CFRA Announces Acquisition of First Bridge Data LLC
First Bridge is a leading provider of global ETF data and analytics; acquisition strengthens CFRA’s suite of independent ETF research offerings
NEW YORK, August 5, 2019 – CFRA, one of the world’s largest providers of independent research, today announced that it has acquired First Bridge Data LLC (“First Bridge”), a leading source for global ETF data and analytics.
With the addition of First Bridge, CFRA further strengthens its already robust ETF research offerings to include the industry’s most comprehensive database of ETF constituent holdings data, reference and classification data, investment analytics, and daily pricing, flows and statistics. CFRA clients will also have the opportunity to leverage First Bridge’s powerful data visualization tools, which allow for the creation of interactive reports by region, by category, and more.
“Adding First Bridge’s industry leading ETF data and analytics creates new value for our clients across both the institutional investor and wealth management segments of the market,” said Peter de Boer, CEO of CFRA. “Not only will our ETF ratings and research now be powered by the most complete source of data on the market, but we will also be able to innovate more quickly for our clients in this rapidly growing ETF industry.”
First Bridge was founded in 2011 by Aniket Ullal, a respected equity index product management expert who was previously with S&P Dow Jones Indices and is the author of “ETF Investment Strategies” (McGraw-Hill, 2013). Led by Ullal, who will be joining CFRA as part of this transaction, First Bridge provides clients with unmatched data and analytical tools, allowing them to better understand the characteristics and holdings of individual ETFs and support their investment research process.
“CFRA’s entire approach to ETF ratings and research is distinguished by its focus on holdings-level analysis, so adding First Bridge, with its daily constituent holdings data, to our proprietary suite of offerings will only make our efforts that much stronger,” said Todd Rosenbluth, Head of ETF & Mutual Fund Research for CFRA. “I could not be more excited to incorporate First Bridge’s database into our analysis and to start sharing findings and analysis with our clients.”
As First Bridge’s offerings are incorporated across the CFRA platform, the combined solution will give financial professionals a centralized source for high-quality independent ETF research, data and analytics.
“My colleagues and I are excited to be joining CFRA, and to be bringing our screening and data visualization solutions to a wider, global audience,” added Ullal. “Combining our expertise and solutions with CFRA’ s extensive research capabilities creates an offering that I think institutional investors and wealth managers will find to be unsurpassed in the marketplace.
For more information about CFRA, please visit www.cfraresearch.com.
For more information about First Bridge Data LLC, please visit https://www.firstbridgedata.com/.
ABOUT CFRA
CFRA is one of the world’s largest providers of independent investment research. Through a differentiated methodology blending forensic accounting and fundamental equity research, CFRA empowers sophisticated investment professionals, advisors and risk managers with actionable analysis and proven results.
CFRA’s global research team of 75 analysts critically evaluates industries, funds and companies of interest to help over 2,000 clients, including the world’s leading institutional investors, wealth advisors, corporations, academics and governments, to make sound investment and business decisions.
Founded in 1994, CFRA is privately held with offices in or near New York, London, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Charlottesville, Denver, and Washington, D.C. In October 2016, CFRA acquired and has since fully integrated the Equity and Fund Research business from S&P Global.
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Tomas Perez is currently a Bespoke Analyst at CFRA research.
Previously he was a Senior Associate at KPMG, LLP focused on the insurance industry, on a variety of projects in audit and advisory services for multiple Fortune 500 clients.
Tomas is also a graduate of the Ohio State University, having received a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration with a Specialization in Accounting and a minor in Economics. He is also a licensed CPA in the state of Ohio.
Nick Rodelli is the founder and head of CFRA’s Legal Edge, an institutional investor research product focused on legal and regulatory risk.
Prior to joining the firm, Nick was a litigator and corporate governance counselor at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich and Rosati, a Palo Alto, CA technology sector-focused law firm, and Jenner & Block in Chicago, IL, and a merger arbitrage and special situations analyst at a multi-strategy hedge fund, where he performed merger antitrust, litigation, SEC Enforcement, and regulatory risk assessments, and fundamental analysis. Nick has appeared on CNBC and has been quoted in Barron's, Bloomberg, The New York Times, and other major publications.
Nick holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Veronica Mercier is a Junior Analyst on the Bespoke Team within Forensic Research Services. She conducts in-depth financial analysis and qualitative review of public-facing companies to produce custom reports for clients. Prior to joining CFRA in May of 2019, Veronica worked as a Student Economist in the Division of Insurance and Research at the FDIC where she conducted banking research.
Veronica holds an MA in Economics from George Mason University as well as a BS in Mathematics and BA in Economics from the University of Tampa.
Sel Hardy joined CFRA in October 2019 and is a Fundamental Equity Research Analyst covering several segments within the Healthcare industry including Pharmaceuticals, Managed Health Care, Life Sciences Tools & Services, Health Care Distributors and Services.
Prior to joining CFRA, Sel worked in Equity and Fixed Income Research at Is Investment, the leading investment bank in Turkey. She analyzed stocks and corporate bonds traded on the Istanbul Stock Exchange. As an equity analyst she focused on stocks of Hospital Operators, Pharmaceuticals, Industrials, and Hospitality companies and initiated coverage on several new listings, some of which ranked among the top equity investments of the year. Sel started her career in Finance at Credit Agricole Group as an Analyst in the Corporate and Investment Banking division with a focus on M&A and Credit Analysis.
Sel holds a BA in Economics and Politics from Brandeis University. She also holds a MS in Finance from Cass Business School, City University London.
Garrett Nelson is a Senior Equity Research Analyst primarily responsible for coverage of the U.S. Automotive and Beverages industries. He covers the entire Auto supply chain from manufacturers such as Tesla, Ford, and GM to parts and equipment suppliers, retailers, dealerships, distributors, and tire manufacturers. Garrett also follows the Beverage and Tobacco industries, including companies such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Molson Coors, Constellation Brands, Altria, and Philip Morris. Finally, he follows a handful of large-cap retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Costco.
Garrett has been with CFRA since July 2018. Prior to joining CFRA, Garrett spent over a decade as a sell-side equity research analyst. He was a Senior Equity Research Analyst at BB&T Capital Markets, where he covered the Metals & Mining industry. Prior to that, Garrett was at an Equity Research Analyst at Davenport & Company LLC where he followed the energy sector, including utilities, oil & gas and coal companies. Prior to that, he worked as a proprietary equity trader for three years.
Garrett holds a B.A. Economics and History from the University of Virginia. He has also passed the FINRA Series 7, 55, 66, 86 & 87 exams
Colin Scarola is a Vice President of equity research at CFRA. His responsibilities include fundamental research and recommending investments within the Industrials sector, with emphasis on the aerospace & defense, airlines, logistics, and transportation industries.
Before joining CFRA in 2018, Colin spent three years in real estate private equity investing with Pennybacker Capital in Austin, Texas. This was following Colin’s initial transition into the investment field after four years as a mechanical engineer within the aerospace and building automation industries.
Colin is a CFA charter holder and has an undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, cum laude. He also holds a Master of Science in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated at the top of his class.
Michael Dowd is head of global account management at CFRA. He is responsible for leading a global team of dedicated account managers to deliver best-in-class service for CFRA clients, developing the go-to-market strategy for client accounts, and driving user adoption of CFRA research.
Prior to joining CFRA, Mike served as the Director of Client Services and a member of the Senior Management Team at SNL Financial before the firm was acquired by McGraw-Hill in 2015. Following the acquisition, he built a Global Renewal Operations Team at S&P Global to facilitate a shift to avalue-based commercial pricing model, and led successful Relationship Management Teams in the non-financial Corporate client segment.
Mike holds aBachelor of Science, Business Administration from the University of Vermont, and a Master of Business Administration from Union College, with a concentration in Finance and International Business.
Ken Leon is Director of Equity Research at CFRA, responsible for analytical research as well as client servicing. As a subject matter expert, his research industries include Diversified Banks and the Housing Market, with coverage of Homebuilding, Home Improvement Retail, Home Furnishings and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
Ken is a thought leader that provides ongoing in-depth research and communications to key customer segments. He is active with most media networks and leading print media, and is sought for his investment views on the large banks and housing market trends.
Ken previously held the position of Global Director of Research and Industry Analyst for S&P Global Market Intelligence. Prior to joining CFRA, Ken spent over two decades in equity research with research leadership responsibilities at ABN Amro, Bear Stearns, and Lehman Brothers. He was a three-time Institutional Investor All-Star for his coverage of Wireless Telecommunications Services.
Ken holds both a Bachelor of Science degree and an MBA from New York University. He was also licensed in the State of New Jersey as a Certified Public Accountant.
Kevin Huang is an equity research analyst and is primarily responsible for providing analytical coverage of several industries within health care, which includes biotechnology, medical devices, health care providers and services, and health care technology. His role involves keeping up-to-date with health care policy and regulation, industry trends, and technological advancements.
Prior to joining CFRA in 2016, Kevin worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers as a senior associate in Risk Assurance.
Kevin holds a BSBA in Finance and Accounting from the Olin Business School, Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He is also a CFA Charterholder.
Colin Scarola is a senior analyst at CFRA. His responsibilities include fundamentalresearch and recommending equity investments within the Health Care sector, with emphasis on the pharmaceutical supply chain, health plan providers, and the life sciences industry.
Before joining CFRA in 2018, Colin spent three years as an investment analyst in real estate private equity with Pennybacker Capital in Austin, Texas. He transitioned into the investment field following four years as a mechanical engineer within the building automation and aerospace industries.
Colin has completed the CFA curriculum and holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, cum laude. He also holds a Master of Science in Finance from The University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated at the top of his class.
Chris Kuiper is a senior equity analyst at CFRA, conducting fundamental analysis and valuation assessments within the Consumer Finance, Capital Markets, and REITs areas.
Prior to joining CFRA in 2017, Chris worked as an analyst for a large-cap value fund. Chris also worked as a fundamental analyst for Calamos Investments, and a credit analyst for TCF Bank. He also previously worked as a research fellow for the Mercatus Center, a research center at George Mason University, where he wrote and published on public policy issues.
Chris holds a bachelor’s degree from Dordt College and a master’s degree in economics from George Mason University. Chris Kuiper holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.
Stewart Glickman is head of the Energy sector team and senior equity analyst at CFRA. He is responsible for analytical coverage of the Energy sector across the value chain. Stewart has held the positions of Sector Head of the Energy and Materials teams and Industry Analyst for S&P Global Market Intelligence.
Prior to joining S&P Global, Stewart worked in strategic consulting with Monitor Company and in economic consulting with Law and Economics Consulting Group and National Economic Research Associates, Inc.
Stewart holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Western Ontario, a Master of Arts degree in Economics from the University of Victoria, and an MBA in Finance and Accounting from the Stern School of Business at New York University. Stewart is a CFA charterholder.
Paige Meyer is an equity research analyst at CFRA. She is responsible for providing differentiated and actionable research and recommendations on equities in the Energy and Utility sectors. Paige’s areas of focus include: exploration and production, energy equipment and services, drilling, midstream, and gas utilities. She also authors two top-down industry primers: Energy Equipment & Services, and Gas Utilities.
Prior to joining CFRA in 2017, Paige gained her broad experience in the integrated oil and gas industry, working for Royal Dutch Shell. She had the opportunity to work across multiple business lines, including the upstream (onshore natural gas production), downstream (refinery), and global trading businesses.
Paige also has experience in consulting, focusing on credit risk.Paige holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.
Tim is a forensic equity analyst, covering Asia-Pacific compannies. Tim is responsible for helping CFRA’s clients better understand underappreciated differences between financial results and underlying economic reality. Tim joined CFRA as a member CFRA’s bespoke research team, and after spending a little over a year with this team, he transitioned to CFRA’s proactive idea generation team.
Prior to joining CFRA in 2017, Tim spent four years at KPMG in their Deal Advisory and Audit practices. Tim holds a master’s degree in Accounting and a B.S. in Business from Ohio State University. He is also a CFA and a licensed CPA.
As Chief Investment Strategist, Sam Stovall serves as analyst, publisher, and communicator of CFRA’s outlooks for the economy, market, and sectors. He is the author of The Seven Rules of Wall Street and The S&P Guide to Sector Investing. He also writes weekly “Sector Watch” and “Investment Policy” reports on CFRA’s MarketScope Advisor platform, and maintains the Industry Momentum and Seasonal Rotation portfolios. His work is also found in CFRA’s flagship weekly newsletter The Outlook.
Prior to joining CFRA, Sam was Managing Director and Chief Investment Strategist at S&P Global for more than 27 years and served as Editor-in-Chief at Argus Research, an independent investment research firm in New York City.
He received an M.B.A. in Finance from New York University and a B.A. in History/Education from Muhlenberg College, in Allentown, Pa. Sam is also a Certified Financial Planner.
Sam’s volunteer efforts center on financial literacy. He is a board member of W!SE (Working in Support of Education), an educational not-for-profit that aims to improve the lives of young people through programs that develop financial literacy and readiness for college and careers. He is also a Trustee of Muhlenberg College.
Follow Sam on Twitter: @StovallCFRA
Prior to joining CFRA, Lindsey worked as an Investment Strategist with S&P Global within the Investment Advisory Services division. She worked in several different capacities at TheStreet.com before that, from helping to manage Jim Cramer’s small and mid-cap Charitable Trusts, to leading trader blog conversations and writing research. She learned the ropes as an equity research analyst at J.P Morgan and Deutsche Bank covering retail companies, and began her career in investment banking with Jefferies & Company’s Mergers & Acquisition group.
Follow Lindsey on Twitter: @LBellCFRA
Prior to joining CFRA and S&P Global, Tuna was a Senior Equity Analyst at Lehman Brothers, New York. He participated in key decisions by the firm’s Investment Policy Committee and was highly instrumental in managing a multi-capitalization equity portfolio, with primary focus on the Technology, Media and Telecom (TMT) sectors. Tuna also gained extensive global consulting experience in his previous roles at Arthur Andersen and KPMG.
Tuna earned an MBA in Finance from the Strathclyde University Business School in Scotland, U.K. He also holds a B.Sc. in Accounting from University of Nigeria as well as LL.B. (JD). Tuna is a CFA charterholder and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Prior to joining CFRA, Todd previously served in other financial positions at S&P Global, such as International Mutual Fund Sector Specialist, Large Cap Value and Large Cap Growth Analyst and has served on the Fund Services Asset Allocation Committee. Prior to joining S&P Global in 2001, Todd was managing editor of Value Line Mutual Fund Survey and Senior Large Cap and Small Cap Value Mutual Fund Analyst. He was also a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley.
Todd holds a B.G.S in Finance from the University of Michigan and an MBA in Finance from New York University.
Follow Todd on Twitter at: @ToddCFRA
Prior to joining CFRA, Mike served as the Director of Client Services and a member of the Senior Management Team at SNL Financial before the firm was acquired by McGraw-Hill in 2015. Following the acquisition, he built a Global Renewal Operations Team at S&P Global to facilitate a shift to avalue-based commercial pricing model, and led successful Relationship Management Teams in the non-financial Corporate client segment.
Mike holds aBachelor of Science, Business Administration from the University of Vermont, and a Master of Business Administration from Union College, with a concentration in Finance and International Business.
Matthew is Vice President of Equity Research at CFRA. He is responsible for providing differentiated and actionable research and recommendations on equities in the Materials and Industrials sectors. Matthew’s areas of focus include: metals & mining, construction materials, containers & packaging, and building products. Matthew previously held the position of Industry/Equity Analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence.
Matthew joined CFRA in 2016 and S&P Global in 2014, after working on the buy-side as an Equity Analyst at London Capital Management in London, Canada, where he covered North American stocks in the Energy and Consumer Staples sectors. Prior to joining the equity research industry, Matthew worked as a Financial Analyst for companies in both the retail and fitness areas.
Matthew holds his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Colorado State University and his MBA from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada. He is also a CFA charterholder.
John is Vice President of Equity Research. He joined CFRA in April 2019. He is responsible for fundamental equity research and analysis covering several segments within the Information Technology and Communication Services sectors, including enterprise software and SaaS/cloud providers, Internet advertising/social media platforms, and game developers.
Prior to joining CFRA, John co-founded Samadhi Capital Partners, an investment advisor and equity research firm where he developed an investment process and framework targeted at tech sector equities, with a particular emphasis on gauging the impact of and identifying the long-term winners from artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, and related developments categorized under the larger “cognification of software” mega-trend. Before his entrepreneurial stint, he served as Senior Analyst and Portfolio Manager at Sands Capital Management, responsible for the firm’s investments within the tech sector.
John began his career in equity research with an independent equity research firm, Precursor, where he was ranked as the top analyst covering network equipment stocks among independent research firms. He also spent the first dozen years of his career in various roles within the tech industry. During this time, he published dozens of white papers and research reports on topics ranging from network processors, Virtual LAN (VLAN) technology, and the historical evolution of enterprise application architecture.
John graduated from Harvard University with a BA in East Asian Studies.