In this episode of Excess Returns, we sit down with Kai Wu, founder of Sparkline Capital, for a fascinating discussion about intangible value investing and its global applications. Kai shares his expertise on using machine learning and natural language processing to identify companies rich in intellectual property, brand equity, human capital, and network effects. We explore why U.S. firms have historically outperformed many international counterparts, with Kai explaining how the gap in intangible asset investment has been a crucial factor.
We discuss:
- How traditional value metrics miss important aspects of modern company value
- The four pillars of intangible value: IP, brand equity, human capital, and network effects
- Why international markets have lagged the U.S. and how intangible value can help close this gap
- The role of AI and machine learning in modern investment analysis
- A surprising analysis of global patent leadership
This episode offers valuable insights for investors interested in both value investing and international diversification. Whether you’re a quantitative investor or just interested in understanding how modern companies create value, you’ll find plenty to think about in this discussion.
