Posts

Reflecting on My Investment in Digital Turbine (APPS): Assessing the Future Potential Despite Past Challenges

Image
Originally intended as a paid article, circumstances led me to publish it for free on my blog instead. As a result, I kindly request your support by sharing this article and clicking on the Google Ad on the side. Your gesture would be greatly appreciated! Why I Remain Invested  I was asked to share my thoughts on Digital Turbine (APPS) in light of ongoing discussions on X . As a long-term shareholder who has closely followed the company, I feel compelled to explain my rationale for persisting as an investor despite challenges.  I initially purchased APPS shares around $30, witnessing the stock rise above $90 before helplessly watching it plummet to just $5 over three years. While I sold a small portion in the $8-10 range, the bulk of my position remains deeply unrealized. It once comprised a sizable allocation that has now dwindled considerably due to further declines rather than averaging down. Chart of Digital Turbine over last 5 Years. From SeekingAlpha Thus, given the negligible c

Cordlife Group's Prospects Hindered by Industry Headwinds

Image
I was going through some old documents and found my receipt showing that I had previously paid Corvyiva's services. As a new dad, Corvyiva provided an alternative form of insurance for my loved ones. Cost was not the primary concern, but when competition exists price war inevitably follow. Fundamentally, I chose Corvyiva at that time due to their offering the same service at a lower price point. It is worth noting that there is also a publicly traded company that provided similar services in the commercial storage of umbilical cord blood stem cells. Cordlife Group Ltd (CGL) lists on the SGX. I recall placing the company on my watch list when I began blogging in 2015, though I ultimately did not invest.  Cordlife Logo As the company's share price has noted better periods in the past, I was fortunate in my decision. From Google Finance Moving forward, it may be interesting to analyze CGL current business model to determine whether re-adding the firm to my portfolio watchlist is m

Trivago's Latest Financial Update and Revised Dividend Dates

Image
This is a follow-up to my initial write-up on Fundflicks regarding Trivago (TRVG) . Alongside the release of the latest financial results, there have been changes to the ex-date and payment date. The payment date has been revised to November 13, 2023, instead of November 3, 2023. Similarly, the ex-date has been shifted to November 14, 2023, instead of November 2, 2023. Furthermore, the consolidation of the ADS from 5 to 1 will occur on November 17, 2023. During this period, the ADSs will be traded with a "due bill" that includes the assignment of the right to receive the dividend. This arrangement will continue until the ex-date of November 14, 2023, which is the first business day after the payment date. The most significant information to note is that the dividend remains unchanged at €$0.5298 , and withholding tax still applies to foreign investors. Additionally, TRVG has announced its latest Q3 FY23 financials: During this quarter, the company incurred a substantial los

Developing a Sound Retirement Plan as an Average Joe

Image
Recently, my friend and I had a discussion about retirement planning. We are both approaching our 40s and have a young toddler. The scary part was that we will probably be in our 60s when our daughter start to have a stable job. Image taken from Investopedia One topic we discussed was estate taxes on custodial accounts for non-U.S. citizens. It is important to be aware that there is a 40% estate tax on foreign nationals with over $60,000 in U.S. assets. This tax could potentially deplete any gains we accumulate over time. Therefore, we understood the need to devise a sound plan to ensure we maintain our wealth in retirement.  While long-term investing generally has positive outcomes, I believe it will be necessary to withdraw funds from those accounts at a certain stage. However, after withdrawing those funds, where else should the money be directed? The next destination should meet three criteria: (1) be suitable for average joe, (2) provide future cash flow for retirement needs, and

GHY's Strategy for Profitable Drama Financing

Image
I've previously analyzed GHY Culture and Media (GHY)(SGX: XJB) given their close ties to renowned artist Jay Chou. As the production house behind many of Jay's highly lucrative concerts, GHY has demonstrated expertise in large-scale live entertainment events. However, I was also curious about their business model in production of Chinese dramas, which tend to involve substantial financial risks compared to concerts. The heavy costs associated with drama production led me to question how GHY could turn a profit in this competitive industry. Fortunately, further research provided useful insights into China's drama financing models. A detailed write up explained that most projects nowadays are co-produced or already purchased with major streaming platforms from the very beginning.  As quoted from the website: “…The majority of dramas now are either co-produced by one of the major streaming platforms or are purchased by the streaming platform before filming even starts, meani

Don't FOMO into Netflix

Image
Netflix (NFLX) reported strong third quarter results that saw its share price increase significantly. Prior to the earnings announcement, I had planned to initiate a position in Netflix but was anticipating weaker performance given recent headwinds facing the company. Unfortunately, as often happens, the market surprised me and I missed an opportunity to invest. And to make matters worse, on the same day I decided to sell put option on Tesla, which in hindsight proved poorly timed. It seems my market intuition left much to be desired. Regardless of missing this particular opportunity, I think it's prudent not to hastily FOMO into Netflix merely due to recent share price momentum. There are ongoing labor disputes that meaningfully will impact Netflix's cost structure in 2023 and 2024.  Specifically, the Writers Guild of America strike from May 2023 to September 2023. Significant changes have taken place in the realm of High Budget Subscription Video on Demand where there has

Making Your Money Work Harder For You

Image
With fixed deposit rates currently ranging from 2.7% to over 3.6% , there are smarter strategies for passive investors to generate higher returns.  One approach is to sell cash-secured put options against your fixed deposits. Cash Secure Put Option Selling put options requires the cash be held in reserve in case the stock price falls below the option's strike price at expiration. However, by treating your fixed deposit cash as collateral, you can generate additional income from option premiums while keeping your principal aside earning an extra yield as well. Some key considerations for this strategy: Thoroughly understand options and their risk-reward mechanics before trading. Options derive value from expected stock price movements based on a company's fundamentals. Only write put options on companies you wouldn't mind owning long-term if assigned the shares. Carefully research businesses to ensure solid fundamentals and prospects. Target options with minimum 6 month expi