Cory Diary : Disappointing Singtel Results - Feb 2018

DJIA has been shaken twice within a short space of time after I blogged days before it on my concern of the correction coming and my fear of Crypto Currency. What I am more surprise is the weaker result than I anticipated of Singtel. Bad news like to come in a string.


Singtel

Did a quick glance on Singtel Results. Weaker associates result pull down overall performance but there are strong area and direction which management has been making proactively. Holding to most of the cash from Net-link sale is right move. FCF still look ok. Nevertheless, associates make up a good portion of Singtel earning and I am disappointed. While I think they can continue to maintain dividend without problem, I am not 100% sure that they want till they do.

For long term I still find Singtel is a much better and safer bet. And their investments are well positioned. For short term, DJIA volatility is a concern and I like to understand how this play out first. For Mid term it may takes more time for Singtel to transform. Therefore I decide to adjust my position size accordingly. Yes, peace of mind is important. And will re-balance the cash raised to be invested prudently at the right time.


Cory
20180209

Cory Diary : Investment Returns, Nerve-racking in uncertain time

For past few days the market has finally turned. How long will it last ? Frankly I dunno. It seems a long time that I have a feeling of correction coming. It will come, just not sure is it this time or next. The way crypto-currency direction is going seems busting is underway. Probably when we see US$5-6K range for further confirmation. If we are using USD to buy them, is actually double whammy considering USD has depreciated 10% for past one year. Will there be banks or institutions fall out ? So far no. I am still curious what have I missed but I never believe in Creepy Currencies since no value is created. I could be wrong and total miss out this "Investment" but I will still be ok. That's, the Logic.

What I did prior is successfully applied for Treasury. This is way after parking in fixed deposits and maximized my SSB. I will probably do more treasury applications as I have two more 2 years fixed deposits maturing soon. Time flies ! While I keep such investments off my equity investment book, in total it did keep my sg equity portfolio contained within my emotional limit.


Unnerving Logic

Compared to 2008, my 2017 SG portfolio now is far larger. Therefore I come to the sense that I could see 6 figures fluctuation in my portfolio if market did indeed correct. This realization is important for dividend investors who will be in the market mainly. Why ? See chart below.

Compounding works in both way. As my portfolio has been compounding up, naturally correction will mean reduction from the compounded level that i have gained and in absolute term will be quite discomforting. So what's matter is the percentage and no longer absolute reference even though we try to contain it at same level as a measure.


In the Market

Regardless, being in the market is important as 20 years in the market chart above has shown.With more than 40K dividend annually, is highly unlikely I will trade them off. Instead at the right time if I find good equity opportunity locally, I may be considering to liquidate my US stocks which has enjoyed significant gains. That will expand my sg dividend play to another level at lower price. And when market returns the dividend jump would be significant. My only concern is the weak USD.... darn .... we can never win everything.

If amateur Cory can make it, I think likely so can you.


Cory
20180203

Cory Diary : Recent Trade Actions 20180130

2018 January is I feel a more memorable day for my portfolio other than in the black. Is the first time I have a proper clean up state of my Reit counters that is much better balanced to form a better core. Few things I did. Sold AGT moons ago. Sold SPH Reit some time back. And today, sold remaining lots of LMIR as well. Bought back Ascendas Reit and Ascendas HT.


LMIR

The more I learn about LMIR the more I am a little worried. The perpetual shares it has issued is a relatively huge burden. This obscure the gearing which I do not like at all. It would be much better if they are able to get private placement. Then the recent rating downgrade warning kind of sink in. With the current yield of more than 8%, they would need to find some way to raise money ( probably expensively ) this year or to further their acquisition. This is a red flag to me. Since I have achieved 15% returns since 2017 on this counter, is time to say good bye. I do love the yield. Sad.


SPH Reit

Negative revision is the outlook. It may get better but i do not like the few properties or the play on seletar mall to keep the price up. If the stock market is to turn, this won't be my core holding. The yield around 5% doesn't look so good despite the low gearing not gearing up.


Ascendas Hospitality Reit Trust

The plan to sell the two hotels look good considering the impact to dividend is minimal but the value unlocked is more than 10% of it's Nav. Furthermore, FHT results may have help my confidence a little.


Current Reits allocation is around 36% of  Equity Portfolio.


Cheers

Cory
20180130