First Principles Brief

Structured business analyses built from first principles. These briefs examine what a company does, why it exists, and how it succeeds for long-term investors.
May 19
Haidilao (6862.HK): Is Service the Moat, or the Cost?

Haidilao (6862.HK): Is Service the Moat, or the Cost?

Haidilao's service quality did not emerge from a training manual. It was built through a specific mechanism: a master-apprentice incentive structure where store managers are compensated not just on their own store's performance, but on the performance of managers they trained
12 min read
Apr 07
Singapore Exchange Limited (S68.SI): The Exchange Is the Infrastructure

Singapore Exchange Limited (S68.SI): The Exchange Is the Infrastructure

The One-Liner Singapore Exchange does not compete for market share. It is the market. And it collects a toll on
14 min read
Mar 31
Centurion Accommodation REIT (8C8U.SI) : First Principles Analysis

Centurion Accommodation REIT (8C8U.SI) : First Principles Analysis

If you're coming from the First Principles Brief, you already know what Centurion does and why the business
24 min read
Mar 16
Centurion Accommodation REIT (8C8U.SI): The Architecture of Essentiality

Centurion Accommodation REIT (8C8U.SI): The Architecture of Essentiality

The One-Liner Centurion is a leading specialized accommodation provider that builds and operates mission-critical human infrastructure. It provides regulated housing
7 min read
Feb 28
NetEase (9999.HK): First Principles Analysis

NetEase (9999.HK): First Principles Analysis

If you're coming from the First Principles Brief, you already know what NetEase does and why the business
20 min read