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David's avatar

Hi OB

My problem with the Chubb deal for WATR is the tech versus the model that ONDO have. Theirs clips on a pipe and has patented thermal IPR that can detect minute drip quantities and also has an app that has some pretty sophisticated algorithms meaning that false positives are very low.

This is free to the consumer in the US (the insurer pays for it) and ONDO also have a plumbing service so I expect the take up will be much bigger. Even if it weren't free you can buy the kit for $180 and fit it yourself without pipe cutting, and is more than half the cost.

Why would you buy the Chubb version? I don't see any benefits - just less convenience and a much higher price.

So I'd be surprised if it gets much real traction and therefore I discount that partnership to zero. Investment case on WATR, for me at least, depends on its current model of find and repair in commercial premises. Not to say that's a bad thing but as you say QoQ numbers were....er patchy..........

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Jon's avatar

WATR is one I've watched for a few years now. It looks such obviously good technology, but ultimately no real moat. And in that time, the shares haven't produced any decent return.

They may well be clients of Vox Markets, which would explain the keeness. I don't know if Paul Hill holds personally, though he publishes his portfolio quite regularly so easily found out, I suppose...

Perhaps they'll get a mention in this week's Small Cap Review chat in a couple of hours.

Personally, I'm losing interest in making an investment here, in a market abound with opportunities

A good article as ever OB. Thanks!

Jon

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