Second engine igniting off the first: an unplanned-for adjacent revenue stream has started paying, and management is now
The model's full reasoning — Q1 2023 call → NOWe need to determine if management describes a second, distinct way of making money that emerged from existing operations, is already generating real paying business, and is being deliberately grown. Looking at the transcript, there are several potential revenue streams: management and advisory fees, incentive fees, and also the Evergreen platform, and strategic technology investments. But the question is about a second earning avenue that grew out of the first. The company's core is private markets investment management. They have specialized funds, customized separate accounts, advisory services. They also have an Evergreen platform for retail investors. But that is still part of their asset management business, just a different distribution channel. They also have strategic investments in companies like CAIS, iCapital, TIFIN. But those are investments, not a separate revenue stream from operations. The question specifically asks: "a SECOND, DISTINCT WAY OF MAKING MONEY has recently emerged FROM the company's existing operations, assets, customers, or capabilities - an additional revenue avenue that grew out of what the company already does rather than a separate diversification - AND that this second avenue is ALREADY GENERATING REAL PAYING BUSINESS today while management is now deliberately putting effort or resources behind growing it?" In the transcript, management talks about their Evergreen platform, which is a retail product. But that is still asset management fees. They also talk about their strategic technology investments, but those are investments, not a revenue stream from operations. They also mention their distribution management business, but that seems to be part of their advisory services. Perhaps the incentive fees? But that is part of their performance fees, not a separate avenue. Maybe the "Evergreen platform" is a second avenue? But it's still the same business of managing assets, just for retail investors. It's not a distinct way of making money that emerged from something else. The question is looking for something like: the company built a technology or data platform for its own use, and now is selling that as a service. Or they have a secondary market business that emerged from their primary investing. But in the transcript, I don't see that.
| Ticker | Company | Call | Date | Call grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M | Macy's, Inc. | Q4 2022 | 2023-03-02 | D |
| CMLS | Cumulus Media Inc. | Q3 2022 | 2022-10-28 | D |
| GDRX | GoodRx Holdings, Inc. | Q2 2022 | 2022-08-08 | F |
| SOPH | SOPHiA GENETICS SA | Q4 2021 | 2022-03-15 | C |
| SLQT | SelectQuote, Inc. | Q2 2022 | 2022-02-07 | F |
| LC | LendingClub Corporation | Q4 2021 | 2022-01-26 | A |
| IRBT | iRobot Corporation | Q3 2021 | 2021-10-28 | D |
| T | AT&T Inc. | Q3 2018 | 2018-10-24 | C+ |
| LRN | Stride, Inc. | Q1 2019 | 2018-10-23 | B |
| MITK | Mitek Systems, Inc. | Q4 2017 | 2017-11-07 | C+ |
| IONS | Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | Q1 2017 | 2017-05-09 | C |
LRN · Q1 2019 → YESThe question is: Does management describe a SECOND, DISTINCT WAY OF MAKING MONEY that has recently emerged FROM the company's existing operations, assets, customers, or capabilities - an additional re...YES The transcript shows career readiness as a distinct second revenue avenue that emerged directly from the existing MPS business: students already enrolled in Managed Public Schools are being moved into career readiness programs (over 5,000 students), and the initiative is built on the same platform, curriculum, and student base. Management explicitly describes it as a “career readiness line of business” and “robust career readiness business” that is already generating paying enrollments today while they are deliberately investing resources—dedicated executives, reallocation of funds, and plans to drive a major portion of next year’s enrollment growth.
M · Q4 2022 → YESThe question is: Does management describe a SECOND, DISTINCT WAY OF MAKING MONEY that has recently emerged FROM the company's existing operations, assets, customers, or capabilities - an additional re...YES The transcript shows that Macy’s Marketplace is explicitly described as a distinct new revenue avenue that emerged directly from their existing e-commerce operations and customer base (macys.com, cross-shoppers, and omnichannel platform). Jeff Gennette states it “captures incremental sales opportunity,” “drives a larger average order value,” “allows us to quickly move into new and adjacent categories without inventory risk,” and “attracts a new younger customer,” while management is actively scaling it by adding 2,000 brands in 2023 and launching Bloomingdale’s marketplace in the back half.
GDRX · Q2 2022 → YESThe question is: Does management describe a SECOND, DISTINCT WAY OF MAKING MONEY that has recently emerged FROM the company's existing operations, assets, customers, or capabilities - an additional re...YES The transcript shows that Pharma Manufacturer Solutions is the second distinct revenue avenue that emerged from GoodRx’s existing operations. Trevor explicitly states: “Our distinct ability to reach both consumers and providers continues to be recognized by manufacturers as evidenced by the strong growth.” This capability originated from the core prescription-transactions platform and user base 3 years earlier (when other offerings were only ~5% of revenue). In Q2 2022 it generated $26.6 million (102% YoY growth) and is already producing real paying business.