Technology Flashcards
ADOBE INC (ADBE)
Leading software company known for its creative and digital marketing solutions, including Photoshop and Adobe Experience Cloud. It has a strong market position due to its subscription-based model and continuous innovation. Strengths: High recurring revenue and strong cash flow generation. Weaknesses: Dependence on subscription renewals and exposure to competitive pressures in the software industry.
A1/A+
Technology - Americas
$4.15bn in index across 5 issues
ADVANCED MICRO DEVICES INC (AMD)
Semiconductor company specializing in high-performance computing, graphics, and visualization technologies. Reverse-engineered Intel’s products to develop x86 chips. Spun off GlobalFoundries. Second in CPU (Intel) and GPU market (NVDA) and one of two makers of GPUs for data centers (recently launched). Broader offering than NVDA, designing both CPUs and GPUs for data centers, clients (PCs), gaming, and embedded (eg autos, medical deviced). Strengths: Strong growth potential and market share gains. Weaknesses: High competition from larger rivals like Intel and NVIDIA, and cyclical nature of the semiconductor industry.
A2/A-
Technology - Americas
$1.75bn in index across 3 issues
ALPHABET INC (GOOGL)
Provides a wide range of internet-related services and products, including search, advertising, and cloud computing. It is a dominant player in the digital advertising market. Strengths: Strong financial position and diversified revenue streams. Weaknesses: Regulatory scrutiny and dependence on advertising revenue.
Aa2/AA+
Technology - Americas
$12.00bn in index across 7 issues
ANALOG DEVICES INC (ADI)
Global leader in the design and manufacturing of analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing integrated circuits. Second largest analog chip provider in the world (TI). It serves various industries including automotive, industrial, and communications. Strengths: Strong market position and robust cash flow generation. Weaknesses: High capital expenditure requirements and exposure to cyclical demand in the semiconductor industry.
A2/A-(Pos)/A
Technology - Americas
$6.56bn in index across 10 issues
APPLE INC (AAPL)
Leading technology company known for its innovative consumer electronics, software, and services. It has a strong brand and loyal customer base, positioning it as a market leader in multiple segments, including smartphones, tablets, and wearables. Strengths: Robust cash flow and a strong balance sheet enhance creditworthiness. Weaknesses: High reliance on iPhone sales and exposure to global supply chain disruptions.
AAPL is exposed to certain challenges. a) Slow migration to higher margin services business (about 1.6-2x hardware margins), 22% of revenues ’23 vs 20% in ’20. b) Device revenue stable but challenged for growth - Vision Pro Headset at a price point of $3,500 could be an impediment to mass adoption. c) Supply chain risks associated with China (~18% of supply). d) Commitment to be cash neutral, which implies continued debt issuance/ or large cash distribution. AAPL will likely be a frequent issuer with $10B+ in maturities each year for the next four years. Recommend an underweight of the name driven by very tight spreads, which are 40-50bps inside the index providing limited upside
Aaa/AA+
Technology - Americas
$79.00bn in index across 45 issues
APPLIED MATERIALS INC (AMAT)
Semiconductor Capital Equipment (Semicap) company, known for leadership pos. in deposition, also leads in CMP, Ion Implant, and advanced packaging equipment. Benefits from strong demand in the semiconductor industry. Strengths: Strong market position and consistent cash flow generation. Weaknesses: Exposure to cyclical demand in the semiconductor industry and high capital investment needs.
A2/A
Technology - Americas
$6.20bn in index across 8 issues
ARROW ELECTRONICS INC (ARW)
Global provider of products, services, and solutions to industrial and commercial users of electronic components and enterprise computing solutions. It differentiates itself through its extensive distribution network and value-added services. Strengths: Diversified revenue streams and strong market position. Weaknesses: Exposure to cyclical demand in the electronics industry and inventory management challenges.
ARW is a well-managed business (behind leader CDW), commitment to IG (low BBB) and ability to manage FCF in downcycles. ARW benefits from good relationship with suppliers and the ability to reschedule/defer/cancel orders when needed. On the flip side, the margins are razor thin (target 5.5-6%), the bond tranches are small ($500mm or less) and only has $2.5B outstanding limiting liquidity. On a RelVal basis, the spreads are inside the 8-9yrs BBB- index (~20bps) and trade on top of higher quality comps FLEX and JBL. See limited upside in spread from current levels; timing for cycle to turn is unclear
Baa3/BBB-/BBB-
Technology - Americas
$1.50bn in index across 3 issues
AUTODESK INC (ADSK)
Software company specializing in 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software. It is known for its AutoCAD and Revit products. Strengths: High recurring revenue from subscription-based model and strong market position. Weaknesses: Dependence on subscription renewals and exposure to economic cycles affecting construction and manufacturing industries.
A3/BBB+
Technology - Americas
$2.00bn in index across 3 issues
AVNET INC (AVT)
Global distributor of electronic components and embedded solutions. It differentiates itself through its extensive distribution network and value-added services. Strengths: Diversified revenue streams and strong market position. Weaknesses: Exposure to cyclical demand in the electronics industry and inventory management challenges.
Baa3/BBB-/BBB-
Technology - Americas
$1.65bn in index across 4 issues
BROADCOM CORPORATION (AVGO)
Global technology leader in semiconductor and infrastructure software solutions. Provides logic chips in 5 markets (broadband, networking, wireless, storage, industrial) enabling “boring” tech areas (PC HDs, bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi, Ethernet). It is well-positioned in the market due to its broad product portfolio and strategic acquisitions. Strengths: Strong cash flow generation and diversified product offerings. Weaknesses: High leverage and integration risks from frequent acquisitions.
Positive outlook for AVGO driven by: a) diversified/balanced revenue stream, b) custom ASIC growth, c) strong and improving FCF/leverage, c) synergy upside potential and d) ratings upgrade potential. AVGO expects AI revs to >$11B or 35+% of semiconductor revs. Expect spreads to compress after the company issues new bonds (and more so if it does not). AVGO expects to maintain $2B qtrly debt payments through ‘24. In addition, think there could be additional upside if the company reaffirms its commitment to 2.5x gross leverage target and is upgraded to mid-BBB by the agencies. Leverage is currently 2.6x FY24E
Baa3(Pos)/BBB/BBB
Technology - Americas
$43.53bn in index across 24 issues
CISCO SYSTEMS INC (CSCO)
Multinational technology conglomerate that designs, manufactures, and sells networking hardware, software, and telecommunications equipment. It is a leader in networking and cybersecurity solutions. Strengths: Strong cash flow generation and diversified product portfolio. Weaknesses: Exposure to competitive pressures and reliance on hardware sales.
A1/AA-
Technology - Americas
$19.75bn in index across 11 issues
COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC (COMM)
Provides infrastructure solutions for communications networks, including broadband, enterprise, and wireless networks. Their business model focuses on delivering innovative solutions to support the growing demand for connectivity. Financially, CommScope benefits from strong market demand and strategic investments in technology.
Caa2(Neg)/CCC(Neg)
Technology - Americas
$5.14bn in index across 5 issues
CORNING INC (GLW)
Technology company specializing in specialty glass, ceramics, and related materials. It serves various industries, including telecommunications, consumer electronics, and life sciences. Strengths: Strong market position and diversified product offerings. Weaknesses: Exposure to cyclical demand in key markets and high capital expenditure requirements.
Baa1(Neg)/BBB+(Neg)
Technology - Americas
$4.30bn in index across 8 issues
CROWDSTRIKE HOLDINGS INC (CRWD)
Global cybersecurity company specializing in cloud-delivered protection of endpoints, cloud workloads, identity, and data. Renowned for its Falcon platform, which integrates advanced threat intelligence and AI-powered threat detection to prevent breaches. Innovative approach to cybersecurity, focusing on real-time protection and comprehensive threat management. CrowdStrike’s cutting-edge technology and strong market position; Intense competition and the need for continuous innovation can strain resources and impact financial stability.
Upgrade candidate: performance has been very strong growing at double-digits and growing product portfolio; due to recent software update issue more likely 18-24 months out
Baa3/BB
Technology - Americas
$0.75bn in index across 1 issues
DELL INTERNATIONAL LLC (DELL)
Leading provider of IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, and networking products. It benefits from a strong brand and a comprehensive product portfolio. Strengths: Strong market position and consistent cash flow generation. Weaknesses: High debt levels and exposure to fluctuations in enterprise IT spending.
DELL should benefit from continued server demand which should be followed storage demand (2-3 quarter lag). Demand in the PC markets looks to be a 2HCY24 event driven by: a) Windows refresh, b) laptop/PC refresh cycle in FY25 (CY24/CY25) (300mm PCs turn 4 years old) and c) AI workloads can’t be supported on existing PCs. Enterprise refresh is likely to lead the way which would benefit Dell given 80% of its PC business is driven by the enterprise market. DELL should trade modestly back of AVGO. Would be a buyer on spread widening
BBB/BBB
Technology - Americas
$14.23bn in index across 14 issues
DXC TECHNOLOGY CO (DXC)
IT services company that helps global enterprises manage their IT infrastructure and operations. It focuses on digital transformation and modernization services. Strengths: Strong client relationships and diversified service offerings. Weaknesses: Declining revenue in legacy business segments and high competition in the IT services industry.
Baa2(Neg)/BBB-/BBB
Technology - Americas
$1.35bn in index across 2 issues