through an issue of ADS and convertible bonds. PDD will offer $1.75bn worth of 5-year bonds convertible from 2023-25 and around 22m ADS worth around $3bn (at the market price of $132.4 as of 17/11/2020).
Proceeds from the placement will be used to invest in agricultural logistics infrastructure and responsive manufacturing as a part of the company’s broader strategy to take on e-commerce giants like Alibaba Group (BABA US) and JD.com Inc (ADR) (JD US) by tapping into the emerging online grocery shopping market.
In this note, we revisit our thesis on PDD ahead of the proposed placement.
PDD’s valuation looks bit of a stretch against Chinese e-commerce peers, however, not so much against other high-growth large-cap names. PDD’s share price has increased by more than 200% YTD and the momentum is still quite strong. With PDD potentially nearing profitability, we believe there could be further gains to be made on good news over the next few quarters. We would participate in the placement at the current valuation.  

Pinduoduo Placement: As Expensive As It May Seem, There Could Be More Upside

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.

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<p>We've looked into many IPOs over the last 20 years, and think Snowflake is one of the better ones we've come across. Its architectural competitive advantages vs. legacy data warehouse providers are simply insurmountable, and while the cloud platforms loom as eventual rivals, we think this management team knows how to carve out a defensible place amongst the cloud titans.</p>
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<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>
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We've looked into many IPOs over the last 20 years, and think Snowflake is one of the better ones we've come across. Its architectural competitive advantages vs. legacy data warehouse providers are simply insurmountable, and while the cloud platforms loom as eventual rivals, we think this management team knows how to carve out a defensible place amongst the cloud titans.




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.




Semiconductors, Memory and SSDs Specialist, Objective Analysis

Jim Handy

Semiconductors, Memory and SSDs Specialist

Objective Analysis

Objective Analysis offers third-party independent market research and data for the semiconductor industry and investors in the semiconductor industry.

Semiconductors, Memory and SSDs

Thematic (Sector/Industry)

<p>The COVID-19 pandemic has caused profound business shifts, resulting in near ruin for some sectors while strengthening others.  This Smartkarma Insight explores this phenomenon and shows how it relates to semiconductors.</p>

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused profound business shifts, resulting in near ruin for some sectors while strengthening others.  This Smartkarma Insight explores this phenomenon and shows how it relates to semiconductors.

United States

Aspen Technology, Inc. provides software solutions. The Company offers asset optimization software that optimizes asset design, operations, and maintenance in complex, industrial environments to enable organizations to meet their business goals for sustainability and profitability. Aspen Technology serves customers worldwide.

Paycom Software Inc provides cloud-based HCM software solution delivered as Software-as-a-Service.  The Company provides functionality and data analytics that businesses need to manage the complete employment life cycle from recruitment to retirement.

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. develops, markets and supports a range of software and hardware products and services for information technology (IT) security and offers its customers a network and gateway security solutions, data and endpoint security solutions and management solutions.

SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc. develops and markets computer software for financial services providers.  The software enables trading and modeling, portfolio management and reporting, accounting, performance measurement, reconciliation, reporting, processing, and clearing.

Manhattan Associates, Inc. provides information technology solutions for distribution centers.  The solutions are designed to enable the efficient movement of goods through the supply chain.  The Company's solutions optimize the receipt, storage, and distribution of inventory, as well as manage equipment and personnel within a distribution center.

HubSpot, Inc. provides a cloud-based marketing and sales software platform. The Company offers integrated applications that helps in lead generation and social marketing.

PTC Inc. develops and delivers technology solutions, comprised of software and services. The Company's technology is primarily used by discrete manufacturers to design, operate and maintain complex products. PTC's technology is also used to connect products to the Internet for purposes of capturing and analyzing information from them.

Tyler Technologies, Inc. provides end-to-end information management solutions and services for local governments. The Company's client base includes local government offices throughout the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom.

Splunk Inc. develops web based application software. The Company provides software that collects and analyzes machine data generated by websites, applications, servers, networks, and mobile devices. Splunk serves customers worldwide.

MicroStrategy Incorporated provides business intelligence software and related services.  The Company's technology platform enables departments and enterprises to deploy Web-based reporting and analysis solutions.  MicroStrategy also offers consulting, training, and support services.  Solutions are provided to retail, finance, telecommunications, insurance, dot-com, and healthcare industries.

Xero Limited offers an online accounting system.  The software features bank transaction importing, a cashbook, a general ledger, invoicing, accounts receivable, accounts payable, financial reporting, and management of expense claims.

CAPCOM CO., LTD. develops consumer video game software.  The Company also develops, manufactures, markets, and leases arcade game machines.  Capcom also operates amusement facilities.

Oracle Financial Services Software Ltd. provides comprehensive information technology solutions to the financial services industry worldwide. The Company provides transaction processing and accounting software for banks, investment managers and mutual funds. Oracle Financial also provides internet delivery of financial services as well as business intelligence and analytical applications.

Globant S.A. is a software solutions company. The Company provides engineering, design, and innovation services for clients throughout North America and Europe.

Konami Holdings Corporation provides digital entertainment, health and fitness and gaming products. The Company develops and sells video games, mobile games and computer games, gaming machines, pachislot and pachinko machines, and fitness machines as well as operates health and fitness clubs.

Nexon Co., Ltd. mainly develops and services, online games for PC and mobile devices. The company also offers consulting services related to online-games. Nexon operates in Japan.

ORACLE CORPORATION JAPAN sells a variety of software, including database management system software, application development tools, decision-making support tools, and business related applications.  The Company also provides support services for users.

IFLYTEK Co., Ltd. specializes in speech intelligence and artificial intelligence technology.  The company also develops chip product, voice messaging software and e-government system integration software.

Nemetschek AG provides standard software for designing, constructing and managing buildings and real estate.  The Company's software offers cost estimation, design, planning, account calculation, cost management, facilities management, document management and B2B e-commerce capabilities.  Nemetschek's software is sold in approximately 52 countries and 13 languages.

The Sage Group plc is a software publishing company. The Group develops, publishes and distributes accounting and payroll software for personal computer systems. Via its subsidiaries, Sage also maintains a registered user database which provides a market for their related products and services, including computer forms, software support contracts, program upgrades and training.

Zoom Video Communications, Inc. develops a people-centric cloud service that transforms real-time collaboration experience. The Company offers unified meeting experience, a cloud service that provides a 3-in-1 meeting platform with HD video conferencing, mobility, and web meetings. Zoom Video Communications serves customers worldwide.

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Zoom Video Communications Inc (ZM US)

Big Tech Antitrust Scrutiny Could Mean ESG Ratings Downgrades, Constituency Changes for ESG Indices

Antitrust broaches several highly-material ESG issues. Growing antitrust scrutiny of "Big Tech" could lead to ESG rating downgrades, and in turn,...

Kyle Rudden

Pinduoduo Placement: As Expensive As It May Seem, There Could Be More Upside

Pinduoduo (PDD US) plans to raise around $5bn through an issue of ADS and convertible bonds. In this note, we revisit our thesis on PDD ahead of...

Supun Walpola

Snowflake: Making It Rain

We've looked into many IPOs over the last 20 years, and think Our investment philosophy attracts us to investing behind THE major secular trend in...

Aaron Gabin

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Semiconductors

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused profound business shifts,

Jim Handy

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Big Tech Antitrust Scrutiny Could Mean ESG Ratings Downgrades, Constituency Changes for ESG Indices

Antitrust broaches several highly-material ESG issues. Growing antitrust scrutiny of "Big Tech" could lead to ESG rating downgrades, and in turn,...

Kyle Rudden

TKP (3479): Slow Recovery yet Share Price Has More than Doubled?

TKP's share price has risen doubled compared to some of its peers amidst the tough business outlook. Turned Bearish on TKP on slow business...

Henry Soediarko

Pinduoduo Placement: As Expensive As It May Seem, There Could Be More Upside

Pinduoduo (PDD US) plans to raise around $5bn through an issue of ADS and convertible bonds. In this note, we revisit our thesis on PDD ahead of...

Supun Walpola

Snowflake: Making It Rain

We've looked into many IPOs over the last 20 years, and think Our investment philosophy attracts us to investing behind THE major secular trend in...

Aaron Gabin

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Semiconductors

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused profound business shifts,

Jim Handy