Take that dream job and take on more risk?

This was my reply to a reader's email:

Hi L,

If you remember, I have a blog that says unless we are rich, be pragmatic, not romantic. Most of us have to work, exchanging our time and energy for pay.

If we are not financially secure, then, we might have to forgo that dream job which does not have a predictable income. Having a predictable income stream provides peace of mind which is priceless.

Your passive income stream just about meets your expenses. I don't see much of a buffer but I am usually conservative. Dream job or not, you decide.

As for taking risks (in the stock market), there is nothing wrong with taking a bit of risk as long as we size our positions properly.

Of course, if you are a speculator, then, sizing is out the window. If you are an investor, then, stay prudent. Which one are you? You decide.

The AK way? 

Be prudent. Be pragmatic. Be patient.

Best wishes,
AK

Always remember, my way might not be your way. What we do depends on what we want to achieve.

Related post:
Three attributes of a wealthy peasant.

Get 14% return on investment per annum.

Reader:
Hi AK,
I am glad to chance upon your blog recently and is currentlu busy reading up on the various blog post which is quite informative.
I recently came across a website which was featured in (a popular personal finance blog) which indicates returns of investment up to 14% through P2P lending to SMEs.
I am in the process of checking if these are guaranteed returns which i highly doubt so.
Like to understand more of your view on this.







AK:
Hi,
You might be interested in this blog:
http://singaporeanstocksinvestor.blogspot.sg/2015/06/to-make-20-per-annum-we-could-lose-our.html





If we say junk bonds must offer higher coupons to attract lenders because they are risky (think risk of default), for example, Swiber offered a coupon in excess of 7%, what could a 14% coupon from a borrower mean?

Aiyoh, headache. 





What to do? 

Don't ask me.

AA REIT, Soilbuild REIT and VIVA Industrial Trust.

Reader:
may I check with you about AIMS AMP. Its DPU for last 2 quarters have been dropping. But you seem very optimistic about it. Do you think things will get better?


AK:
Management is very important.
There is little they can do about headwinds
But you have to compare it against other industrial REITs and you will see it shines


Rather than acquiring more properties to boost DPU, AA REIT focused on extracting maximum value from their assets.


Reader:
Oh. How would it fare against soilbuild?

AK:
Soilbuild had a stroke of bad luck
Very unfortunate

Reader:
The technics offshore company who vacated the place?

AK:
I like the Biz Parks they own
yup

Reader:
Ok, thank you. Will read more on ur posts of aims amp before deciding

AK:
Unlike very short lease biz park owned by VIVA in Chai Chee, Soilbuild's biz park have relatively long leases.

Reader:
Since Keppel D.C. Reit seems unpromising, I might just switch to AA

AK:
If the management sama sama as Keppel REIT, cham

Reader:
Yes.... I think I'm quite clueless as a industrial reit investor. When I read the viva report, I was quite impressed by it

AK:
People tell us good things only

Reader:
Only heard the other side of the story when I saw your post, even though you kena hantum by that one reader. Haha

AK:
I should talk less. 😞

Reader:
Haha no la. Should talk more. For the greater good
May I check if you've written any articles on assessing industrial reits? I mean, I know the usual of NPI, DPU, gearing, occupancy etc. But the short lease part is something that's new (but makes sense) to me

AK
Er... maybe. I cannot remember liao. Too much talking to myself until I blur.

Reader:
Haha. It's ok! Thank you. I'll search through your trains of thought via your articles

Related posts:
1. AA REIT levels up.
2. VIVA Industrial Trust.
3. Soilbuild REIT.

DPU plunged at Keppel DC REIT.

Reader:

Just wondering if you are familiar with Keppel DC Reit?
I bought into it some time ago, lured in by its 'good potential', but as of last dividend payout, it's one of those cases where NPI went up but DPU dropped by 20%.
Not an encouraging sign.
But the company presentation said that things will get better because income from its new acquisition will 'kick in' by next payout. However it's hard for me to gauge if it'll make up the 'shortfall' of 20%.
Extrapolating from the most recent dividends, its annual yield would be only 4.7%. DBS still rates it as a BUY though.

AK:
I don't have this. I avoided.
I must say I have not been following developments though.

Reader:

I really didn't like the part where it's NPI went up but DPU dropped 20%.
AK:
Sounds like another Keppel REIT.


Plain English guide to data centres.

For anyone who might be interested, see my one and only blog on Keppel DC REIT (well, not anymore, I guess) and why I avoided investing in it:

Is Keppel DC REIT an attractive investment?


There were two reasons for me to avoid investing in this REIT. 

Now, there might be a third one.