Shares Investment: facts & figures 2 comments

(P.S: Sorry for any disturbances the advertisements above may have caused you)
I have been writing so much about general investment books which are all written overseas that I have completely forgotten about a regular local publication which is one of the most useful tools for investing in the local stock market. The book is shown in the picture above; 265 fortnightly issues have been published as of end October 2005 ie. it has been around for more than 5 years.

There're a couple of articles at the front showcasing certain companies but the real meat and value of the publication are the facts and figures for the more liquid stocks on the SGX (including SESDAQ) for the previous two weeks, spread over ~200 pages. For a quick overview, the front pages compile a list of the most active shares, top fortnightly gainers/losers, lowest PE, highest yield etc, and even has a list of upcoming results announcements (with expected dates) and major trades (director/substantial shareholder purchases/sales). These are then followed by the more detailed data and descriptions of significant developments for various companies, laid out in alphabetical order.

The metrics (valuation, financials) listed for the various companies in this publication are among the most accurate and updated I've seen around, compared to the online stock data on websites like Yahoo. One also learns to appreciate the choice of data presented for each company; it gives a nicely balanced view of the company. Key stock valuation figures are presented --> PE, NTA, dividend yield. It gives a 5-year overview of the company financials, covering topline, bottomline, assets and liabilities, and even return on equity; these give the investor a good idea of the likely long-term volatility of the company's business. Recent business developments are described in a short commentary, giving a good feel of near to medium-term prospects. The price chart covering as long as the last two years is given for chartists' benefit (as well as for general investors to appreciate the stock price volatility). In short, the company coverage succintly covers business fundamentals (long-term and near-term), stock valuation, and stock technicals.

The book could be used in a multitude of ways; it is up to the individual to integrate it into his investing routine. For example, its complete coverage lends it to good use in stockpicking. Also, one could use its company descriptions as a last-minute check-tool to get comfortable before actually putting money on a stock. The chartist could go through it regularly to check for any companies with interesting chart patterns that could suggest accummulation.

A few things to note: although I have said earlier that the publication offers one of the most accurate stock data around, it still have some inaccuracies around, in particular where stocks trading in foreign currencies are concerned (eg. Autron, Meghmani had some valuation errors). It is best that one cross-checks with company financial reports (on the SGX site) before the stock purchase. Secondly, except for the most short-term traders, it is not worth buying each fortnightly edition; the figures don't change that much right? Makes sense to buy every month or every quarter instead.

The publication costs $6 and you should have seen it being sold at newsstands everywhere. It usually comes out on Saturday afternoons; now that would be a good way to spend your Saturday evenings right, instead of watching ManU continue their descent to mediocrity?