Dividend Magic

Saving and Investing towards Financial Independence in Malaysia

Dividends

Funding Societies – My First Default

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Filed Under: Other Investments, Dividends, Financial Independence, Investment 9

First off, an update on my portfolio’s performance with Funding Societies Malaysia. Annualised returns have gone down from 13% to 9.23%.

A lower figure compared to January but still, a 9.23% return is commendable for an investment.

Mainly due to –
1. A default; and
2. New unutilised capital.

My First Default(s)

It caught me off guard when I first received notice on the default on the issued notes, of which I’ve put in RM300 each into the affected notes.

MBBT-18080032
MBBT-18080033
MBBT-18080034

Being caught off guard like that isn’t always a nice experience but it was mitigated somewhat because I’ve constantly been managing my own expectations and prepping for a few defaults.

Re-adjusting Funding Societies’ Auto-invest Bot

If you’ve noticed, all the notes come from a single issuer or company. So it’s back to the drawing board for me.

I’ve now switched my auto-invest bot settings to have ‘Max Issuer Exposure’ from the previous 25% to a mere 5%. I don’t want to be over-invested in one single issuer.

In the event that a single issuer defaults, my loss exposure will never exceed 5% of my total loan portfolio.

Steps Taken by Funding Societies

It all started on 7 January 2019. The issuer contacted Funding Societies to delay payment. Below will be the notices I received from Funding Societies. In chronological order.

This will be pretty lengthy but it is important you as investors know the step-by-step process taken by Funding Societies.

7 January 2019

Dear Investor, The Issuer has reached out to us to push back the repayment of January 2019 due amount because pending receivables from their client, this will include late interest charges. Tentatively, repayment of January 2019 due will be on 18 January 2019. Thank you for understanding the situation. Team Funding Societies 7/01/2019, 6.20pm

** And thereafter, lengthy amounts of back and forth discussions with the issuer on the settlement. I’ll spare you the details. With the issuer failing to make repayments in March, Funding Societies finally decided to serve a letter of demand.

10 April 2019

Dear Investor, We wish to update that we have served the Letter of Demand as of 8 April 2019. At this stage we continue to be in contact with Issuer through our lawyers to demand for RM 50,000 which due on 31 March 2019, and upcoming RM 150,000 which is due 15 April 2019. As we wait for Issuer response to the Letter of Demand, kindly allow us to update you by 17 April 2019. Team Funding Societies 10 April 2019, 8.30pm

18 April 2019

Dear Investor, We would like to inform you that Note Issuer has made a partial payment of total RM 10,000 and it has been distributed as principle to investors on 16 April 2019. However, the amount made by Issuer is less than what we have requested from the Issuer. We are still in the midst of negotiating the outstanding repayment term with Issuer. As per our last update, the Letter of Demand has been served to the Note Issuer, and the Note Issuer has only made payment of RM 10,000.00 of the promised RM 200,000.00 upon the expiry of the Letter of Demand on 17 April 2019. At the meantime, we are escalating our recovery efforts through legal avenues and are discussing with the appointed panel lawyer on how to approach this matter effectively. You may refer to your email for full update. Kindly allow us until 3 May 2019 to provide you updates on the progress of recovery. We truly appreciate your kind patience and continued support. Team Funding Societies 18 April 2019, 1.25PM

End.

So there you have it. I’ve said there would be defaults and I’m sharing with everyone the first of mine.

There are inherent risks in investing in P2P financing. To mitigate, I am diversifying as much as I can. Putting in small amounts in every note issued.

And now, as I’ve learnt the hard way, not to overexpose myself to one single issuer.

I hope everyone learns from this.

That being said, I am still getting a 9.23% return. So don’t let yourself be discouraged by my defaults.

😀

Sign Up!

If you have not already, you can sign up with Funding Societies hERE.
Alternatively, you may use the code: j1mwa37p
You’ll receive RM50 upon investing your first RM1,000.

Note:
Funding Societies has reduced their referral bonus from RM50 to RM30 effective 1st March 2019.

Using my code and link, you’ll still receive RM50.

Boost Malaysia now accepts AMEX

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Filed Under: Dividends 8

Dividend Magic - Boost

This will be a quick post. I just realized that Boost now accepts Amex top ups.

So yea, what I plan to do now – reload and top up my Boost wallet on the weekends via Maybank’s Amex. I earn 5% cash back and 5x Treats Points, and then go about using Boost for my daily expenses.

I’ll need to verify that topping up my Boost wallet provides me with the 5% cashback and 5x Treats points first though.

Anyone here that can verify this?

Or if you’ve got a better way for me to earn them points and cashback, lemme know!

If you’ve not used Boost yet, get your account below. You’ll get RM5 cashback.

Link: hERE

Code: leeo0lg

I’ve been diligently saving up my Treats points earned via my Maybank American Express card for years now. Following Malaysia’s sifu on credit cards’ advice – GenXGenYGenZ

I’ve got around 470K Treats points right now, just about enough for a business class flight overseas. =D

473,441 bloody points

The Employees’ Provident Fund – EPF in Malaysia

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Filed Under: Dividends, FI/RE, Financial Independence, Investment, Other Investments 12

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) or also known as Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) is one of the most important retirement savings schemes in Malaysia. Whether you’re a salaried employee or self-employed, understanding how the EPF works can help you maximize your savings for a secure financial future and help with your retirement. This article covers everything you need to know about the EPF, including its benefits, contribution rates, withdrawal options, and strategies to grow your retirement fund.

What is EPF / KWSP?

The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) or also known as Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) is a mandatory savings scheme established by the Malaysian government since 1951 to help private-sector employees and non-pensionable public-sector workers save for retirement. It is managed by the Employees Provident Fund Board and ensures that Malaysians have sufficient savings to support themselves after retirement.

EPF Dividend Rates and Historical Returns

2024 – 6.30%
REJOICE!

EPF KWSP Malaysia Historical Dividends Full Dividend Magic

One of the key advantages of the EPF is its annual dividend payout, which has historically ranged between 5% to 7%. The fund invests in various asset classes, including equities, bonds, and real estate, to generate stable returns for members. EPF dividends are compounded annually, making it a powerful tool for long-term wealth accumulation.

The 6.30% declared for 2024 is one of the highest in history. Anything above 6% is really good for Malaysians. Rejoice!

EPF / KWSP Contribution Rates

Both employees and employers contribute to the EPF based on a percentage of the employee’s monthly salary:

  • Employees contribute 9% of their monthly salary.
  • Employers contribute 12% for salaries RM5,000 and below and 11% for salaries above RM5,000.

EPF Account Structure

EPF KWSP Malaysia Account 1 2 and 3 Akaun Persaraan Akaun Sejahtera Akaun Fleksibel How many %

The EPF divides contributions into three accounts:

  1. Retirement Account (Akaun Persaraan) 75%
    Originally Account 1, Akaun Persaraan aims to accumulate and increase the members’ saving level for the long term to achieve a comfortable life after retirement. Savings in Akaun Persaraan cannot be withdrawn before 55 years old.

    However, eligible members can invest a portion of their Akaun Persaraan savings in investments managed by the approved Fund Management Institutions (FMIs), subject to the terms and conditions. This is not recommended by Dividend Magic, keep your EPF money in EPF, no unit trusts please.
  2. Wellbeing Account (Akaun Sejahtera) 15%
    Originally Account 2, Akaun Sejahtera aims to meet the pre-retirement life cycle needs for the medium term. Savings in Akaun Sejahtera can be withdrawn for pre-retirement purposes (subject to EPF terms and conditions) such as:
    • Housing
    • Education
    • Health
    • Insurance/Takaful protection
    • Hajj
    • Age 50 Years Old
  3. Flexible Account (Akaun Flexible) 10%
    The aptly named Akaun Flexible is designed to meet members’ short-term financial needs. Savings in Akaun Fleksibel can be withdrawn by members any time, subject to terms and conditions. However, members are encouraged to withdraw only for emergency purposes and immediate needs only.

EPF Withdrawals

Age-Based Withdrawals

  • Age 50 Withdrawal – Members can withdraw from Account 2 as a partial retirement fund.
  • Age 55 Withdrawal – Members can withdraw the full amount in both Account 1 and Account 2.
  • Age 60 Withdrawal – For members who continue contributing after 55, they can withdraw their accumulated savings at 60.

Other Withdrawal Options

  • Full withdrawal for permanent disability
  • Full withdrawal for leaving Malaysia permanently
  • Nomination benefits – To ensure savings go to the rightful beneficiary in case of death
  • For the Flexible Account (Account 3) – You can withdraw from Akaun Fleksibel any time through the KWSP i-Akaun app. Once processed, the funds will be disbursed directly into your bank account. It’s important to note that there is a minimum withdrawal amount of RM50.

EPF Withdrawal – More than RM1 million savings

EPF KWSP more than RM1 million withdrawal

This here is the best form of withdrawal. If you happen to be a high income earner or you have voluntarily contributed extra amounts every year, you’ll find yourself with more than RM1 million in EPF savings. This is when you get the flexibility to withdraw any savings in excess of RM1 million.

An important note – you have to withdraw a minimum of RM50,000 at any one time.

Strategies to Maximize Your EPF Savings

  1. Voluntary Contributions – You can contribute beyond the mandatory rate to boost your retirement fund.
  2. i-Invest – Invest a portion of your EPF savings in approved unit trusts to potentially earn higher returns.
  3. Delay Withdrawals – Keeping your funds in the EPF beyond 55 years old allows your savings to continue compounding.
  4. Diversify with Private Retirement Schemes (PRS) – Supplement your EPF with PRS to enhance your retirement income.

EPF Voluntary Contribution – RM100K a year

You can choose to increase your EPF savings voluntarily on top of your existing mandatory monthly deductions, with as little as RM10, up to a maximum of RM100,000 per year. 

By starting your savings journey as early as possible, you can take advantage of the power of compounding, giving your savings more time to grow. So, that’s why you should start saving now to ensure comfort and financial stability during retirement.

More info on Voluntary Contribution to your EPF here.

EPF i-Saraan – Self contribution and RM500 per year

EPF KWSP Malaysia i-saraan self contribution RM500 and RM5000

Self-employed individuals can also voluntarily contribute to the EPF under the i-Saraan scheme, which allows them to enjoy government incentives while saving for retirement. More on EPF’s i-Saraan scheme here.

Please do self-contribute here and earn that RM500 per year if eligible for i-saraan. Do take note that there is a lifetime incentive limit of RM5,000.

Who is eligible to apply for EPF’s self contribution scheme – i-Saraan?

  • Malaysian
  • EPF Member
  • Self-employed individuals (not an employee)
  • Below 60 years of age.

KWSP i-Sayang – Contribute To Your Wife’s Retirement Savings​

i-Sayang is an initiative introduced by the government that allows the husband (contributor) to transfer the 2% employee share contribution received from the employer to the wife’s (recipient) EPF account.

EPF KWSP i-Sayang - Contribute To Your Wife's Retirement Savings​ i-Suri

Features of EPF’s i-Sayang

  • Transfer of 2% employee share contribution received from the employer to the wife’s EPF account.​
  • The application is made voluntarily by the husband, and the transfer occurs automatically each month when an employer contribution is credited to the husband’s EPF account.​
  • The transfer of this contribution cannot be cancelled unless the wife divorces or dies.​
  • More information here.

We’re all familiar with EPF as our retirement fund. But what does EPF actually invest in?

dividend magic - retirement
‘How late do you expect to be working?’

Main Assets of EPF

As of 2018, equities made up about 41% of EPF’s total assets.

A further 50% is invested in fixed income instruments.

Let’s have a look at some of EPF’s largest equity holdings.

It’s a good idea to have EPF’s investments as a reference, apart from my Freedom Fund of course. ; )

What I Do With My EPF

I personally am leaving my EPF untouched till I reach 55. And then I’ll withdraw a monthly amount to keep me alive, slowly drawing down on the capital. And if I do happen to have extra funds, I will be self contributing to EPF, up to RM100K a year.

Your EPF is essentially forcing you to save a portion of your income every month. And it helps you reinvest those 6% and above dividends every single year.

Even though I’ve mentioned there being no wrong answers to the poll above, I do believe Option 2 and 3 – where you’re essentially drawing down on your funds from your EPF savings is the least financially sound decision.

I see no reason for one to forego that 6% return in lieu of mutual funds or property. If you’ve got to take money from your retirement savings to purchase something, you definitely can’t afford it. In my opinion, of course.

Has anyone done this long term and made good money from Options 2 and 3?

End.

The EPF is a crucial pillar of retirement planning for Malaysians. Understanding its features, making informed contributions, and leveraging available investment options can help you build a robust financial future. Whether you’re just starting your career or nearing retirement, proactive planning with the EPF can ensure you enjoy financial security in your golden years.

You may have heard from uncles and aunties telling you to withdraw as much as you can during times of uncertainty. Mutual fund agents may have enticed you to believe their RM100 million funds are superior to our national fund – worth over RM800 fucking billion dollars.

Property agents may have hinted that your purchase of that 3BR apartment is a better decision than leaving your money in the hands of a professional investing team.

I think all are a load of hokum and I’ll stick with EPF for the foreseeable future.

I think you should too. 
And this is a plea to all Malaysians, don’t squander away your retirement savings.

TL;DR – Withdrawal from EPF? Bad idea.

Things To Do Before You Start Investing in Malaysia

By
Filed Under: Dividends, FI/RE, Investment 4

I get asked a lot about investing.

To start off, let me just say that I don’t claim to be the best investor in Malaysia. There are many others who I’m sure are better out there. However, I’ve been able to make a decent amount of money through saving and investing. In particular, dividend and value investing.

I’ve been able to successfully generate annualized returns of 10% (so far). With my portfolio close to RM450K right now.

My Philosophy

I invest primarily for financial independence and freedom. To generate enough passive income, allowing me to have the freedom of choice when it comes to major financial decisions.

I don’t view ‘investments’ that keep me up late at night as passive investments. I’d very much rather have an investment generating 10% pa, worry-free than an investment that generates twice that but keeps me up all night and all on my toes all day.

In other words, I am investing with quality of life as an end goal. And I’m investing for the very long term, for life.

What Are Your Advantages

The first question to ask yourself before you invest is this. I’ve broken advantages down into 3 main categories.

1. Informational

If you happen to have access to certain information not privy to the public or the rest of us Malaysians, you’re way ahead of the curve. Be aware of threading the fine line of insider trading though.

It’s always a good idea to invest in businesses you have a direct connection to. A good example would be an AirAsia employee who might have noticed that passenger volume has gone down for months where previous flights were full.

An example of illegal insider trading would be an accountant of AirAsia who reads the unpublished accounts and notices AirAsia is about to declare an unusually high-profit next quarter.

2. Analytical

This means you’re better at taking the information available in the market and dissecting it and then using it to your advantage. You could have algorithms set in place, charts etc.

This usually applies to the big boys. Investment firms with PhDs and whiz kids working for them, making better use of the information available in the market than the average joes like me.

3. Emotional / Behavioural

Do you have a particular personality or temperament that allows you to make better investment decisions?

Being able to separate your emotions from investing ie. not succumbing to the ups and downs of Mr. Market. This is easier said than done and I myself find it difficult to execute especially during times of recession.

A good example would be our good Mr. Warren Buffett. ‘Be greedy when others are fearful and be fearful when others are greedy’.

Becoming a Better Investor

After identifying your advantages, it’s time to beef up. Now, these are useful even if you’ve had some mileage as an investor. Remember to always improve yourself.

 1. Read These Books!

I’ve taken the time to compile a list of useful books hERE.

The purpose right now is to not to immediately jump into investing. It is to make sure you’ve got your arsenal of knowledge and skill to help you keep your head afloat in the market.

If you don’t have the time or the energy to read up and increase your knowledge, you shouldn’t be investing. Trust me, you’ll get burnt.

Consider a low-cost index fund or FDs if you eventually find that investing in the stock market isn’t for you.

2. Pick Your Style

Now you’ve read up on the different styles of investing, you should have a rough idea on how you want to go about investing.

Base this on your own personality. What sort of risk are you willing to take? And what sort of returns are you looking at?

Base this also on the amount of capital you have to invest. RM10,000? or RM100,000. There is both a case for and against diversifying. Which you’ll have to decide for yourself.

And base this on how long you plan to invest in. The timeframe. Investing for the long term allows your money to compound for a longer period of time. Which is why investors that start young have a huge advantage compared to their senior counterparts.

3. Set Your Rules

One of the main mistakes investors make, especially value investors is thinking that the journey ends once you’ve successfully picked a stock.

On the contrary, investing ends only when you’ve liquidated your investments. When that cold hard cash is in your hands or bank account. Dividend investing helps me maintain my capital while receiving dividends in my bank account annually.

On that note, it is important to have a target price or value for your stocks. This will let you know when to sell and when to purchase more. For me personally, as a dividend investor, I only sell a stock when it is 50% higher than my valuation of the stock. And I add more if it falls below 30%.

4. Have a Proper Financial Plan

It is important to have a plan to adhere to every month. You’ll want to have a proper financial plan in place and review your finances periodically in accordance with the said plan.

I’ve gotten a proper basic financial plan together that covers the essentials for all Malaysians hERE.

Paper Trading

Now that you’ve got everything in order and you’re all set to start investing, I’d highly recommend one more step before you start off – paper trading.

Paper trading is trading hypothetically online without the actual use of money. You start off with a set amount of capital, say RM100,000 and you start investing as how you normally would. Do this for a year and see how you manage at the end of the exercise.

End.

Now, investing is easy. But it isn’t as easy as some of you might think. You’ll be thrown into the market with the big boys and their PhDs and algorithms. But, armed with the right knowledge and some common sense, investing isn’t too difficult.

For your next step, you’ll want to go through the motions and start with the opening of your brokerage account. You can read up on it hERE.

Share Bonus Issues, Stock Splits and Free Warrants

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Filed Under: Dividends, FI/RE, Investment 2

What is a Bonus Issue?

A bonus issue is an offer of free additional shares to existing shareholders. They’re basically gifts to shareholders of the company, rewarding you and me with additional shares at no cost.

The bonus shares are issued and paid out of the retained profits of a company.  They’re issued as a ratio, based on the number of shares held by the shareholder. As an example below, Cypark handed out bonus shares at a ratio of 2 : 1. For every 1 share held, shareholders get 2 bonus shares for free.

Why are Bonus Shares Issued?

  1. To reward shareholders
  2. Boost investor sentiment and market confidence
  3. Increase liquidity
  4. Adjust the stock price to a reasonable range

As an existing shareholder, you may immediately sell the bonus shares the moment they are issued. This is why companies sometimes issue bonus shares in lieu of cash dividends. Or if you’re investing in the company for the long term and do not have immediate liquidity needs, you keep your increased shareholding.

It is however important to note that a share bonus issue does not involve cash flow. It increases the company’s share capital but not its net assets. It does not impact you as a shareholder materially.

In addition to this, a bonus issue increases the number of outstanding shares in the market. This in turn, will result in an instant decrease in the stock’s price, making the stock more affordable for retail investors.

What Should You Do with Your Bonus Issue

If like me, you’re a long term investor in the company and business, you’ll want to do nothing with the additional shares from the bonus issue.

Selling the bonus shares will lower your percentage stake in the company, giving you less dividends and fewer shares in terms of percentage in the stock. If this is difficult to understand, imagine every other shareholder, like you, receives the same bonus shares. If you sell yours and nobody else sells theirs, your holdings are less compared to everyone else.

So if you’re investing in the company for the long term, do nothing with the bonus issue, and be happy.

Difference Between a Bonus Issue and Stock Split

Both have many similarities as well as differences. Stock splits only serves one purpose – To increase the number of shares. Ie. To adjust the share price of the company to a lower level.

Many Malaysian investors still believe a company like Nestle whose share price is RM145 per share is “expensive”. Investing RM10,000 into Nestle or a low price share is the same thing. You’re investing RM10,000. End of story. 

When a stock is split, there is no change in the company’s cash reserves. In contrast, when a company declares a bonus issue of shares, the bonus shares are paid for out of the accumulated profits of the company, depleting reserves.

Similar to a bonus issue, if you do not have immediate liquidity needs, you should just hold on to your split stocks to maintain the status quo in terms of your percentage holdings in the company.

Warrants, Free or Otherwise

Scientex Bonus Issue and Free Warrants
Scientex-Berhad-AnnouncementDownload

Above is a 2020 example of Scientex’s announcement for a bonus issue plus free warrants.

In the example, as an existing shareholder, you receives two bonus shares for every one existing share held. In essence, splitting one share into three.

And in this particular instance, the company is also awarding free warrants. One for every five existing shares. However, it is important to note that the bonus shares are not entitled to the free warrants.

The warrants in this case are given as a bonus for investors, you can keep it to exercise at a later date or sell immediately.

Now, I won’t be touching the warrants you see on the exchange where small price swings can earn you big amounts of money or lose you the shirt on your back. If you’re new and just starting to invest, please do not touch those.

End.

I hope this clears the air on bonus issues, stock splits and a little on warrants.

TL;DR – Bonus issues are a plus for the company, stock splits are neutral. Do nothing with both if you’re investing in the company for the long term.

Happy investing!

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Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TENAGA) – Our Electrical Giant

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Filed Under: Dividends, Best Dividend Stocks in Malaysia, Investment, Portfolio - Freedom Fund 0

Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TENAGA 5347)

TENAGA is the largest player in generating and providing electricity in Malaysia. I would argue to the point of being monopolistic.

They’re diversified geographically through equity ownership in the UK, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, India an Indonesia and Pakistan.

The company’s profits are tied heavily to foreign currency exchange rates, coal and gas prices.

The Numbers

TENAGA 2017 Financial Summary 5 Year
TENAGA 2017 Financial Summary

Increasing Profits Every Year

The electrical giant has been generating increasing revenue and profits consistently for 6 years now. One of the key criteria when I pick a stock to purchase.

With increasing profits comes increasing dividends for me as a shareholder.

Increasing Shareholder Equity Every Year

For 6 years now, TENAGA has consistently increased its Shareholder Equity also known as Net Assets annually. This is another huge check mark in Tenaga’s favor. 

We as shareholders will want a company that is constantly increasing its net assets. More assets mean more ways of generating income and also increase in stock prices.

Borrowings and Gearing

Total borrowings has increased to RM38.8 billion in 2017 with the gearing at 40.3%. An increase in borrowings is only worrying when the revenue decreases.

I do hope to see the gearing reduce to below the 40% mark in the future though.

Dividend Growth Perspective

TENAGA is a huge company, generating megawatts in electricity and dividends to its shareholders.

With the increasing profits every year, I’m not worried about the company delivering proportionally increasing dividends every year.

Valuation

At the time of writing, TENAGA is trading at RM13.980, at a P/E of 11.49.

The company is a little undervalued at the moment. I’ll continue to monitor the stock and purchase more when it drops below the RM13 mark again.

 

End.

TENAGA
Bought Price – RM14.12
Current Price – RM13.98
Capital Gain – (-0.99%)
Total 2018 Dividends – RM516,80
Dividend Yield – 3.66%

Disclosure: I hold 1,000 units of TENAGA shares in my Freedom Fund portfolio.

I will continue to hold onto TENAGA and look out for buying opportunities.

As always, my opinions and strategies are never intended to be a buy/sell recommendation. The strategy used has worked for me and it is for you to decide if it can be implemented into your own financial plan. Always do your own research and due diligence before investing.

A list of good dividend stocks in Malaysia can be found hERE.