Popular Holdings

900 lots of shares repurchase

There was a investment case written on Popular Holdings which interested investors can take a look at the link below

http://valuestocksinvesting.blogspot.sg/...ading.html
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Disclaimer: This is not a buy or sell stock tip. Please do your own research. 
Value investing blog: http://valuestocksinvesting.blogspot.sg/

http://valuestocksinvesting.blogspot.sg/...ading.html
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been reading a lot of quotes & comments about shares trading below some much higher presumed value.

The link above suggests 28c shares should be at a "calculated" higher value of 35c etc.

In reality ALL shares are always traded at its true value at that moment in time, its simply what the market would pay for when there is a need to sell, even ancient Roman proverb allude to this fact.

The higher "book value" does not exists: simply put the stocks up for sale & see the prices offered. Moreover, how & when would the market realise that its supposed to be undervalued & permit a 25% jump in share price?

even with cash assets, there's no denying that inventory is high, operating costs have jumped, margins are very low, discounts abound, write-offs are high, retail prices are still falling, gross & net profits plunged, long term business strategies are non-existent.

I do wish "experts" would stop referring to bookworm numbers about higher fantasy share values. It is what it is whenever it is.

Popular is a good stock for long term

its now pretty close to its fair value, not much margin of safety right?

I think its a dying business like SPH, they can't make good $$ from their core business so they diversified into property which they are no experts in. (diworsefication I meant)

I'm actually quite negative on its long term fundamentals

(25-07-2013, 11:18 PM)felixleong Wrote: its now pretty close to its fair value, not much margin of safety right?

I think its a dying business like SPH, they can't make good $$ from their core business so they diversified into property which they are no experts in. (diworsefication I meant)

I'm actually quite negative on its long term fundamentals

For me, I see the Books & Stationery biz as one last puff from the cigar.... how long the puff depends on how they continue to stay relevant, which requires them to stay on their toes - opening new stores, closing non-profitable ones, trying new ideas / concepts, going online, digitization,...

As for Property segment, they have gone thro' the steep learning curve of diworsefication with 2 rights issues previously. It looks healthy now, but, at best, it only provide some sporadic contributions which can be both positive or negative. IMO, they ought to either get rid of it or put in more effort to grow it to a large enough critical mass. I'd also rather they shift towards a recurring income model (from rental yield), rather than trying to be in construction...

I'm watching the Cash closely... I'll run when it runs low and profitability declines / stagnates... In fact, will likely be doing some partial switching soon as it's occupying a rather high % of my portfolio and has stopped performing (low yield, no more capital appreciation).

I don't know Popular owned Borders brand now...

Borders bookstore coming back to Singapore

SINGAPORE - Popular Holdings is reviving Borders bookstores in Singapore, with a new outlet set to open in an off-central location before the end of this year, Popular’s group chief executive Mr Chou Cheng Ngok announced today.

At the same time, Popular is closing its flagship Prologue store at ION Orchard on August 25.

http://www.todayonline.com/business/bord...-singapore

New location @ Jurong, I don't think it is a good call - people have to travel far to visit Borders... Furthermore, there is a reason why Borders went bust. Can the brand/lifestyle appeal of 'Borders' add value to Popular Holdings? Can't say with much certainty.

(31-07-2013, 03:44 PM)kelvesy Wrote: New location @ Jurong, I don't think it is a good call - people have to travel far to visit Borders... Furthermore, there is a reason why Borders went bust. Can the brand/lifestyle appeal of 'Borders' add value to Popular Holdings? Can't say with much certainty.

What caused Borders to close?
AsiaOne Aug 27, 2011

Business as usual for Borders here
AsiaOne Wed, Jul 20, 2011

Borders Group
wikipedia

CNA 31 Jul 2013
Book retailer Popular Holdings is bringing Borders back to Singapore. Popular CEO Chou Cheng Ngok announced Wednesday morning the company acquired the Borders brand for Singapore last year.


Harris -> Prologue -> Borders

They really badly wants to develop another brand with a different identity and focus.... will they be 3rd time lucky?

Nowadays, have to read the news for latest company developments before they get released (if they do announce) in SGX Annc.....

POPULAR Holdings announces the following:
• Closes Prologue ION Store; and.
• Brings Back BORDERS Bookstores to Singapore