KT Wealth

I just returned back to Singapore from the Scandinavian islands not long ago. It has been a wonderful trip personally, culturally and historically. As I marvelled over the great natural wonders of Iceland, I am completely intrigued by the formation of the lava fields, hot springs, hot mud, gorges, glaciers, icebergs to waterfalls over the years. There are no words to describe the stunning landscape. Just like the rush of the waterfalls, the financial stock market is filled with quick opportunities for us to capitalize. So, I will like to write about 3 trends to watch out for in 2014 and beyond. Do kindly note that the information is consolidated in a nutshell. It is based on my personal observation only. (a) 3D Technology Forget about 4D, 5D for now. Let’s look at 3D. 3D LED TV has been disappointing although it has been launched in the market for quite some time. This does not mean other 3D equipment, hardware and software will falter. In fact, a deeper look into some o...

I was asked by FFN, a fellow acquaintance in the investment community, to share my thoughts on investment (thanks FFN!) Below is the interview extract: FFN: How did you get interested in investing and who inspired you to get started? Ken: It started off with my former colleague in the education industry about five years back. He hinted to me that the opportunity had arrived as there was widespread negativity in the worldwide markets. When I queried further, he strongly encouraged me to take the year-end bonus and buy into shares of companies. At that time, I have almost zero knowledge about investment and thought that the stock market was a risky game of money. I was a salaried worker and the point of purchasing something that can’t be touched and felt was not attractive to me. Few days later, his words of wisdom struck me when I self-reflect. Something came upon me. I researched online and discovered that my perception was one-sided. Slowly, my interest and knowledge...

Happy New Year to all my readers! I will like to touch upon an interesting company – Parkson Retail Asia. As usual, my article focuses on the qualitative insights since there are sources on the firm’s financial health. The roots begin when Parkson Holdings Bhd was incorporated on 26 August 1982 as a private limited liability company under the name of Amalgamated Cement Mills Sdn Bhd. In 1988, it changed its name to Amalgamated Containers Sdn Bhd. It was publicly listed on Bursa Malaysia in 1993. It is now an investment holding company with stakes in Parkson Retail Asia and Parkson Retail Group Limited, listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange and Hong Kong Stock Exchange respectively. Lion Group owns Parkson Holdings Bhd. As a major department store retailer, Parkson is Malaysia second largest operator with 37 stores, 20% market shares as of 2012 (source: The Edge Singapore, December 31, 2012). The number one is The Store Corporation with 26% market shares as of 2012, the only...

I sold Ho Bee recently and earned some profits as news and layout of Metropolis was publicized and featured by the local media. Previously, I bought more Ho Bee post ABSD announcement (Additional Buyer Stamp Duty), so the price locked in was relatively "under-valued" against revised NAV (net asset value) Back to properties - today, I will like to touch base upon the idea of "buy and lease out a hotel room". Ignore the details below if you prefer hospitality REIT. Please do your due diligence - this article is for reference only OVERSEAS HOTEL ROOM INVESTMENT (INCLUDES SERVIED APARTMENTS) Picture the concept - invest in a fully-furnished hotel room overseas, so that you actually own it and you turn over to a Professional Operator (i.e. Property Manager/Developer) for a medium to long term to manage it. In return, they pay you a monthly rental income Here are the benefits given to you, as an investor: 1. The property/hotel operator offers guranteed retur...

It has been a while since I last pen out my thoughts about companies as I have been busy with my coaching work. Today, I will like to put out my 2 cents thoughts on “The Hour Glass” Financials aside (I am sure there are bloggers who provide deep insights into the numbers), I will like to concentre on the advantages and risks of The Hour Glass. Things have changed after their horrendous investment in Gems TV Holdings that results in impairment loss of $14.1 million (FY2009, the Group posted a 57% drop in NPAT) Please note that below is my personal observation only. First of all, allow me to introduce the business of The Hour Glass: Extracted from their corporate website – “Established since 1979, The Hour Glass is the most geographically diverse, multi-brand specialist luxury watch retailer in the region, representing a stable of over 50 brands across 23 boutiques in eight cities throughout the Asia Pacific.” You can refer to further details on the brand of watches such as ...

I plan to start a new series on property, aiming to give key pointers of the property landscape, local and overseas. There are many benefits on property investment such as: (a) Hedge against inflation (b) Let money work harder for you (c) Preovides a pssive income (hopefully for our retirement years!) (d) Earn profit from capital gains when we sell our properties (e) Leaves a legacy for our loved ones Information is based on my personal research. Please do consult your agent for further details as each individual profile is vastly different. Before I get started, I will like to update my portfolio status first. I sold the following and locked in marginal capital gains weeks ago: - Sold ARA - Sold SIA Engineering - Sold Ho Bee I will be on the look out for market opportunities. Today, I will touch on "5 key points to think when buying foreign properties" If we read our local papers, to name a few, we will notice overseas real project launches from Australia, United Kingdom, Ne...

I will like to sincerely wish all my faithful readers a "Happy & Prosperous Lunar New Year". ~~~~~~~~~ GONG XI FA CAI !!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Late last year and into early 2012, I bought and sold the following shares: 1) Sold Noble Group 2) Sold AIMS AMP REIT 3) Bought SIA Engineering 4) Bought Keppel Telecommunications & Transport On my objective to grow my dividend portfolio, I have decided to reduce my exposure to REITS, recycled my capital and divested to SIA Engineering - the possibility of the local manufacturing sector to slow this year, the weak rental climate of industrial properties and the current uncertainty of Singapore economic situation. The positive results of AIMS AMP REIT drove the price up, helped me made a decision to sell AIMS AMP REIT and forgo the quarterly dividend of 2.6 cents per share. After selling, I still managed to acquire considerable dividends earned in the past few years. Net-net amount is profitable. Should the price of AIMS AMP REIT falls ...