Since the collapse of Lehman Brothers in Sep 2008, I have been in and out of Olam no less than 15 times. As of today, my total profit on Olam, including the latest unrealised profit, is not much less than my current total shareholding of Olam. You may want to consider saying “Everyone else who got involved in this co lost money.” in future. Further, although I know of people who have lost money in this counter, I also know of people who have made profit in this counter.

In my view, Olam is a good company with great prospects. I have done my research and I think that Olam has good fundamentals. However, like any other good companies, it is not without its shortcomings. In addition, it has its fair share of critics, some presenting a more balanced view, but some has never made a positive comment on it. Although Olam has good fundamentals, I am not really a staunch supporter of it. To me, Olam is simply one of the counters that I trade to make a profit.

Fundamentals are an important factor to consider in the equity market. However, investment philosophy and investment strategy are no less important. Any shrewd investor should know that. Although Olam has good fundamentals, I would not have made the same amount of profit in the equity market if I had I traded simply on the basis of fundamentals. That being said, fundamentals are important, although they are subjective to some extent.

As much as you salute me for entering into Olam, I salute you for spending time researching a company in which you don’t have a position.