Sunday, November 30, 2014

Seletar Mall (SPH REIT) - My First Hand Experience and First Impression

Seletar Mall
Today, went to the just-opened (still in soft-launch phase) new mall in North-East suburban of Singapore, Seletar Mall to have a feel of it, since it is near where I stay. ;-)

My first impression?

It is smaller than I expected (but it could be due to the over-crowded human traffics on the first opening weekend) but the well balanced mix of tenants is a definite plus point. 

The best of it is the Shaw cinema chain which is the only upcoming cinema in the Sengkang/Punggol area. There are quite a number of new F&B eating places which might attract foodies to queue up. Of course, fashion, departmental store (BHG) and supermarket (NTUC Finest) are the sure-fire must have tenants in any mall. 

In short! I think the mall has a bright future to serve the residents of North-East are (i.e. Sengkang and Punggol). 

I believed SPH REIT's (SK6U) management will be happy with the human traffic and long queues in front of the stores, especially the F&Bs on this opening weekend. So, there is high chance that SPH REITS might get Seletar Mall into their portfolio earlier than expected (see relevant article from the Sunday Times here).

Following are some photos I snap within and outside the Seletar Mall :


SPH REIT was last traded at $1.06 and their latest 2014 Annual Report indicated that their DPU distribution of 5.99 Singapore cents (equivalent to 5.09% dividend yield) is 3.8% higher than forecast. Even though it is a new REIT on the board (launched on in 2013) but their future looks bright ;-)

Oh, for those existing unit-holders who might consider thanking me for contributing to their dividend yield, just take note that I only took my Subway lunch there ;-). Having said that, I will be patronizing the mall quite often when the Shaw cinema is opened next month.  

If you are interested to check out the complete shop list of Seletar Mall, click here

Cheers!  

Saturday, November 29, 2014

There Is Always Way To Save Some Money In Your Shopping

Saving on shopping
Today, accompanied two of my friends to the IT fair, SITEX (Expo). As usual, it is crowded. The reason being that there are plenty of special offers, freebies and promotional items on the displays. 

One particular booth selling Samsung giant TVs caught our eyes (and ears). They are promoting a crazy special offer within a "limited time" (really limited, only 10 seconds). The offer is 3 sets of 50" Samsung HD TV for $1,399. 

Can you guess any taker within the 10 seconds?   

The answer is.... YES! There was one (before we move on to the other booth).

So what is the morale of story? The morale of story is if you know how/where to find, you can always find way to save in your shopping. Ain't saving is part and parcel of personal finance management? Of course, the key here is that the stuff is something that you really need it and not impulsive buying. 

Talking about impulsive buying, I am guilty of that today as I just bought an heavily discounted jersey from my favorite team (read Manchester United) at Changi City Point ;-)


Season of giving (read X'mas) is around the corner, so you might want to open your eyes big big to spot some good offers/discounts for both offline and online (nowadays many of you folks are buying stuff online, which is usually much cheaper).

Cheers!

Social Media Vs Investing - New Book

Personally, I am a very Social Media-ed person, I have profile in most of the popular social media platforms, like Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Pinterest and more recently mig.me (last one is a pretty new local social networking site). Of course, I cannot be active in all the above and hence only select a couple of them to focus on my sharing and browsing (main one being Facebook). 

Ever since I gained my momentum in stock investment from the beginning of the year, I've learnt quite a fair bit of my investment knowledge (the fundamentals, the do and don't etc.) from social media, especially local personal finance blogs. Hence, I always think that social media do play an important role for retail investors in keeping abreast of our investment acumen as well as boosting the chance of success. 

Yesterday, while roaming at the Popular bookstore, chanced upon a new book called "Social Media Strategies For Investing" (by Brian D. Egger) which I thought is quite fitting with the idea of what I am thinking about. I browsed through the chapters and noted that the focus in mainly on the impact through Twitter platform as well as some established non-local personal finance blogs etc.

The idea is there but it might not be very relevant to our local context. Have you folks chanced upon any similar local book touching on Social Media vs Investing?

Cheers! 

Friday, November 28, 2014

Random Thoughts On Black Friday 2014


Today, many of the shoppers will throng to the stores (both online and bricks and mortar ones) for the Black Friday Sales rush! From the photo on the left, you can tell how crazy the shoppers are (it reminded me of the crazy long queue and fights in the McDonald's during their Hello Kitty toys sales).
 
So, on this massive day (from the retailers' perspective), just like to share some of my random thoughts.
 
Firstly, it is triggered from a movie that I watched 2 days ago, a slapstick sequel entitled Horrible Bosses 2. It is rated M18 with plenty of foul language, but that's not key point here. ;-) The key is : it highlights the importance of having a good/competence bosses (management team) in order for a business/company to be sustainable. hence, when we are evaluating a company/business for investing idea, besides focusing on the financial hard figures, do pay attention to the people-side of the company/business too.
 
Secondly, yesterday is Thanksgiving, I think it is less celebrated in Asia but it is a huge celebration in the western countries with load of turkeys. For me, it is just another Thursday without any gathering or feast. Having said that, I would like to take this opportunity to give belated thanks to all my readers, especially a bunch of peer bloggers with regular interaction in our mutual blogs (I think you folks know who you are!).   
 
Lastly:
HAPPY BLACK FRIDAY TO ALL!
 
Cheers!

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 28th November 2014

Market News in 2 minutes As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.

Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :

1. REITS : Frasers Commercial Trust (ND8U) - Has been re-assigned a “Baa3” credit rating along with a stable outlook by Moody’s Investors Service following the withdrawal of its corporate family rating. The stable outlook reflects Moody’s expectation that FCOT’s properties will continue to generate stable income, driven by steady occupancy rates and organic growth from positive rental reversions. In September, FCOT has successfully refinanced all of its secured debt with unsecured debt. (source : Shares Investment)

2. IPS Securex Holdings (40A) - Inked a contract worth US$1.6 million for the sale of 50 sets of Hyperspike acoustic hailing devices and their supporting accessories to a company incorporated in Hong Kong. This equipment will be delivered to Vietnam. (source : Shares Investment)

Cheers!

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Super Group (S10) - So This Is The Reason Its Share Price Rises By 5% Today


Today, while checking for the performance of my stock portfolio, I noticed that one particular stock that I am holding for long term (Super Group - S10) has jumped by close to 5%, at the time of writing (last traded at $1.215). So, naturally I am interested to find out the cause(s).
 
After quick check at SGX's website, found the cause! Apparently Super Group has recently announced that they are selling their property at Chin Bee Cresent for an handsome sum of $8 millions. Click here to see more details.
 
With the sale, there is positive financial effect to the book of Super Group in terms of their Net Tangible Assets (41.60 cents to 41.95 cents per share) and Earnings Per Share (from 8.96 cents to 9.32 cents).
 
This is at the backdrop of their recent additional investment in their subsidiaries, Super Continental Pte Ltd and Super Coffee Corporation. Looking forward to more "qiong-ing" by Super Group, hopefully. ;-)
 
Cheers!

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 27th November 2014

Market News in 2 minutes As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.

Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :

1. Fragrance Group (F31) - Proposed the acquisition of the properties located in Perth, Australia for A$30 million. Situated in the central business district of Perth, these properties are freehold assets and have a total land area of 3,560 square metres. The company intends to re-develop these properties into a mixed-use development. (source : Shares Investment)

2. Silverlake Axis (5CP) - Has secured two software upgrading contracts worth RM40 million from existing customers. The first contract involves the upgrading of a core banking system for an ASEAN bank’s operations in Singapore, while the second contract is for a system upgrade of a social security organisation and government agency in Brunei. (source : Shares Investment)

3. Singapore Exchange (S68) - Announced the launch of a bond trading platform that is scheduled for launch by 1H15. The trading platform will begin with the trading of Asian corporate bonds in G3 currencies followed by the local currencies of Asian countries. (source : Shares Investment)

4. Singapore Medical Group (5OT) - Signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) for a proposed 51:49 joint venture with Leaders Cosmetics division of Sansung Life & Science Co, a company incorporated in South Korea. Leaders Cosmetics is principally engaged in the aesthetic medicine and cosmeceutical products businesses. A joint venture company will be set up for the purpose of engaging in the aesthetics and dermatology businesses and distribution of dermatological and cosmeceutical products in the Southeast Asia region. (source : Shares Investment)

5. Zhongmin Baihui Retail Group (5SR) - Has successfully bidded for a proposed 15-year lease of the premises located at Xianyou Lizhong Wenti Lvhua Square in Fujian Province, China. The group intends to use the premise for the operation of a one-floor departmental store on the basement with an aggregate gross floor area of 6,700 square metres and a basement car park. The departmental store is expected to be fully operational in 1H15 and will be funded through internal funds. source : Shares Investment)

Cheers!

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Wah! Teh Hooi Ling's New Book - Show Me The Money is So HOT!

Show me the money teh hooi lingTo be frank, three weeks ago, I have no idea who is Teh Hooi Ling (Ms).
 
After reading her latest book - Show Me The Money (Book 1) - Sound Principles To Grow Your Wealth and blogged about it a couple of weeks ago (click here to see my earlier post) , I started to learn more about her and get to know how influential and popular she it to our local investment scene (my bad, but later is better than never). To me, she is a rare local female investment guru with a great writing style.
 
This is further affirmed when I tried to renew the book with National Library (today) and got a shock that it was being BLOCKED.
 
The reason? After went down to the main National Library branch and checked with the counter stuff, apparently there are currently 35 outstanding reservations for the book and hence renewal is not allowed. This is my first ever encounter!
 
Being a slow reader, I am just half-way through the book, I guess I got to put in more reading time into this book and pay a few days penalty so that I can complete the gem.
 
The book is HIGHLY recommended as there are so many valuable principles that we can learn from this compilation of her previously published articles (via her column in Business Times).
 
Cheers! 

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 26th November 2014

Market News in 2 minutes As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.

Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :

1. Sapphire Corporation (NF1) - Proposed the acquisition and further subscription of shares in Ranken Infrastructure for an aggregate consideration of Rmb360.4 million (approximately $75.9 million). The acquisition is in line with the company’s plan of diversifying and exiting the steel business. The company intends to finance the acquisition by cash and in the form of a private placement to the vendor. (source : Shares Investment)

2. Singapore Kitchen Equipment (5WG) - Proposed the disposal of a property located at No. 1 Commonwealth Lane for $730,000. Valued at $770,000. Net proceeds from the disposal will be deployed as general working capital requirements. (source : Shares Investment)

3. Yuexiu Property Company (G10) - Acquired a land parcel measuring 0.6 million square metres in total gross floor area (including underground) for Rmb6.5 billion. Located in the city center of Guangzhou, China. The land parcel is expected to be developed for residential use. (source : Shares Investment)

4. IPO : Keppel DC REIT - A trust that will be backed by data centre properties, is seeking to raise as much as $512 million from its Singapore IPO. The trust plans to offer units at 90 to 93 cents and it intends to offer a dividend yield of as much as 7.1% for the 2015 fiscal year. At US$393 millions ($511.79 million), Keppel DC REIT would be second-biggest IPO in Singapore this year. It aims to start taking orders from investors tomorrow and begin trading on 12th Dec. (source : The Edge Singapore)

Cheers!

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

What Footprints Are You Leaving Behind?

Today, feeling inspirational and like to share something for the "mind" instead of the wealth. So, there is nothing related to stock investment or for that matter, nothing to do with any type of investment. 
 
To me, life is a journey and since it is an on-going journey (until our very last breath), we are leaving countless footprints everywhere we go, especially to the people we met (or about to meet). When we leave this mortal world, the only thing that really signifying our being is our footprints (the memories) that we left behind to those still living... NOTE : I know, many will also left behind their wealth or money too but these are just paper, digits in the bank accounts or the concrete building, you are much more than that ;-)
 
So, make your footprints count...
 
Picture worth a thousand words, hence, created the following for sharing. By the way, these are really my footprints hoh!
 
 
Cheers!
 

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 25th November 2014

Market News in 2 minutes As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.

Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :

1. REITS : Mapletree Logistics Trust (M44U) -  proposed the acquisition of Smart Logistics Centre for KRW21.4 billion (approximately $25.2 million). The property, located in Fashion Forest in Gyeonggi province, Korea. The acquisition is expected to be yield-accretive while generating an initial net property income yield of 7.8 percent and will be fully funded by debt.  (source : Shares Investment)

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2. United Envitech (U19) - Has signed an agreement with Beijing Drainage Equipment Co (BDE) to set up a 49:51 joint-venture company with a capital of RMB48 millions. ($9.6 millions). (source : The Edge Singapore)

3. Amplefield (C60) - Says its subsidiary, Citybuilding VN won a contract by SingVietCity (SVC). The contract is valued at $223 millions. (source : The Edge Singapore)

Cheers!

Monday, November 24, 2014

Monday Blues? Focus On The Positive Stuffs


Time flies, Monday is already ending soon! For those who are suffering from Monday Blues, good news right since you've survived the day!? Personally, I don't have this issue as I treat every working days as equal, be it Monday or Friday ;-)
 
By nature, I like to focus on the good stuffs, instead of the not-so-good stuffs. Today, I've received two pieces of good news (to me at least) and I thought to share it out here to share my joy :
 
1. Been approached by a webmaster to place an advert banner on my blog (the site is related to personal finance so I believed some of the users might be interested to their content too). It is like being your own Google Adsense with the exception of liaising with the advertisers directly. Personally, I am an advert-friendly person i.e. I like to view advertisements (be it on TV or other media channels) as I find that there are so many inspirational ideas we can get from them. I don't know how far I will go for this online-advertisement thingy but I am quite happy with what I am doing so far.
 
2. Been invited by a local social network called mig.me to have a short bloggers gathering in Penang, Malaysia in mid-December. Accommodation will be provided so I will just need to find my way there. First time participating in such oversea gathering with the yet-to-know friends and am looking forward to it. Probably I will be the eldest among the group ;-)
 
What are the good stuffs that filled you with on this cooling Monday?
 
Cheers!

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 24th November 2014

Market News in 2 minutes As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.

Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :

1. Keppel Telecommunications & Transportation (K11) - Agreed to acquire a data centre located in Almere, the Netherlands for a price that has yet to be disclosed. At the same time, a binding letter of intent was inked with a major tenant who has committed to lease approximately 40 percent of the space at the data centre. (source : Shares Investment)

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2. Lian Beng Group (L03) - Said joint venture company Wealth Property has won the tender to purchase a land parcel at Mandai Link for a purchase price of $21.3 million. Wealth is 65:35 joint venture company owned by Lian beng and The Legacy Industrial (Mandai).  (source : The Edge Singapore).

3. iFast Corporation, famous for its online fund distribution business Fundsupermart.com, has lodged its preliminary prospectus, with plan to sell 32.8 million shares. The company wants to use proceeds from the IPO on acquisitions, expansion into China, enhance its products and other miscellaneous purposes. The IPO is arranged by DBS Bank and DMG & Partners Securities.

Cheers!

Sunday, November 23, 2014

My Open Review Of "16 Asian Growth Stocks That Made Up To 1,813.6% In ROI"

16 Asian Growth Stocks That Made Up To 1,813.6% In ROI
As indicated in my earlier post, I've requested for the free book of "16 Asian Growth Stocks That Made Up To 1,813.6% In ROI" from The Fifth Person and I've since received it the next day. Strictly speaking, it is not a book, it is just a compilation of 16 case studies of stocks (I believed these are also some of the selected stocks that the authors have profited from). 

To be frank, I don't know how and where to start (to give review), as per my indication earlier, it is more like a compilation of case studies and hence there are no specific topics or principles being covered in the "book".

In this super thin compilation (there is no page numbering and don't bother to count), I guess the only highlight is their highlights of the 16 businesses' success factors/elements (for example via acquisition of highly profitable business, strong brand equity etc..). Of course, these are very company specific (and from hindsight), hence they would not be applicable to any other businesses (now or future). 

I am not sure how true is it that The Fifth Person is intended to sell it for USD19.95 in the future but personally think that the content is too scanty and the value of it is way below this price ;-) Having said that, I have no regret to pay for the postage fee to get it as it is a form to support local financial literacy energy and hope that they do a better job in the future!

Cheers!  

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Intrinsic Value - The Mother Of All Cheat Sheet

Intrinsic Value
If you are adopting Value Investing strategy, I am sure you are aware of the importance of calculating the Intrinsic Value of the company of your interest. This is to enable you to identify those under-valued company to invest and release when it is deemed over-valued. 

Many of the newbies are intimidated by the "complexity" in calculating the Intrinsic Value (especially finance is not our forte, like myself). Fret not! Recently, I've chanced upon a 15 minutes video from The Fifth Person explaining the Intrinsic Value in layman term and how to calculate it. 

Most importantly, they came up with a wonderful cheat sheet (download-able freely) to derive the Intrinsic Value in a snap. Of course, there are still two components which you need to select i.e. the Growth Rate and Inflation Rate before you can get the magic number, i.e. a factor that you can multiply it with the EPS (Earning Per Share) and obtain the Intrinsic Value right away.    

If you are still new and hazy about what the hack is Intrinsic Value, check out their video here (you can download the cheat sheet via this link too).

The Fifth Person has been churning out some great stuff recently, check my my earlier post here on their FREE book entitled "16 Asian Growth Stocks That Made Up 1,813.6% in ROI". I've received the physical book the next day of my registration and I will write my review in subsequent post. Stay tuned!

Cheers!

Note : This is NOT a promotional post, it is purely for sharing!

Friday, November 21, 2014

How Much Is Our Money Shrunk In value In Singapore? (Infographic)

Value of moneyTGIF! Before we let our hair down and chill out in a couple of hours time, let's talk about some taboo topic : MONEY!
 
We all know that inflation is the main reason why our MONEY shrank in value by days. That's also the reason why we are prepared to take a bit of the risk to invest in stocks or any other instruments, with the aim to yield a returns that's higher than the inflation rate. Minimally, to preserve the value of our money for as long as possible.
 
To look at the impact of the inflation from a layman perspective, it is easier to dissect it at the place that hit us most i.e. the expenses. Recently, I chanced upon an infographic from fivestarsandamoon.com depicting the effect vividly.
 
Check out the infographic below to feel the pinch:

infographic on the expenses in singapore
 
So what can you deduce from the above infographic?

On average, the expenses will increase by almost 100% for every 10 years! (except for some controlled items).

Sounds scary right?
 
Cheers! 

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 21st November 2014

Market News in 2 minutes As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.

Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :

1. Figtree Holdings (5F4) - Proposed to acquire a freehold property in Melbourne for A$3.4 million. The group intends to develop the property into a high rise mixed development. The purchase consideration will be funded by the company’s internal resources and bank borrowings. (source : Shares Investment)

2. Sarine Technologies (U77) - Announced the opening of a service center for Sarine LoupeTM diamond imaging services in New York. The service center provides a comprehensive imaging solution for the diamond trade, based on Sarine’s patented technology. Subsequently, links to the scanned images can be simultaneously sent to all potential customers worldwide for their viewing, enabling more informed, transparent as well as quicker and less expensive dealings. (source : Shares Investment)

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3. Yoma Strategic Holdings (Z59) - And a consortium of companies, JALUX Inc and Mitsubishi Corporation, signed a concession agreement with Myanmar’s Department of Civil Aviation for the concession to operate Mandalay International Airport for 30 years. For this purpose, the three companies have established a special purpose company, MC-Jalux Airport Services (MJAS) in the following structure (JALUX: 45.5 percent, Mitsubishi: 45.5 percent and Yoma: 9 percent). (source : Shares Investment)

4. Capitaland (C31) - Its wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Ltd, has won a contract to manage its first Citadines serviced residence in South Korea. (source : The Edge Singapore).

Cheers!

Thursday, November 20, 2014

FREE Festive Movies Anyone?

Chijmes Movie NightsChristmas is around the corner, slightly more than one month to be exact. Many of the shopping malls are filling with the festive decoration (or in the midst of doing so) and I believed many of us are already in the mood of this season of giving.
 
Talking about giving, yesterday, I chanced upon an update in my Facebook Newsfeed that there is an upcoming FREE Christmas movies screening on this Friday (21 Nov) and Saturday (22 Nov). It will be a new movie experience under the sky as it will be screened in the open, at Chijmes, Singapore.
 
For more details of the movies, venue and timing, check out the poster below :
 
 
Being a movie buff, I've seen these two movies. Even though they are not new but I must say they are quite heartwarming and entertaining movies.
 
Cheers!

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 20th November 2014

Market News in 2 minutes As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.

Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :

1. Regal International (UV1) - Formerly known as Hisaka Holdings Ltd started trading on the Mainboard yesterday. The listing follows the acquisition by Hisaka Holdings of the entire issued and paid-up share capital of Regal International for a consideration of $127.3 million.  (source : The Edge Singapore)

2. Keppel Corporation (BN4) - Proposed the disposal of a 51 percent stake in Keppel Merliau Cogen (KMC), which owns the Keppel Merlimau Cogen Plant, for $510 million. In addition, a 15-year tolling agreement where KMC will be contracted by Keppel Electric for an amount no more than $108 million per year. Keppel Infrastructure Holdings (KI) will guarantee Keppel Electric’s payment obligation to KMC. (source : Shares Investment)

forex trading course singapore

3. REITS : Keppel Infrastructure Trust -KIT (LH4U) - And CitySpring Infrastructure Trust CIT (A7RU) agreed to a merger where every KIT unit will be entitled to receive 2.106 CIT units. Upon completion, CIT will be renamed as KIT and the combined trust will be Singapore’s largest infrastructure-focused business trust. KI will remain as the sponsor of KIT. (source : Shares Investment)
'
Cheers!

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

My Open View About Trans-Cab's IPO Fiasco

Trans-cab
By now I believed most of you have already known (and sadden by it) that the highly anticipated IPO of Trans-Cab has been called off two days before its closure. The reason? Due to an additional insurance premium of $1.83 millions which was not accounted for in their evaluation.

I am not sure how and why it was only uncovered at this late stage but it just indicates two things to me (my personal view) :

1. The way they keep their books, especially their Balance Sheet is questionable. Insurance Premiums is an on-going liability/expenses for the company and I don't believed that such premium adjustment is a one-off thing or something new to the management. Hence, such negligence in their reporting is worrying.   

2. The Due Diligence check of this IPO is in non-existence! I believed such a big blunder is first in the local IPO scene. More or less, I think it will impact the creditability of the future IPO prospects. 

What is your view about this IPO blunder?

Cheers!


Market News In 2 Minutes @ 19th November 2014

Market News in 2 minutes As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.

Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :

1. Midas Holdings (5EN) - Bagged Rmb151.7 million worth of contracts for the supply of high-speed train car body components. These components are slated for delivery in 2014 and 2015 and will subsequently lift the company’s order book to Rmb615.7 million (source : Shares investment)

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2. Trans-cab called off its upcoming IPO due to an unaccounted additional insurance premium liability of $1.83 millions. (source : The Edge Singapore)

3. Tiong Seng (K2P) - Has secured a contract worth $132.4 million to build two high-tech industrial buildings for Mapletree industrial Trust. (source : The Edge Singapore)

Cheers!

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Free Book - 16 Asian Growth Stocks That Made Up 1,813.6% In ROI


I am a regular reader of The Fifth Person site as I find that their articles are quite well written and covered quite well spread of topics in Personal Finance. Yesterday, I've received an email from them (I am a subscriber to their site) sharing about giving out their latest FREE Book called "16 Asian Growth Stocks That Made Up 1,13.6* in ROI".

After visited the link provided in their email, I've decided to support them and claim the free book by paying USD5.95 shipping and handling fee (as it is a physical book and in colour too). As per the video, they intended to sell it at USD19.90 but offering it free for limited time (on their site, there is a count-down counter which indicates that are three more days left at the time of writing). Looking forward to receive the book in my mailbox soon! ;-)

If you are interested to take a look, check out their site here. Note : This is NOT a sponsored post, I am sharing it as I thought some of you folks (especially newbies) might be interested to grab the book as well.  

Cheers!

Is Facebook Trying To Do A Microsoft With Facebook At Work?


Facebook CEO Mark ZukerbergI am a social networking junkie, especially toward Facebook (just like 1.35 billions others around the globe). For those who have friended me in Facebook will know what I meant  as I am kind of hyper-active there! ;-))
 
In fact, that's also the sole reason why I've chosen Facebook as my first US stock (buy what you like and can relate to), click here to see my earlier post. There are reports stating that Facebook is working on a "secret" project called "Facebook At Work". The exact model or how it works is still unclear but it is pretty much to increase the productivity and collaboration among the working colleagues/peers. The report also stated that some 8.000 employees of Facebook already "secretly" using this service at the moment.
 
So, Facebook is like trying to do a Microsoft (during its heyday).
 
I believed there are still quite a number of companies banned social networks in their office but would this upcoming services/product changes everything we do our works in the future? I sure hope so! ;-)
 
I guess shareholders will be the happy bunch if this new product/service works as per plan as it would be another potential revenue source for Facebook ($321 billions to be exact, the market for entreprise software). Even though I am an ex-shareholder now but am still excited to know more about Facebook At Work (lucky for me, my company didn't ban facebook).
 
Cheers!

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 18th November 2014

Market News in 2 minutes As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.

Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :

1.  CapitaLand (C31) - Has entered into a 50:50 joint venture with Credo Group to develop an integrated development in Central Jakarta, Indonesia, with a total cost of $220 million. The integrated development, CapitaLand’s first in country, will comprise office, residential, serviced residence and supporting retail components spanning a total gross floor area in excess of 40,000 square metres.(source : Shares investment)

2. Pacific Radiance (T8V) - Has inked a long-term charter contract for one of its vessels ahead of its expected delivery in 2016/17 worth over US$140 million. The contract, secured from a new client, involves performing offshore support services in an emerging market. (source : Shares investment)

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3. Spackman Entertainment Group (40E) - Has entered into a memorandum of understanding for the proposed acquisition of a 51 percent or more stake in Novus Mediacorp Co. The latter is an investor, presenter and ancillary distributor for Korean theatrical films that had its hand in 54 films since 2009. (source : Shares investment)

4. Boustead Singapore (F9D) - Announced that its 88.2%-owned subsidiary, Esri Australia Pty Ltd, has won a A$16.5 millions ($18.6 millions) contract from the Australian Department of Defense. (source : The Edge Singapore)

Cheers!

Monday, November 17, 2014

Is Optimism Come In Your Gene?


Sometime back, I read a book (can't recall which book i read it from) whereby the author mentioned that there are sufficient survey/test to proof that optimism is BORN (i.e. its in your gene). Personally, I don't buy the idea as I view that optimism can be MADE.
 
Having said that, I do agree that certain people are more receptive in accepting set-back/failure and move on faster than others. However, it doesn't means that there is no way for them to improve on their thinking.
 
Positive thinking is very important in every aspect of life (of course includes investment journey). You need to maintain enough level of positive thinking (optimism) before your tenacity runs out of steam. Also, we need positive thinking to fight against pre-mature surrendering. Just like in stock investment, we are bounds to face with set-back, so be it, just mentally prepared this small hiccups and move on (and of course, learn from it along the way too). As the saying goes, life is a journey and we are a failure only when we stop trying.
 
What do you think? Do you think optimism is born?
 
Cheers!    

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 17th November 2014

Market News in 2 minutes As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.

Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :

1. Temasek Holdings - Singapore's state-owned firm has amassed a 1.03% stake in Alibaba Group Holdings Ltd after the internet company's September public share sale . (source : The Edge Singapore)

2. ECS Holdings (E18) - A distributor of IT products to China and Southeast Asia, has received a take-over offer from its parent company, VST Holdings. the offer price is 68 cents a share. (source : The Edge Singapore)

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3. Libra Group (5TR) - Says its wholly-owned subsidiary, Kin Xin Engineering has been awarded two contracts worth a total of $9.5 millions. (source : The Edge Singapore)

Cheers!

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Hong Kong Land - My CNAV Analysis

Hong kong Land H78
Note : There are some correction in my calculation after highlighted by B and hence the result is at the opposite site now! ;-)

After my earlier CNAV analysis of SembCorp Industries (U96), it seems to garner quite a fair bit of discussion/comment. One of the key question remain : Are there still CNAV stocks left? 

I am sure there are, just that it takes time to identify them. One of our active blogger friend, B (from A Path To Forever Financial Freedom) has indicated a potential counter, Hong Kong Land (H78) that possibly fir the CNAV parameters. And he is absolutely right (kudos to him and I think he has done his "homework"). 

This post is to affirm his view! 

Stock In Evaluation : Hong Kong Land (H78) 

The Key Quantitative Indicators of CNAV Strategy (basing on 2013 Annual Report figures):

Net Asset Value (NAV)                             = $22.99 $11.45
Conservative Net Asset Value (CNAV2)  = $9.49 $4.75
Current Price                                              = $7.05
Discount For CNAV2                                = +26% -49%

Conclusion : Finally, a positive "Discount for CNAV2" counter. Also, it is traded at a 69% discount when compared with the less conservative indicator, NAV. With its negative CNAV2 discount, it is traded at a premium. However, if compared against the less conservative indicator, NAV, it is traded at a discount of 38%.

The P.O.F Scores of CNAV Strategy: 
Profitability Score         = 1 (With the PE ratio of 14.4)

Operational Efficiency = 1 (with three consecutive years of positive operating cash flow)

Financial Efficiency     = 1 (Debt To Equity Ratio of 23% only)

Conclusion : A perfect P.O.F Scoring.

Final Conclusion : From pure CNAV perspective, Hong Kong Land seems to fit perfectly within the parameters. 
(Disclaimer : This is not a supporting call for investment, it is just for pure information sharing)  From CNAV perspective, Hong Kong Land would entitled to be in the watch list. 

Are you vested in Hong Kong Land? What is your take on this stock?

Saturday, November 15, 2014

SembCorp Industries - My CNAV Analysis

SembCorp Industries
Triggered from a post by B in his blog, A Path To Forever Financial Freedom, I am tasked to do a CNAV (Conservative Net Asset Value) analysis on of the stock of his interest, SembCorp Industries (U96). Hence this post on the early Saturday (as later part in the afternoon, I will be heading down to Hong Lim Park to get painted purple, click here to see what's happening there). 

As per my comment in B's blog, I more or less knew the answer (where SembCorp Industries is not "conservative" enough to be in the radar of CNAV method), but it will be interesting to know the exact numbers anyway (coupled with the cheeky tease from CW8888), so here we go...

Stock In Evaluation : SembCorp Industries (U96) 

The Key Quantitative Indicators of CNAV Strategy (basing on 2013 Annual Report figures):

Net Asset Value (NAV)                             = $3.65
Conservative Net Asset Value (CNAV2)  = $0.44
Current Price                                              = $4.60
Discount For CNAV2                                = -950%

Conclusion : Since it is a negative "Discount for CNAV2", it means that the stock is traded at premium (from CNAV perspective). Also, it is traded at a 26% premium when compared with the less conservative indicator, NAV. 

The P.O.F Scores of CNAV Strategy: 
Profitability Score         = 1 (With the PE ratio of 10.7)

Operational Efficiency = 1 (with three consecutive years of positive operating cash flow)

Financial Efficiency     = 0 (Debt To Equity Ratio of 111%)

Conclusion : An average P.O.F Scoring but the Financial Efficiency could be a concern.

Final Conclusion : Don't foresee this stock will fall under the CNAV basket!

Are you vested in SembCorp Industries? What is your take on this stock?

Friday, November 14, 2014

Do Well Vs Do Good

do well vs do goodEvery successful company will have 2 key major objectives : one is to DO WELL (the business/financial side of thing) and the other is to  DO GOOD (the social responsibility side of thing). Of course, with shareholders to answer for, most listed companies will put more focus on Doing Well than Doing Good, which is understandable. With one exception for those non-profit organisation or social enterprise whereby their mission should have a balanced pillar of Do Good and Do Well.
 
The question is, when you folks are evaluating a company for investment, do you pay attention to their Do Good factor too? Example of Do Good elements are championing or sponsoring those charitable events/programs/drives.  
 
Some might view that these are just for PR or publicity stunt, but to me a company management with heart (i.e. setting aside certain budget for DO GOOD purpose every year) will attract me more.   
 
What is your view on this?
 
Cheers! 
 
P/S: In fact, the same applies to individual too, we all should not only focus on doing well (i.e. by accumulating wealth) but should also pay attention on doing good (i.e. by giving to the less fortunate or needy).

Hindsight Bias Fallacy Can Do More Harm Than You Think


HindsightFirst, I need to confess that I am falling in love once again... no, not with another person (I am married man) but with a book that I am currently reading. ;-)
 
The Art Of Thinking Clearly (by Rolf Dobelli) is what I am talking about. It is a compilation of 99 snippet chapters trying to demystify the common thinking "disorder" or "biases" that most of us are suffering (in past, present and probably the future too). Trust me, we all are guilty of at least some of them. Hence, I think I will share more of the relevant fallacies that I've read here.
 
The fallacy that I am sharing today is hindsight bias. I've read a couple of times from the local personal financial blogs on how they cited sentiment like "On hindsight, I should have..." etc.. Of course, it is always easy to look backward and trying to highlight the "zhun-ness" (accuracy) of what had happened with our earlier prediction. Rolf is trying to highlight that hindsight bias will create a false impression that we are very good with our prediction and cause us to take more risks in the future. I think it is very true especially in the context of investment, trading or even gambling.
 
What he is trying to highlight is that human nature has the tendency of amplifying what we did right and conveniently forgetting  or omitting what we have done wrong, hence the hindsight bias.
 
Are you guilty of this bias like I do?
 
Cheers!
 
P/S: Click here to check out my post on the Sunk Cost Fallacy.

Market News In 2 Minutes @ 14th November 2014


Market News in 2 minutesTGIF!

Today, the market news are filled with quarterly reports and hence would not be compiling them, except one, which is related to REITS.

As stock investors (even though a small one), it is important to keep abreast with the latest financial and market news. Since I am in it, I thought it might be worthwhile to share it out with my readers too.

Hence, I started this "Market News In 2 Minutes" series.

Following are the "Market News In 2 Minutes" for today :

1. Frasers Centrepoint (TQ5) - Registered a 33.2 percent growth in revenue to $2.7 billion for the year ended 30 September, contributed by overseas development property sales in Australia, China and the United Kingdom. However, the incurrence of a $119.8 million in exceptional items which mainly stemmed from an $88.1 million in transaction costs on acquisition of subsidiaries, dragged net profit down by 30.7 percent to $500.7 million. The group has declared a final dividend per share of $0.062. (source : Shares Investment)

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Cheers!

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