PropNews - Far East emerges as highest bidder

The 2nd land sold near Somerset MRT attracted the highest bid of S$ 421 Million from Far East Organization. The price translates to around $1,085 per sq ft at maximum Gross Floor Area and this means that its prices are at 6% above the Orchard Turn site though development costs should be cheaper. At this price, analysts are expecting an all retail concept for Far East to profit/breakeven. However, Far East should most probably follow the route of its SOHO @ Central concept. Expect Far East to build some one-bedroom/lofts in addition to retail below. Somehow Far East has been concentrating on 1 to 2 bedroom apartments in its recent offerings which includes Vida at Scotts Road and the Icon at Tanjong Pagar.
Many new developments in the city are also targeting small families/young executives as they see this group being the most attracted to life in the city.

PropNews - Sentosa & Somerset Land parcels

Yesterday, Ho Bee successfully increased its stakes in the Sentosa property market. With the success of its first development - The Berth, it has launched its 2nd development Coral Island recently and now it has obtained the Baywater Collection site in Sentosa Cove for S$ 325 million, and it intends to build about 250 luxury waterfront units. This deal signifies the continued confidence in the property market by developers.
Furthermore, another land sale worth watching would be the Somerset MRT site. Though smaller than the Orchard Turn site, it is still as desirable. With a size of 0.72ha, it could be developed into a gross floor retail area of 23,300 sqm in addition to about 160 apartment units. Companies interested in this bid includes Lippo Group, Far East Organization as well as Wheelock Properties.

Analyz - 18th Jan 2006

Market was pretty quiet today with fewer than usual trades. Yesterday's drop could have been an issue, especially with weak earnings announcement from Intel and Yahoo! Inc. and the investigations in Japan's Livedoor will also affect trading. Moreover there are concerns of the rising oil prices once again as well as the rising interest rates.

As for today, the companies worth watching are:
1) FerroChina - The company announced its purchase of approx. 35.45% of Superb Team Ltd., a holding company that wholly owns Changshu Everbright Material Tech. Ltd. The company's share price has risen from its low early this year. However the price have not really reached above its IPO offering price of 0.50 which should serve as a benchmark. With China plays increasingly in focus, there should be further upside to this stock.

2) Inter-Roller - The company won 2 more contracts, one in Malaysia for DHL and another in Manchester, UK for the airport baggage handling system. With the deals worth up to S$ 4.5 million, it could be expected to drive up the profitability of the company. Furthermore the contract with DHL is its 3rd so far in Asia, and there could be more from DHL in the future.

Analyz - 17 Jan 2006

Some stocks worth watching this week
1) UOB - MorganStanley have an underweight rating on UOB. This rating is expected to come after a stellar rise of UOB's share prices in recent weeks. Analysts are not expecting any further upside to UOB due to low returns that is expected in 2006. Furthermore, many analysts are looking to 'buy' DBS, UOB's largest rival in Singapore.

2) Pacific Andes - One of its partly-owned subsidiary China Fisheries has launched its prospectus for a listing in SGX today at a price of S$1.25 per share, which frankly is high for Singapore's listing standards.

3) SIA - Singapore's national carrier announced an increase in passenger load for Q4 2005 and will this bring a further increase in the stock? Maybe, since the stock has already recovered from its low of $10-11 in 2003/2004 to $13 currently. Investors could look forward to bumper dividends should there be any divestment of the SIAEC and SATS.

Welcome to my guide to investing. Investing is a fun way to keep the mind active and to teach ourselves a couple of things. All these with the opportunity to earn some cash helps too! The point of investing to me is an opportunity to learn more about how to maximize returns of your money and about cultivating the mind. Because while investing it is never good to get too greedy. One must practice prudence and patience, at the same time self control. There must be a point of time when one should know how to stop. Enjoy the posts here and leave me comments or email me on tips that you might want to share or exchange.