Posted by TheContrarian > 2024-02-26 04:28 | Report Abuse

A value trap is an undervalued share that never reaches its true value and forever trades far, far below its true value like ...... Insas but that doesn't mean you can't make tons of profits from it. In fact I already made four fold from my original investment in the past 10 years or so. Always buy near the bottom and sell near the top and you will never get trapped. So simple.

Posted by Sslee > 2024-02-26 06:37 | Report Abuse

Me subscribe my RI entitlement with 10% excess application.
Later sold the Insas-WC, Insas-PB and top up Insas till make it into 30 major shareholders list.

Sold 2/3 of Insas during current spike up and balance 1/3 Insas at zero cost to me.

Posted by TheContrarian > 2024-02-26 07:16 | Report Abuse

Always set aside some cash so that when deeply undervalued shares drop to ridiculous price level we could buy.

Posted by TheContrarian > 2024-02-26 07:47 | Report Abuse

Every time Insas break through RM1 the retailers declare that Insas has move out of its "value trap" but ....... eventually the price drift down and go below RM1 not once, not twice, but thrice in the past ten years or so.

Posted by Sslee > 2024-02-26 08:05 | Report Abuse

Insas will drift down again if BOD just keep the cash hoard and do nothing about it.

BOD need to use the cash to generate revenues and incomes so that insas share price can go up in tandem with increase EPS

Posted by TheContrarian > 2024-02-26 08:11 | Report Abuse

Insas manipulates its EPS by selectively selling down Inari shares.

Posted by Sslee > 2024-02-26 08:18 | Report Abuse

Yes insas has the luxury of selling associate company inari shares just to boost the quartery EPS.

Posted by TheContrarian > 2024-02-26 08:33 | Report Abuse

Insas could pay out quarterly dividends but unfortunately refuses to do so.

Posted by BLee > 2024-02-26 08:36 | Report Abuse

Many thanks for all the healthy comments and stay ‘prosperous and healthy onwards…

I believe Cash is King, Insas main business is Cash generating Cash (Stock broking/investment and leasing), only the turn around is not fast enough. Investment in FD gives around 3% per annum, around 6% with EPF and around 7% with REIT..if Insas to give dividend higher than 2.5%, the Cash return needs to be higher, in my humble opinion.

Posted by Sslee > 2024-02-26 08:37 | Report Abuse

That is why every year I ask for fairer, better and more equitable dividend.

Posted by leno > 2024-02-26 09:06 | Report Abuse

correct lor
do not get TRAP like ah tong or LENO
comin quarter report is so-so niah
if no belief, just wait till quarter report out than decide anything
if clever, un-TRAP from INSAS as much as possible
or keep 1 share, so that when INSAS reach RM 60 RINGGIT
all insas shareholders can laugh at u mar ....

Always follow The Chart
Peak 1.24
Calm before waterfall
visit and laugh at LENO
at 90, 85 and 60 sen.

INSAS RM 60 RINGGIT is KAMBENGGGG SOOOOOON !!

😘😘

Posted by BLee > 2024-02-26 11:36 | Report Abuse

“leno
correct lor
do not get TRAP…”


Ya lor, the gist of the article is Sslee and BLee already un-trap (not blowing horn), only the zero cost portion trapped and let the profit run..kambenggg 60.000, Insas cantek. Happy Trading and TradeAtYourOwnRisk

Posted by calvintaneng > 2024-02-26 11:45 | Report Abuse

INSAS OK LAH

TRAP IS GOOD LIKE BEAR GO CAVE HIBERNATE
LATER COME OUT STRONG STRONG HOR

NOW SEE

https://klse.i3investor.com/web/blog/detail/www.eaglevisioninvest.com/2023-07-10-story-h-246422030-A_LOOK_AT_DIVIDEND_PERFORMANCE_BETWEEN_PALM_OIL_BANKS_Calvin_Tan

Posted by xiaoeh > 2024-02-26 12:04 | Report Abuse

Is Star Media value trap all sifus?

Posted by BLee > 2024-02-26 12:17 | Report Abuse

“calvintaneng
INSAS OK LAH

TRAP IS GOOD LIKE BEAR GO CAVE HIBERNATE
LATER COME OUT STRONG STRONG HOR…”


Hi Uncle calvintaneng, welcome to my blog, but please promote Palm Oil somewhere else, as you are like honey to the bee's, and attracting the mouse to your Palm Oil promotion…no offense intended. Tq
Note: I am very much interested in Southern Johore properties investment; might learn something from you. I almost moved my base to near JB second link, near Tuas, Pekan Nanas, Pasir Gudang or Mount Austin/Ulu Tiram area before the C19 strike..

Posted by TheContrarian > 2024-02-26 14:18 | Report Abuse

Eventually one day people who holds zero cost portion of Insas will get tired seeing that Insas share price is flattish. Then one by one start selling resulting in a waterfall.

Posted by Sslee > 2024-02-26 14:27 | Report Abuse

Yes eventually everyone will just hold 0NE (1.0) share waiting to sell at RM 60.

Posted by TheContrarian > 2024-02-26 14:28 | Report Abuse

To a person who holds zero cost portion selling 100,000 shares of Insas at average price of say, RM1.18 means a profit of around RM118,000.

Posted by TheContrarian > 2024-02-28 10:19 | Report Abuse

Even a person who holds zero cost portion selling 100,000 shares of Insas at 1.10 makes a gain of RM110,000.

Posted by TheContrarian > 2024-02-29 16:05 | Report Abuse

What Is a Value Trap?
A value trap is a stock or other investment that appears attractively priced because it has been trading at low valuation metrics, such as price to earnings (P/E), price to cash flow (P/CF), or price to book value (P/B) for an extended period.

Posted by TheContrarian > 2024-02-29 16:05 | Report Abuse

A value trap persuades investors because the trade appears inexpensive relative to historical valuation multiples of the stock, industry peers, or the prevailing market multiple. A value trap can drop further after an investor buys into the company.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Value traps are misleading investments trading at low levels that present buying opportunities for investors.
For a value trap investment, the low price is often accompanied by extended periods of low multiples.

Posted by xiaoeh > 2024-02-29 16:20 | Report Abuse

Posted by godhand > 1 hour ago | Report Abuse

If you make a decision based on your statement above to decide and demand me to say I have been wrong whether Insas a value trap or not, that is your prerogative, and I respect your opinion. My point of view is just different from you as I looked at a whole lot of different things, all in the article itself.
Do you expect everyone thinks the same?

what is your definition of value from the perspective of a minority shareholder.

Lets put it this way. as a minority shareholder what is your certainty? I'm not going to say that Insas is a trap but it simply lack the certainty. It also could be the nature of their business that they have to hoard the cash and re-invest. What guarantee the minority that they can have the piece of cake? I think whatever the author say here is irrelevant. what is more important is the direction and promise that the this company made and deliver in stages to the shareholders

Posted by xiaoeh > 2024-02-29 16:20 | Report Abuse

Posted by xiaoeh > 0 seconds ago | Report Abuse

both of you are talking the same topic but in different forum
TheContrarian & Godhand

Posted by TheContrarian > 2024-02-29 16:23 | Report Abuse

The other blog the Author very upset.

Posted by ValueInvestor888 > 2024-02-29 18:43 | Report Abuse

Insas still looks like value trap to me... there are other better stocks to pick than Insas until they change mgt.

Posted by BLee > 2024-02-29 23:29 | Report Abuse

"TheContrarian
Even a person who holds zero cost portion selling 100,000 shares of Insas at 1.10 makes a gain of RM110,000."

Correct ³, in addition getting 2.5sen dividend over the zero cost portion; how can it be "value trap"?
Let's compare latest Quarter report:
Basic earnings/(loss) per share (Subunit)
Q23Dec of 3.61 vs Q22Dec 7.20 and Cumulative QPE23 of 6.59 vs QPE22 9.71; is 2.5% dividend justifiable as value trap?

Therefore, another question in addition of questions raised earlier,

Is the last quarter with decreasing EPS over quarters (Q) and Cumulative Quarters PE (CQPE), yet giving same dividend considered a value trap? or

(Questions raised earlier)
Is the share price below NTA for a long period considered a value trap? or

Is the NTA moving up over the years at a greater rate than the share price considered a value trap? or

Is the share price moving up at a greater rate than NTA, can it be considered no longer a value trap? or
Edited: lately (NTA of increment of 3.57-3.56=0.01 vs price up by over 30sen from this YE Quarter reporting) moved out from 'value trap'??

My Conclusion: At different timing and reporting, there are many factors to consider such as NTA, EPS, ROI, etc to conclude is it a 'value trap' or not; that's make share investing interesting.
Happy Trading and TradeAtYourOwnRisk

Posted by Sslee > 2024-03-01 08:19 | Report Abuse

Nothing to argue whether Insas is a value trap or not a value trap stock. As long as you can make money from your investment in Insas then Insas is a good stock.

Posted by BLee > 2024-03-01 08:48 | Report Abuse

“Posted by Sslee >
Nothing to argue whether Insas is a value trap…”

Yes, agreed. Very good discussion, and achieved the intention of my write-up; i.e. bringing out a balanced view of Insas investment. I will let the profit (dividend+capital gain if any) run, as if sold, nothing to get my interest in Insas forum..tq

Posted by TheContrarian > 2024-03-05 21:42 | Report Abuse

Insas, a name that whispers promise,
A value play, some investors entice.
But hold, dear friend, before you take the bait,
This siren song may lead to a bitter fate.

The price sits low, a number that enthralls,
A hidden gem, a bargain for all.
Yet stagnant waters, though alluring to the eye,
May hold unseen depths, where dreams can die.

Years tick by, the share price barely moves,
While others soar, a tale the market proves.
Is it a value, or a value trap so deep?
Where hopes descend, and fortunes fall asleep.

Think twice, dear friend, before you invest your trust,
In promises whispered, turning into dust.
For in the market's dance, a truth is plain to see,
Not all that glitters, is a golden jubilee.

Posted by Integrity. Intelligent. Industrious. 3iii (iiinvestsmart)$€£¥ > 2024-03-06 08:10 | Report Abuse

Define a value trap in share investing


ChatGPT

A value trap in share investing refers to a situation where a stock appears to be undervalued based on traditional financial metrics such as low price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, price-to-book (P/B) ratio, or dividend yield. Investors may be attracted to these seemingly cheap valuations, hoping for potential future gains as the market corrects and recognizes the stock's true value.

However, the danger of a value trap lies in the fact that the stock may be cheap for a reason. The company might be facing fundamental problems, such as declining revenues, poor management, industry headwinds, or an outdated business model. Despite the apparent value, these issues can prevent the stock from recovering or experiencing the expected growth, leading to a prolonged period of underperformance or even permanent loss of capital for investors.

Investors need to be cautious and conduct thorough research to distinguish between genuinely undervalued stocks with strong fundamentals and those that are value traps. Simply relying on low valuation metrics without understanding the underlying reasons for the low valuation can expose investors to significant risks. Due diligence, analysis of the company's financial health, competitive position, and future prospects are essential to avoid falling into the trap of investing in a stock that may not deliver the expected returns.

Posted by Integrity. Intelligent. Industrious. 3iii (iiinvestsmart)$€£¥ > 2024-03-06 08:16 | Report Abuse

Main difference between an undervalued stock and a value trap is:

one is a genuinely undervalued stocks with strong fundamentals and the other is not; it is valued low for a reason (a value trap).

Accordingly, a stock is trading at a low PE and maybe appropriately priced or even a value trap. Still has to do a lot of analysis of its quality, management and fundamentals.

Posted by Sslee > 2024-03-06 08:21 | Report Abuse

Did any one know for the past 10 years Insas NAPS grow at CAGR of 7.72%?

https://klse.i3investor.com/servlets/stk/fin/3379.jsp?type=last10fy

Posted by Integrity. Intelligent. Industrious. 3iii (iiinvestsmart)$€£¥ > 2024-03-06 08:23 | Report Abuse

User
How do value traps unfold to deliver value eventually


ChatGPT
A value trap may eventually deliver value if certain conditions change, leading to a positive reevaluation of the company by the market. Here are some scenarios in which a value trap might unfold to deliver value:

Operational Turnaround:

If the company successfully implements strategic initiatives to improve its operations, cut costs, or innovate its products and services, it could lead to improved financial performance. Investors may recognize these positive changes, causing the stock price to rise.
Industry Rebound:

If the industry in which the company operates experiences a turnaround or a period of growth, the company's fortunes may improve. A broader industry recovery can positively impact even struggling companies within that sector.
New Leadership:

A change in leadership, particularly if it brings in experienced and effective executives, can lead to a revitalization of the company. Strong management can implement new strategies, improve efficiency, and restore investor confidence.
Market Recognition of Undervaluation:

Sometimes, the market may eventually recognize the undervaluation of a stock. As more investors become aware of the discrepancy between the stock's price and its intrinsic value, demand for the stock may increase, driving up its price.
Resolution of Temporary Issues:

If the company is facing temporary challenges, such as legal issues, regulatory hurdles, or short-term economic difficulties, a resolution of these issues can pave the way for the stock to rebound.
Strategic Partnerships or Acquisitions:

Strategic partnerships, mergers, or acquisitions that enhance the company's competitiveness and market position can contribute to a positive reevaluation by investors. Such moves may improve growth prospects and overall business stability.
Positive Earnings Surprises:

If the company consistently outperforms market expectations and delivers positive earnings surprises, investor sentiment may shift, leading to increased confidence in the company's ability to generate value.
Market Rotation or Trends:

Changes in market trends or investor preferences can lead to a rotation into previously overlooked sectors or stocks. If the market starts favoring value stocks, the stock that was once considered a value trap may attract renewed interest.
Share Buybacks or Dividend Initiatives:

Companies using excess cash to repurchase shares or initiate dividend payments may signal confidence in their future prospects. These shareholder-friendly actions can attract investors and contribute to stock price appreciation.
Macroeconomic Factors:

Improvements in macroeconomic conditions, such as interest rate changes, economic growth, or regulatory shifts, can positively impact a company's outlook and contribute to a reevaluation by the market.
It's important to note that not all value traps eventually deliver value, and investing always involves risks. Thorough research and ongoing monitoring of the company and its industry are essential to identify any positive developments or changes that may contribute to a turnaround. Investors should remain vigilant and adapt their strategies based on evolving market conditions and company fundamentals.

Posted by Sslee > 2024-03-06 08:33 | Report Abuse

I think human is doomed as ChatGPT already taking over the thinking process from human.

Mind ask ChatGPT is insas an undervalued stock or a value trap?

Posted by BLee > 2024-03-06 08:39 | Report Abuse

Please also ask "if majority holders control 51% of a company, how to break out of value trap? Tq

Posted by Sslee > 2024-03-06 08:46 | Report Abuse

Insas controlling shareholders Dato' Sri Thong and PAC officially only hold 32.96%.
Thus Insas cannot do SBB and controlling shareholders cannot buy Insas without trigger the MGO threshold of 33%

Posted by godhand > 2024-03-06 08:49 | Report Abuse

Reading the report is just one small part of factor in determining a company valuation.

Posted by Sslee > 2024-03-06 08:55 | Report Abuse

Because of controlling shareholders officially only hold 32.96% hence on and off rumour of someone making a hostile take over will cause share price to spike up.

Posted by Integrity. Intelligent. Industrious. 3iii (iiinvestsmart)$€£¥ > 2024-03-06 08:59 | Report Abuse

>>>

BLee Please also ask "if majority holders control 51% of a company, how to break out of value trap? Tq
06/03/2024 8:39 AM

>>>

Yes. Many Malaysian companies are controlled by families. The rewards to the minority shareholders are dependent on the generosity and thinking of the major controlling shareholders.

Some examples: KSL did not pay dividends, though profitable. However, development and construction company are best avoided, as it is difficult to value such company. Also, difficult to track its true accounts.

SAB is another. It pays dividends but has not increased its dividends for many years. Its NTA continues to grow due to retained earnings. It is undervalued, an asset play and also I suppose, if you wish to get your reward quickly, a value trap. :-)

There are many companies in the same category. In past, Juan Kuang paid little dividend, kept most of the retained earnings in the company, the directors enjoy good remunerations and perks, and at the appropriate time, the company was taken private for a song. The minority shareholders did not benefit from the good fortune of this company. Thus, it was appropriately priced at very low valuation in the stock market at that time. (I do not own this stock, but know the history.)

Posted by Integrity. Intelligent. Industrious. 3iii (iiinvestsmart)$€£¥ > 2024-03-06 09:10 | Report Abuse

>>>
In past, Juan Kuang paid little dividend, kept most of the retained earnings in the company, the directors enjoy good remunerations and perks, and at the appropriate time, the company was taken private for a song. The minority shareholders did not benefit from the good fortune of this company. Thus, it was appropriately priced at very low valuation in the stock market at that time. (I do not own this stock, but know the history.)

>>>

Previous listed and taken private many years ago, Juan Kuang is a very good past example of a value trap stock. It was profitable, the company grew its equity yearly through continuous retained earnings, it distributed pittance dividends (if at all?), its valuation was by various measures "cheap" (*low PE, low P/BV, DY relatively high*) and finally it was taken private at a small premium to its very low market price.

Those who invested into Juan Kuang hoping for its price to climbed closing the price to book value gap were all disappointed.

Posted by godhand > 2024-03-06 09:18 | Report Abuse

I think the term 'value trap' is not accurate or so called book value is irrelevant in most cases. Rather can you trust the management integrity. We are investing into human not books

Posted by Integrity. Intelligent. Industrious. 3iii (iiinvestsmart)$€£¥ > 2024-03-06 09:18 | Report Abuse

Was KAF a value trap when it was listed?

This company was taken private by its major shareholders a few years back at ?2.80 per share.

For a very long time, it was trading at a price of 1.50 per share. For this, you obtained a regular dividend equivalent to 5% yield, well above the risk free fixed deposit rate at that time.

For those who knew the assets within this company, it possessed a valuable piece of land in the KLCC area, which was not re-valued. Of course, this real estate got more and more valuable each year.

Those who bought into this company, which was "undervalued" based on its assets was at least able to console themselves that they received regular dividend incomes equivalent to 5% annually.

Nothing moved for years and decades. One fine day, the major shareholders (Khatijah & Friends) made an offer to take the company private. Those who had this share were thus rewarded for their patience. And yes, a lot of patience indeed. Yet, can one be certain that the investment will play out according to your book?

I have this stock since its listing and when it was taken private, it was a 5x + multibagger, excluding the dividends.

Posted by Integrity. Intelligent. Industrious. 3iii (iiinvestsmart)$€£¥ > 2024-03-06 09:51 | Report Abuse

Oriental Holdings
.
Is this another value trap? It is undervalued, no doubt.

It holds valuable asset. Possibly, asset play.

However, it is not growing its business. Where are the growth areas?

It pays dividends. Its dividends have increased yearly.

Its DPO ratio is low and it retained most of its earnings at low ROE.

Will you be willing to hold this stock with a low dividend income and no good growth prospects for the short and medium term?

What will unlock the full value of this stock .. and when?

Posted by Integrity. Intelligent. Industrious. 3iii (iiinvestsmart)$€£¥ > 2024-03-06 10:08 | Report Abuse

When a undervalued company with good fundamentals become value trap?

Benjamin Graham, the father of value investing, specialised in this group of stocks. He has a check list to select these stocks. His advice is to buy a group of them, and based on probability, the outcome of the group will be a positive, though at an individual stock level, this maybe unpredictable. (This approach is unlike that of Buffett, another value investor.)

According to Benjamin Graham, he observed these stocks and locked in the profits through selling when the prices crept upwards towards its "intrinsic value". Those undervalued stocks that did not "perform" by the end of 2 years, he sold. There is an opportunity cost for holding onto underperformers or poor performers for too long.



The approach of Buffett was different. He identified a severely undervalued stock. He bought a lot of it. Then he became an activist to get the management to take actions to realise the full value of the stock. He even got into the board of director of the company to influence the management. Then he cashed out with his profits.

Posted by Integrity. Intelligent. Industrious. 3iii (iiinvestsmart)$€£¥ > 2024-03-06 10:24 | Report Abuse

The classic most well known value trap company is Berkshire Hathaway.

Buffett acquired BH as he assessed it to be very undervalued. It was in the textile mill business which was in a long period of decline. Its assets were depreciating. To update its manufacturing facilities, it required injection of much needed new capital. Yet, these new capital did not achieve any returns, probably negative returns. He was forced to restructure his business, closing down plants, retrenching workers and not putting new capital into existing business. Competition was fierce from international companies which had lower cost advantage.

BH was indeed a classic value trap. It was comforting to know that even Buffett was not infallable.

Eventually, he restructured BH to be what it is today, a totally different company from the time he bought it.

Posted by BLee > 2024-03-06 15:46 | Report Abuse

“Posted by Integrity. Intelligent. Industrious. 3iii (iiinvestsmart)

BLee: Please also ask "if majority holders control 51% of a company, how to break out of the value trap?” Tq
06/03/2024 8:39 AM
>>>...and at the appropriate time, the company was taken private for a song.”

Agreed. I have had invested in Brem before taken private; making a small loss excluding dividend and bonus. It might just be a myth that taking private is good??

Another subject; why Insas doing RPS every five years?
My take: Interest for RPS lower than borrow $ from financial institutions and RPS/Warrants could be an instrument for protecting any take-over at a very low cost?? Any good discussion is welcome.
Happy Trading and TradeAtYourOwnRisk

Posted by TheContrarian > 2024-03-06 20:02 | Report Abuse

If after paying for shares of a valued company the price stays flat or drift down for months/years then you have fallen into a value trap.

Posted by BLee > 2024-03-10 10:17 | Report Abuse

Thanks to a contributor at i3 forum, who highlighted a good read as in the link below, able to give me a new insight of ‘value trap’ and partly answering my article questions…

https://www.thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2024/01/29/beware-the-value-trap

Happy Trading in the coming weeks.

Posted by Sslee > 2024-03-10 10:40 | Report Abuse

RI of RPS with free warrants is to reward the shareholders who take up the RI.

And at the same time for controlling shareholder Dato' Sri Thong to hold warrants to safeguard his interest incase of a hostile takeover.

Posted by TheContrarian > 2024-03-10 11:20 | Report Abuse

@MrSslee, main purpose is to safeguard Ah Thong's interest from hostile takeover.