How Will You Make Decision When You Have Better Choice?

This month I just received an email from my current Telco reminding me to renew my mobile postpaid contract with an offer of $100 voucher for "selected mobile" purchase. Of course with a happy smile on the face like most people will react, I started to browse their website for any good deals of mobile phone and postpaid package for renewal. 

Just coincidentally the next day, I received email from my company on their CIS promotional brochure. Just like a usual marketing strategy to attract customer with bigger font for discounts and tiny font for their T&Cs hyperlink. I carefully read through their long pages of Terms and Conditions, but ended up with disappointment. None of the deals seems benefit much for existing customer on re-contract. 

While I started to do some searching if there could be any better options for me to switch to other telco, and here I stumble upon this Singtel CIS promotions! 

Although many of us already know that there will be 4th Telco coming in Singapore, and it's definitely going to be very competitive among telcos here by throwing loads of promotion via marketing strategy, but too bad my contract due date could not wait for the new Telco next year. 

Here is what I found for the great deals by choosing to port in (which is a term knowing as switching to another telco). By port in to Singtel, I will get a deal which gives me a better offer than what I will be getting from current telco. 

Although with Singtel I will need to pay a higher monthly bill of $61.64 compare to my current telco bill which cost me only $57.32 (with is an additional of $4.32 monthly), I had calculated that with the offset on the extra free gifts, the deal is still worth the price. Let me show you why the deal for port in is still worthwhile after all. Additional monthly bill of $4.32 by choosing Singtel will cost me an additional payment of $103.68 ($4.32 X 24 months) throughout the 24 months contract tenure. 

By choosing to port in to Singtel I will get a free voucher of $200 plus additional add on of $30 for online sign up. This will total up an amount of $230. If I were to use this $230 free gift to offset the additional payment for the DataX3 of $103.68, it will still save me some amount of $126.32 ($230 - $103.68). On top of that, I will also enjoy the additional of 5GB data (with monthly data of 9GB), as compared to my current telco which only offers me 4GB data. 

Below is the table illustration on the comparison of port in to Singtel vs re-contract with my current telco: 

*With additional add on of DataX3 of additional $5.90 monthly top up (already included in $53.08 monthly bill amount). Do note that DataX3 promotion is an exclusive offer, where it’s only applicable when you select to purchase for Samsung Galaxy S8 device. If you were to select others handset, then the $5.90 monthly add on will only be applicable for DataX2 package. 

Based on my research and analysis above, I think I will consider doing a port in to Singtel instead. Even though it cost me an additional $4.24 monthly bill, but the higher amount of data suits my monthly data usage. For those who might not be utilizing more than 3GB data monthly, I doubt you may reconsider and weigh the benefits of the plan as analyzed. Although it may seems just a small amount of money which probably caused only a cup of premium coffee, but being an educated financial planner, we tempt to make a wise choice as every single penny brings a step nearer to our financial freedom goal. 

Just some out of topics add on, I had invested a portion of my cash on my current telco’s stock, but anyway I have no choice of not supporting the company I invested in. I would definitely have to make the decision to opt for a telco who offer me with cheaper price and better deals. 

Being a loyal customer of "Green" telco for about 5 years, starting from a Prepaid SIM holder and upgraded to Postpaid user. It's time to bid farewell to the telco, as they would rather throw more attractive offers to attract new customers than retaining me with better deals. 

For more information, please refer to sources from:
- singtel.com > Corporate Individual Scheme (CIS). 

Do let me know if you have any comments/ advice/ feedbacks to share with on the comments below. You may feel free to write in personally to our mailbox @ wnuff.ads@gmail.com as well. 

Hope you enjoy reading and benefits from my sharing. 

  Check out from their page if you are eligible for their CIS plan.

Access their CIS page and shop for the promotion package.

The combo package deal for CIS plan.

The details of Combo 3 deal for Samsung Galaxy S8+

The details of Combo 3 deal for Samsung Galaxy S8+

Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored post and I have no affiliation with Singtel. It is just a sharing of a deal which I feel worthwhile to share with all our readers.

OCBC Pay Anyone Cashback Promotion.

Some good stuff to share with readers here, there are promotions on OCBC Pay Anyone apps which gives you a cashback of $10. Quickly grab the chance to earn the cashback before the promotion ends. 

Promotion period start from 1st June - 30th June 2017. 

This promotion was launch in conjunction to their recent features release of "Scan to pay for your purchases using QR code scanning via apps". 

One thing I like about this cashback is there is no minimum amount spent in order to claim for the cashback. The cashback can be claim from their 4 participating merchants:

1. Caltex
2. Paradise Classic
3. Mark & Spencer
4. Robinsons

After I did a window shopping at Mark & Spencer Orchard store over the weekend, I decided to purchase the Lemon Verbena Shower Scrub with this cashback. I ended up paying this item with only $0.90 from my own pocket money, as its original price is $10.90. 

Do note that you will need to pay the merchant with full amount and OCBC will only cashback the $10 to your account by 31st of August 2017 (as stated in their Terms and Conditions). 

For more details information, you may refer to their Terms and Conditions page to check if you are eligible for their $10 cashback promotion:
- OCBC Pay Anyone Terms and Conditions for $10 CashBack Promotion.

For the details of the OCBC Pay Anyone you may refer to their FAQ page:
- OCBC Pay Anyone page.

Lemon Verbena Shower Scrub from Mark & Spencer - $10.90

Get this with the cashback of $10

Grab the cashback deal before the promotion ends!

You may check out the apps from your App Store/ Google Play

Check out their apps from your mobile

Disclaimer: This is NOT a sponsored post, and I have no affiliation with OCBC. Just a sharing of such a good deal with all my readers.

Singapore Telecommunications Limited (Z74):

Latest update as of 02/06/2017 @$3.81: 

• Singtel is one step closer to the mega listing of its fibre broadband network provider NetLink Trust on the Singapore Exchange (SGX), having received the conditional go-ahead from the bourse operator. 
• NetLink Trust designs, builds, owns and operates the passive infrastructure for Singapore's Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network (NextGen NBN). 
• NetLink Trust company started since 2008 and it has been actively received governments projects and licence approval from Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA). 
• Singtel had in February said that it was preparing to take fully-owned unit NetLink Trust public. Singtel said that it plans to divest its stake in NetLink Trust to less than 25 per cent by April 22, 2018. 
• Could listing of NetLink Trust as IPO brings profits to SingTel indirectly? 
• For more details information, please refer to sources from:
  - straitstimes.com > Singtel gets SGX approval to list NetLink Trust. 
  - businesstimes.com.sg > Singtel gets nod from SGX for NetLink Trust listing.
  - netlinktrust.com > OUR HISTORY.

Latest update as of 06/04/2017 @$3.91:

• The General Spectrum Auction (GSA) concluded on the allocation of spectrum to winning bidders of telco. Singtel and Starhub were both awarded spectrum across the 700MHz, 900MHz and 2.5GHz bands, while M1 was only awarded spectrum for the 700MHz and 900 MHz bands, and TPG only for the 2.5GHz bands. 
• Spectrum relates to the radio frequencies allocated to the mobile industry and other sectors for communication over the airwaves. 
• The recently concluded Phase 1 of the General Spectrum Auction (GSA) has resulted in a higher-than-expected spectrum cost for Singapore telcos. The increment of spectrum cost would definitely impact on telcos operating cost. This could potentially affect on the dividend cuts.
• For more details information, please refer to sources from:
  - research.sginvestors.io > Telco - Overall - Shockingly High Final Spectrum Prices in GSA.
  - sbr.com.sg > How the spectrum auction will affect telco dividends.

Latest update as of 31/03/2017 @$3.92:

• Singtel: Industry outlook supportive of key growth drivers.
• Singtel is showing positive results for its growing exposure on areas such as cyber security, digital marketing and data analytics.
• For more details information, please refer to sources from sgx.i3investor.com.

 

Latest update as of 23/02/2017 @$3.98:

• Singtel announced that its digital marketing subsidiary, Amobee, has entered into a conditional agreement to acquire a 100% stake in Turn, Inc. (Turn) at an enterprise value of US$310m.
• Turn, operates both a data management platform and a demand-side platform for ad buyers.
• This acquisition will expand Amobee’s existing programmatic and data management capabilities.
• The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and fulfillment of closing conditions, and is expected to be completed within 1HCY17.
• For more details information, please refer to sources from:
  - sgx.i3investor.com > Singtel: Strengthening digital marketing capabilities.

Latest update as of 08/02/2017 @$3.83:

• SingTel next announcement for its 3Q17 financial results will be on 09 Feb 2017.

 For more details, please refer to sources from Singtel - Investor Calendar.

Business Overview: 

• Headquartered in Singapore, Singtel has more than 130 years of operating experience and played a pivotal role in the country’s development as a major communications hub.
• SingTel's subsidiary in Australia, Optus, is the second largest telecommunications company in Australia. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Singtel since 2001. 
• SingTel is one of the largest listed Singapore companies on the Singapore Exchange by market capitalisation.  

For more details, please refer to SingTel > Company Profile.

• SingTel is the company with the diversified income base as it has exposure to foreign markets such as Australia, India, Thailand, and more.  
• In fact, 74% of Singtel’s EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation) had come from outside Singapore’s shores. 

For more details information, please refer to The Motley Fool > The Better Business: Singapore Telecommunications Limited vs. StarHub.Ltd. 

StarHub Ltd. (CC3) - [Hold]:

Latest update as of 26/05/2017 @$2.70: 

• StarHub Ltd today announced an agreement to acquire a 51% stake in Accel Systems & Technologies Pte. Ltd. for a total consideration of S$19,380,000. 
• Accel Systems & Technologies (ASTL) is a cyber security consultant and solutions provider incorporated in Singapore. 
• Accel will operate as a standalone StarHub subsidiary and continue to be led by its current management team. In addition, its offerings will now be enhanced by StarHub’s cyber security COE. 
• The proposed acquisition will strengthen StarHub’s cyber security portfolio, giving it the in-house capabilities to be an end-to-end provider of cyber security solutions and services. 
• The acquisition will be paid in cash and funded using internal cash resources. It is expected to close by mid-June, subject to the fulfilment of mutually-agreed conditions. 
• For more details information, please refer to sources from:
  - s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com > STARHUB LTD > ANNOUNCEMENT.
  - starhub.com > StarHub to Acquire 51% Stake in Accel Systems & Technologies.
  - straitstimes.com > StarHub to buy majority stake in cyber security firm for S$19.4 million.

 
Latest update as of 07/02/2017 @$2.75:

• Analysts turn negative on Starhub. 
• After the announcement of Starhub to cut it's distributions per unit by 20% for FY17 as operating expenses for its main mobile business continue to climb, the price drop from $3.00 to $2.80 (06 Feb), with a drop of $0.20, and another drop of $0.05 on the next day, with closing price $2.75 (07 Feb).
• Below are the opinion of few different analyst on the Starhub target price:
  1. OCBC Investment Research’s analysts - $2.65 (Sell)
  2. Maybank Kim Eng's analysts - $2.49 (Sell)
  3. UBS’ analysts - $2.50 (Sell)
  4. Morgan Stanley’s analysts - $2.40 (Sell)

For details read up, please refer to sources from The Edge Markets. 

• Starhub as a telco company, which often seen as utility type of company as it provides essential services to the Singapore community. Together with it's local peers, Singapore Telecommunication Limited (Z74) and M1 Ltd (B2F), are often the favourites among dividend investors in Singapore.
• With the recent announcement of reducing quarterly dividend to $0.04 per share for 2017, this gives a huge deal for Starhub's investors.

For more details, please refer to sources from The Mootley Fool. 

Wilmar Int. Limited (F34):

Latest update as of 31/05/2017 @$3.54:

• Wilmar International Limited recently announced it's latest updates on Changes to Wilmar Subsidiaries, Associated Companies and Joint Venture Companies.  
• The announcement include as below:
  1) Establishment of subsidiary and joint venture company.
  2) Establishment of associated company.
  3) Change in shareholding in subsidiary.
  4) Change in name of subsidiary.
  5) Cessation of subsidiary, associated companies and joint venture company. 
• For more details information, please refer to sources from:
  - s3-ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com > WILMAR INTERNATIONAL LIMITED > ANNOUNCEMENT.

Latest update as of 26/05/2017 @$3.65:

Click on the image for enlarge view.  

Click on the image for enlarge view.

• The chart tells the story where buyers who bought on February 2017 and get caught around the price of $3.78 - $3.90 high, started to sell off their stocks on 12/05/2017, indicated by candlesticks bar.The previous buyer tends to either break-even or take a minimal profit and move out from the stocks, after stuck in the stock for about 3 months (bearish trend). With the high selling pressure, it tends to make the price to be a slight bearish and not able to hit the new high breakout. 
• Therefore, the chart shows the price dropping continuously on subsequent days after it reach the high.
• This stock also forms a "Cup and Handle" pattern. With the trends and pattern formation, I would personally consider of entering this stock only when there is new breakout above the price of $3.88. Where it forms an uptrend above the "Handle" of the "Cup and Handle" pattern. 

What is "Cup and Handle" chart pattern?

• The Cup with Handle is a bullish continuation pattern that marks a consolidation period followed by a breakout. A cup and handle pattern on charts resembles its namesake, a cup with a handle. The cup is shaped as "U" and the handle has a slight downward drift. 
• As a stock forming this pattern tests old highs, it is likely to incur selling pressure from investors who previously bought at those levels. Selling pressure is likely to make price consolidate with a tendency toward a downtrend for a short period of time, before advancing higher. A cup and handle is considered a bullish continuation pattern and is used to identify buying opportunities. 
• A subsequent breakout from the handle's trading range signals a continuation of the prior advance. 
• For more details information, please refer to sources from:
  - stockcharts.com >  Chart Patterns > Cup with Handle (Continuation).
  - investopedia.com > Cup and Handle. 

SATS Ltd. (S58):

Latest update as of 25/05/2017 @$5.08: 

• SATS Ltd. (SATS), Asia’s leading provider of Food Solutions and Gateway Services, officially launched its S$110 million Technology Innovation Centre, which aims to boost productivity and service standards.
• SATS operates at some 47 airports across 14 countries in Asia and the Middle East. These airports will have access to the company’s new technologies and innovative services, which give SATS an edge over other airport services operators.
• With the constant improvement on Technology innovations, I personally thinks that SATS would definitely ride the potential growth of the Changi aiport, and able to handle the bigger size of business opportunity. 
• For more details information, please refer to sources from:
  - sats.com.sg > MEDIA RELEASE > SATS UNVEILS NEW TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION CENTRE TO ENHANCE SERVICES AND IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY.
  - todayonline.com > New Tech Innovation Centre a boost for Changi.

Latest update as of 20/04/2017 @$4.88:

• SATS declare an announcement of transfer of share for employee stock option/ share scheme, with the reason for pursuant to Employee Share Schemes.
• The total no. of treasure shares transferred are 229,200, with value of the treasury shares equivalent to S$729,169.83. 
• For more details information, please refer to sources from:
  - infopub.sgx.com > Notice Of Transfer Of Treasury Shares.

Latest update as of 17/04/2017 @$4.82:

• MEAT shipments from New Zealand, destined for the European Union (EU) markets, can now transit through Singapore via SATS Coolport, Asia's first on-airport perishable handling centre.
• SATS announced that it is the world's first ground handler to receive EU approval to provide the transshipment services.
• SATS successfully handled its first air-sea transshipment of lamb products from New Zealand to Britain in January.
• With this new trade flow, SATS is looking at about 10 per cent increase in lamb shipments over the next two years.
• SATS works with International Enterprise (IE) Singapore and the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) to obtain European Union (EU) approval to handle New Zealand meat outside of EU.
• The approval is not just limited to lamb products, but also extends to other meat types like beef, pork, poultry, wild and farmed game meat originating from New Zealand.
• SATS also announced the appointment of a new Independent Non-Executive Director, on the same day.  
• For more details information, please refer to sources from:
  - businesstimes.com.sg > SATS Coolport to provide meat transshipment services between NZ and EU.
  - sats.com.sg > MEDIA RELEASE > SATS COOLPORT PARTNERS IE SINGAPORE AND AVA AND RECEIVES EU APPROVAL TO PROVIDE MEAT TRANSSHIPMENT SERVICES BETWEEN NEW ZEALAND AND EUROPEAN UNION. 
  - infopub.sgx.com > Announcement of Appointment of Independent Non-Executive Director.

Latest update as of 13/04/2017 @$4.87:

• SATS, a leading provider of gateway services and food solutions, unveiled its new e-Commerce AirHub at Changi Airport. 
• The S$21 million facility will enhance Changi's e-commerce mail-sorting capability by more than three times, supporting the growing e-commerce market, which will also reduce the processing time by half.
• It helps to deliver quicker turnaround for international eCommerce mail. 
• SATS is currently the only ground handler in the region to operate such an automated airside facility.
• For more details information, please refer to sources from:
  - businesstimes.com.sg > SATS unveils S$21m e-commerce airhub at Changi.
  - sats.com.sg > Media Release > SATS UNVEILS $21 MILLION eCOMMERCE AIRHUB.

ComforDelGro Corp Ltd. (C52):

Latest update as of 19/05/2017 @$2.42:

• The major implications that investors should take note of is in ComfortDelGro’s 2017 first quarter results, its taxi segment recorded a near-6% year-on-year decline in revenue.
• Earlier this year, a Straits Times article shared that the number of private-hire cars – owned by ride-hailing services such as Uber and Grab – had exceeded the number of taxis on the road in 2016.
• From the ComfortDelGro earnings presentation source of 2017, the Taxi Business are presented as below: 
  • Lower rental income in Singapore from a lower operating fleet, introduction of flexi rental schemes and the passing on of LTA's diesel tax rebate to drivers in the form of taxi rental discounts. 
  • Decrease in revenue in the UK due to unfavourable currency translation from the weaker Euro. 
  • Decrease in revenue in China from a smaller fleet, government mandated reduction in taxi rental rates and unfavourable currency translation from the weaker RMB.
  • Decrease in revenue in Australia from lower rank fees. 
  • Decrease in revenue in Vietnam from a smaller fleet. 
• Overall, we know that operating environment across all sectors have a tough outlook, and this includes the taxi, inspection, automotive engineering service that they operate. Operating profits as a result are down at about 9% yoy.
• ComfortDelgro's concentration of revenue are bigger in UK than in Australia, hence the exchange rate movement of weaker pounds impact them unfavorably.
• From a cashflow point of view, Comfort is actually doing better than what it was a year ago, not taking into account the changes in working capital.
• For more details information, please refer to sources from:
  - fool.sg > 1 Uncomfortable Trend in ComfortDelGro Corporation Ltd’s Latest Quarter.
  - foreverfinancialfreedom.blogspot.sg > Recent Action - Comfortdelgro.

Latest update as of 28/04/2017 @$2.74:

• ComfortDelgro has officially announced by referring to its announcement dated 10th February 2017, on the stepping down of Mr. Kua Hong Pak as its Managing Director / Group Chief Executive Officer on 30th April 2017. 
• Mr. Kua will assume the new position of Senior Advisor to counsel and mentor the newly appointed MD/ GCEO and help in some of the overseas operations during the transition period.
• Mr. Yang Ban Seng, who has been leading the group's taxi business since 2003, will be appointed as Group Chief Executive Officer to take over Mr. Kua's role.
• For more details information, please refer to sources from:
  - comfortdelgro.com.sg > Announcement > Stepping Down of Managing Director / Group Chief Executive Officer.

Latest update as of 21/04/2017 @$2.69:

• Just with the recent announcement from ComfortDelgro with the launching of its new apps feature of flat fare booking rate, it has been showing a very positive results.
• The new flat fare bookings feature had helped ComfortDelgro reached the milestones of 100,000 bookings in just 10 days time. This means it produces an average bookings of 10,000 ride per day.
• I personally thinks that it do helps to close the big gaps of competition among the famous apps like GrabCar and Uber. ComfortDelgro has been doing a great job in its market competition.
• For more details information, please refer to sources from:
  - dailysingapore.com > ComfortDelgro Taxi Clocks Over 100,000 Flat Fare Booking Jobs In 10 Days.

Latest update as of 04/04/2017 @$2.62:

• ComfortDelGro (C52) announced that its taxi business will be introducing a new flat fare option on 10 Apr for taxi bookings made through its app, alongside metered fare option. 
• This brings a great competitive advantage to ComfortDelGro and will close the gaps of the flat fare charged implement by GrabCar and Uber in the market. 
• With this new rules implementation, it gives more options to the customers of ComfortDelGro to continue using the service. 
• For more details information, please refer to sources from:
  - sgx.i3investor.com > ComfortDelGro: New flat fare option from 10 April onwards.

Latest update as of 27/03/2017 @$2.49:

• ComfortDelGro: Adapting to changing environment.
• ComfortDelGro submitted plans to the Public Transport Council as they seek to introduce dynamic pricing of taxi fares, such as flat fee structure with no surcharges that is similar to the private hire cars’ fare structure.
• This means that after taxi companies implement the new pricing structure, commuters when booking a taxi through a mobile app will have an additional option to choose either taxi fares based on dynamic pricing (i.e. fixed fares determined by demand at time of booking) or the current metered fares.
• Five other taxi companies in Singapore operating more than 10,600 taxis in total have partnered with Grab to offer the dynamic pricing fare option through the new JustGrab function in the Grab mobile app.
• For more details information, please refer to sources from:
  - sgx.i3investor.com > ComfortDelGro: Adapting to changing environment.

Latest update as of 21/02/2017 @$2.42:

• Budget 2017 had certain measures announced to address environmental concerns over vehicular emissions.
• With the restructuring, the Government will introduce a volume-based duty at S$0.10 per litre on automotive diesel, industry diesel and diesel components in biodiesel.
• There will also be permanent reduction of the annual special tax on diesel cars and taxis by S$100 and S$850 respectively. This would help to pass on some of the savings back to the taxi drivers to help the drivers partially or fully offset the increase in the diesel costs.
• With such restructuring and tax reduction, it don't seems to be having any huge impact on the cost outcome. 
• For more details information, please refer to sources from:
  - sgx.i3investor.com > ComfortDelGro: Diesel tax to become usage-based instead of lump-sum tax.
  - channelnewsasia.com > Budget 2017: Taxes on diesel vehicles restructured based on usage.

 
Latest update as of 13/02/2017 @$2.50:

• ComfortDelGro is showing a positive results with a higher dividend payout for FY16.
• ComfortDelGro also trying to focus on retaining its existing taxi hirers.
• As a quick background, ComfortDelGro is the majority owner of vehicle and non-vehicle testing and inspection outfit Vicom Limited (SGX:V01), and bus and rail services provider SBS Transit Ltd (SGX:S61).
• ComfortDelGro revenue for 2016 fell by 1.3% to $4.06 billion. However, on the flipside, the land transport firm reported better free cash flow and ended the year with a stronger balance sheet.
• ComfortDelGro also proposed a final dividend of 6.05 cents per share. Together with the interim dividend of 4.25 cents per share, the total dividend for 2016 is 10.3 cents per share. This a 14% improvement from the dividend of 9.0 cents per share paid out in 2015.
• Public Transport Services revenue was $2.307 billion in 2016, down 1.1% from 2015 due to currency exchange headwinds. In 2016, the Taxi business grew revenue by 1.1% to $1.34 billion.

For more details information, please refer to sgx.i3investor.com > ComfortDelGro: Higher dividend payout for FY16. 

Latest update as of 10/02/2017 @$2.51:

• As part of its leadership succession plan, ComfortDelGro Corporation Limited today announced that its Managing Director/Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Kua Hong Pak, is stepping down on 30 April 2017 after 14 years at the helm. He will be succeeded by Mr Yang Ban Seng, who is currently CEO of ComfortDelGro Taxis, on 1 May 2017.
• Mr Yang Ban Seng, 60 years old, is not new to the Group. He started out with Comfort Group in March 1989 and has been the CEO of the Taxi Business in Singapore since 2003. 

For more details information, please refer to comfortdelgro.com.sg > Media Release.

For details information, please refer to tnp.sg > ComfortDelGro to have change in leadership.