Logistics War

Nice article from Inquirer on why companies like MPI and SM are acquiring Logistics companies. MPI acquired Ace Logistics while SM acquire 35% of 2GO. The reason why its price shoots up.

Big firm tend to be on the mercy of Logistics firm when they are moving their goods, like delivering products to their customers or transferring assets from one location to another. Going into online retailing business would definitely require Logistics asset to handle shipping or air freight services. As Ayala acquired 49% of E-Commerce Zalora Philippines, they would probably be looking for a Logistics company right now. Or maybe they will create a Logistic business instead of buying one from the outside.

I believe next on these company's agenda is to look for people who really knows how to operate or have a broad experience managing complex logistic operations. That would be a crucial component to run a Logisctics company successfully. People like Tim Cook of Apple would be a good reference :-). Based on the book I read, he really excel in logistics operation. He's the one who Steve Jobs depend on to source different components of their products like IPhone components. Hopefully we have some Tim Cook here in our country.

PSE

As expected, index goes down due weak trading in anticipation of the 4 days of non-trading. I think there will still be some steam next week due to somehow positive outlook on our economy. We are still in good economic territory specially if the Government would stand on its promise to build needed infrastructures throughout the country. That would be a good days for companies like DMCI, SMC and MPI. Billions would be on the table for not so easy picking :-).

Speaking of DMCI, Supreme Court decided that construction of Torre De Manila was legal. I don't think the decision is final yet - complainants can still ask for reconsiderations.

2017 IPOs

Companies that are planning Initial Public Offering this year:

Wilcon Depot, Inc. (7.03 billion)
Listed on March 31, 2017

Chelsea Logistics Plans (8 billion)
Dennis Uy Shipping company

Xeleb Inc. (751.8 million)
Celebrity mobile gaming company of Xurpas

Expresspay, Inc. - XP (528 million)
Financial service aggregator. Possible listing date is on June 19, 2017

Eagle Cement (8 billion)

Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (3.8 billion)

Bermaz Auto Bhd. (1.24 billion)

Pure Energy Holdings (1.58 billion)

Audioway Median, Inc. (2.88 billion)

Ipad 2017 - Is it worth the money?

I have an Ipad which is almost 5 years old now. I bought my Ipad 4 five years ago after I let the Ipad 3 passed due to some not so nice reviews. It already has some fair share of bumps and bruises but still a dependable piece of technology. A bit lagging but the screen will never fail you. It has the retina display and a bright display with reflections, of course. I upgraded the OS to the latest version, i.e. 10.3 and I didn't notice any impact on the performance - really, quality and built is where Apple really flies. 5 years old Ipad is really due for replacement but if you can still hold on to it for a couple of years, I envy you :-). I still have my Ipad 1 which even my 5 year-old daughter hate to use. It is so heavy and Youtube is not not working anymore because Google already stopped the update. Both Ipad 1 and 4 are heavy as a brick. You will hate them when you hold something like Ipad Air 2.

As a trying hard technology guy - 5 years is quite a long time to hold a device like an Ipad. Two generations and now a new cheaper model with newer chip and screen that sucks? Maybe it's the right time to park my Ipad 4. So, I did! I bought the new 2017 Ipad and boy I thought I should stay with my old Ipad or went for the Ipad Air 2! Just kidding, cheap Ipad means screen that is not laminated, lots of reflection and an additional weight. The good side, higher battery capacity, higher screen brightness and newer chip (A9). If you have Ipad Air or Air 2 - no need to upgrade. Reading in an Ipad Air 2 is less eye straining due to less reflection. But if you are vain - go for 2017 model you will have an Ipad and a portable mirror, literally :-).

So... If you have a pre-Ipad Air model, 2017 is a good (not great) upgrade. Otherwise, stay away from this model. Unlike me, you still have a choice.

Netflix Philippines

To those who wants to try Netflix - let me give you my honest feedback of this streaming service (I am still in trial period up to 04May). Hopefully it will help you decide whether to subscribe to Netflix or try their 1 month free unlimited subscription.

If you are movie lover/watcher - this is really a good time for you. There are a lot of sites that offers 'legal' movie streaming, i.e. iFlix, hooq, blink and Netflix. I know some of you are doing the 'torrentz' downloads - no prejudice, I did that once shhhh...

I used my iTunes account to pay for the basic subscription which is 10 PHP higher (389 PHP) than if you subscribe directly from Netflix site. The reason I used my iTunes account is to have a single receipts and of course for my credit card security as well. Not that Netflix is not secured but that is me :-).

Most of the movies are old ones and Netflix originals. Maybe some of you want to watch them again, reminiscing the time when you dated your girlfriend(s) hehehe. I like the series like Grimm, 13 reasons and some forensic series. I bet the free one month would not be enough to watch all of them unless your are doing it in parallel universes.

I have 2mbps and I found that is enough to stream a movie or a tv series decently. Basic subscription gives you almost 720p picture quality which is very viewable. You can also download movies and tv series if your connection really sucks which is always the case when we talk of our Telcos/ISPs. I think new series like Iron Fist is not available for downloads - so you can only stream them and pray that your Telco/ISP will not fail you.

So far, I still enjoy the Netflix. I think there is no losing in trying the Netflix for a month - FREE of course.

Update (07May2017):

I continued the subscription. Movies are old ones but I can live with the TV series. Currently enjoying the Grimm, Forensic series, Nature documentaries and some good old movies. 

How high?

I am a bit amazed that PSEi gone up to 7,600+ points. I was able to unload some of my positions that went green. Still I have 2 reds, DMCI and MRSGI. I will be getting dividends from DMCI which will somehow offset some of my negatives. I guess I still have to hold DMCI for a little while... hopefully.

I think 'dutertenomics' had some effect on the market we have right now. If the government can sustain the growth forecast we can be seeing 8000 mark! I think infrastructure will really contribute to the PSEi points. I am seeing some major construction along commonwealth - which is a good sign.

Let's hope for the best this 2017 - goodluck to us!