Big Trouble In Big Un
I am totally staggered by this BIG situation, but I’m late to this story. Although I thought the Tipsly transaction was unusual, I didn’t pick any problems with BIG and in fact I had a hard look at its books late last year and I couldn’t see any obvious warning signs. So I did not …
10foot Scuttlebutt: February 2018 edition
Back with another version of scuttlebutt, some stuff I’ve seen or thought recently. I am particularly keen to get thoughts and opinions on alternative investments & the UK fin services sector. Buffett buys Teva Has Warren lost the plot? He’s bought a stake in Teva Pharmaceuticals which has an at EV/EBITDA of 12ish and something …
The Greatest Business On Earth
I have discovered what I believe to be literally the best business on Earth. Facebook? Google? Alibaba? Fraud manufacturing? Nup. It’s the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) corporate database, ASIC Connect. This thing is a moneymaking machine. Let me put this to you. Zero customer acquisition and marketing costs – if you need a corporate report, …
Getswift: Data Talks, Bullshit Walks
The title of this piece comes from an interview with Getswift (ASX:GSW) executive chairman Bane Hunter. He’s spot on: Hunter has a clear message for all startup founders seeking US investment: “Data talks, bullshit walks,” he says. He advises founders to “be conservative and over deliver” when speaking to investors, because “everything you say is going to …
A lengthy screed on Tower Limited
I’m revealing my undisclosed 10th purchase a little sooner than expected: It’s Tower Insurance Limited (ASX: TWR). I expect a 3-5 year holding period from here, subject to business performance. Conditions are also not quite as favourable as I had hoped for, so I have taken a smaller position with a view to increasing if a better …
Purchase #10: Tower Limited
One of the things I struggle with most with my ‘Buy’ pieces is the overlap between explaining what the opportunity is – which is easy – and explaining the thought process and research that lead to me believing that it is an opportunity – which is hard. Doing both at the same time usually leads …
