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Friday, September 11, 2026

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Lululemon: The 15-Minute Thesis

Lululemon’s North American sales, margins and legging demand are falling as Alo and Vuori gain share, leaving its brand moat and depressed valuation in question.

LULU $11B
Hated Moats 2 clicks

From X

@MultiplesCap

Multiples Capital on X

$EXPE has always been a much slower grower than $BKNG, won't be surprised if it's a fav pair trade of hedge fund (long booking, short expe). Over the years though Expedia has been going through internal changes, sold some businesses (Egencia to AmEx travel and few other sites), went through a technology transformation for internal sites (Expedia, https://t.co/ap3OIandej, Vrbo). 50% improvement in operating margin since 2019. But not as profitable as Booking (operating margin at 12% vs 32% for bkng). Mainly a US focused player (unlike bkng) with a very strong B2B segment that's growing mid teens and about 30% of total revenue), now looking to expand internationally. To be seen if that would drive higher margin given the much fragmented hotel market internationally vs US. Bkng on the other hand seeing revenue growth slowing down to high single digit and mid teens eps growth with margins declining since 2019. Expedia needs to show higher top line growth but possible still delivers mid teens eps growth. Travel is cyclical but these OTA are very robust, they saw revenue growth even in the financial crisis, as more ppl look for deals. AI is an unknown, Expedia is embracing it. Finding a hotel with the right deal is not same as getting an answer to a question from LLM, distribution/platform should remain valuable. Interesting to see how the pieces fall for Expedia, PEG < 1 and these multiples should atleast provide downside protection
@HaydenCapital

Fred Liu on X

More 3PL Datapoints. $1519.HK $SE 1) External funding raised by 3PLs 2) Lower volumes are leading to negative spiral for delivery workers (who are paid per package). Fewer deliveries per worker = less $ per day = workers leaving for growing 3PLs (Shopee Express & J&T) = more supply / competition of delivery workers = cheaper per parcel costs for SPX & J&T (widening moat). And further erosion of network density for sub-scale 3PLs. https://t.co/n35vONTb7Y
@HaydenCapital

Fred Liu on X

It has to consolidate at some point, and already is this year. It's relatively easier to build vs ice cars (esp in China with robust supplier ecosystem). But hard to scale, differentiate, and distribute your products. Requires billions in funding. Btw, you see $LI making a bigger push overseas this year, because they're about to launch BEV in China. So these hybrid models are going abroad to countries with less developed charging networks, where hybrids are more practical. It's a way to keep production lines busy, and might even make higher margins due to lower competition abroad + higher prices.
@HaydenCapital

Fred Liu on X

Li Auto is launching in the Philippines (and likely rest of SE Asia). Pictures from yesterday, at Manila's SM Mall of Asia. $LI. Management has talked publicly about Middle East and Central Asia as initial markets, but don't think they've mentioned SE Asia before... According to the sales associate, their first store in BGC is opening end of April, with 3 more locations in following months. Seems the $LI overseas expansion is happening much faster than investors anticipate... L7 priced at 4-4.5M PHP, and L9 at 5-5.5M PHP (+50% more expensive than in China).
@HaydenCapital

Fred Liu on X

Going thru Circle's $CRCL S-1. First pass, it seems Coinbase $COIN is best levered to Circle's $CRCL growth. USDC avg circulation grew +9% y/y in 2024, revenues grew +16%, but profits went down -42%. Mainly because payments to $COIN grew +31%. More and more USDC is held on Coinbase's platform, on which they get a "distribution fee" (18% of total supply vs. 8% in 2023, and vs. Circle's 2%). (The Aug 2023 contract renegotiation helped too. Also assumes continued preference holding USDC on Coinbase's platform). https://t.co/yoWLFOJg3X

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TSOH Weekly Roundup (09/11/2026)

TSOH weekly roundup covers Meta’s child-safety settlement, Markel’s leadership transition, Peloton’s gym strategy and an upcoming Alarm.com…

MKL $22B
TSOH Investment Research 2 clicks

Lululemon: Deep Dive Analysis

Lululemon’s Q2 revenue fell 4% and Americas comparable sales 12%, as markdowns, tariffs and activewear rivals pressure its premium apparel…

LULU $11B
Hated Moats 6 clicks
FTAI · long

Ftai Aviation LTD

FTAI Aviation, valued near $23 billion at roughly $226 per share, is presented as a long investment.

FTAI $19B
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