Underdog Investors

Singapore is buzzing with business activity! The island nation has become a go-to place for big money deals, thanks to its stable economy and politics. What's Happening? Big Investments:  A group led by KKR & Co and SingTel is investing a huge S$1.75 billion in ST Telemedia Global Data Centres. Allianz, a big European insurance company, is thinking about teaming up with Income Insurance. Hillhouse Investment might buy Dulwich College International’s schools. Why Singapore?  Companies see Singapore as the best place in Southeast Asia for making big deals. Martin Siah from Bank of America says there's more confidence now in Singapore than in the past few years. Lots of Money:  From April to now, deals involving Singaporean companies are worth US$23.8 billion, which is double compared to the same time last year. Stable and Safe:  Singapore’s solid rules and predictable politics make it a safe bet for investors. That’s why so many are interested. What Should Investor...

United Overseas Bank (UOB) is navigating through a landscape marked by steady growth and strategic acquisitions. With a firm commitment to its structurally stable growth model, UOB is setting ambitious yet achievable targets, aiming to bolster its profitability and maintain a strong market presence. Strategic Growth Targets UOB's growth strategy hinges on achieving a Return on Risk-Weighted Assets (RORWA) of approximately 1.8-1.9% and a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) ratio of about 14%. These targets are not merely numbers but represent a well-rounded approach to ensure sustainable growth. By aiming for these metrics, UOB expects to support an annual loan growth of about 8%, which should, in turn, fuel a yearly net profit growth of around 10%​​. Citi Franchise Integration A key aspect of UOB's future growth is the successful integration of the Citi retail franchise, which the bank recently acquired. This acquisition is more than just an expansion; it's a strategic move to enha...

Imagine finding a designer jacket at a thrift store marked down by 50%—a similar thrill and potential bargain await investors when a stock hits its 52-week low. However, it's crucial to check if the jacket (or stock) has a hidden tear or if it's a genuine steal. Here's a rundown of four Singapore stocks that have recently plunged to their year-lows, offering a potential opportunity for savvy investors to pick them up at a discount if the fundamentals are strong. Wilmar International (SGX: F34) Wilmar International is like the supermarket of agribusiness, involved in everything from the farm to the dining table around the world. Despite its comprehensive reach, Wilmar's share price has tumbled 11.6% YTD, recently hitting a low of S$3.07. The company's first quarter showed a decrease in profits and revenue despite an increase in sales volume, attributed to falling commodity prices. With the global economy's uncertain outlook, Wilmar's integrated business model...

One great way to spot potential investments is to look at stocks that have been performing well lately. When a company's stock price is climbing, it often means the business is doing something right, and investors are noticing. As the saying goes – if the business does well, the share price will naturally follow. Here are three Singapore stocks that have climbed 35% or higher so far this year. These companies might be worth adding to your buy watchlist. 1. Riverstone Holdings (SGX: AP4) Riverstone Holdings makes cleanroom gloves used in high-tech environments and premium nitrile gloves for the healthcare industry. They have six factories in Malaysia, Thailand, and China, pumping out 10.5 billion gloves a year. Riverstone's share price has jumped 59.3% this year, reaching a 52-week high of S$0.96. In the first quarter of 2024, their revenue rose by 4.8% to RM 249.5 million, thanks to the growing demand for cleanroom gloves. Their gross profit soared 57.3% to RM 97.5 million, and...

Get ready for an eventful week as Singapore's market navigates a mix of local and international economic data, all of which will shape the city's financial landscape. Here’s what to keep an eye on: 1. Singapore’s Balance of Trade   Imagine you’re balancing your personal budget. In April 2024, Singapore managed to save a hef ty S$4,525.96 million. Analysts are optimistic, forecasting that savings (or trade surplus) could grow to S$6,400 million by the end of this quarter. This indicates strong demand for Singapore's goods and smooth trading operations. 2. Non-oil Domestic Exports (NODX)   Think of this as how well Singapore’s exports are doing, excluding oil. In April, exports fell by 9.3% compared to the previous year, but it wasn't as bad as the expected 10% drop. Predictions suggest a smaller decline of 8% by the end of this quarter, hinting that things might be stabilizing. 3. Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) Bill Auctions   This is like checking the interest ra...