this company is bad?

Author

Pete Tan
February 09, 2026

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Hi everyone.

If you opened the news this morning: you probably saw the headlines: "DBS Q4 Profit Falls 10%." On paper: it looks like a reason to worry. The bank missed analyst forecasts: net interest margins (NIM) are tightening: and CEO Tan Su Shan is telling everyone to "buckle up" for a volatile year ahead.

But if you have been following the Smart Money strategy, you know that headlines are often designed to distract you from the real prize. While the "profit" number was a miss, the "payout" number was a massive win.

The Real Story Behind the Numbers 📊

DBS reported a Q4 net profit of S$2.26 billion. Yes that is down from last year. But look closer at why it happened and what they are doing with the money they did make.

  • The Dividend Surprise: Despite the profit dip, DBS is paying a total final dividend of 81 cents per share (66 cents ordinary + 15 cents capital return).

  • A 38% Pay Raise: This brings the total dividends for the year to $3.06 per share. That is a massive 38% increase from the previous year.

  • The "Safety Net": The bank plans to continue these 15 cent capital return dividends throughout 2026 and 2027. They are literally committing to paying you regardless of the market noise.

  • Wealth is Booming: Their wealth management segment hit a record high of S$488 billion in Assets Under Management (AUM). This tells me that the world’s wealthiest people are still parking their money with DBS because they trust the stability.

Why "Volatility" is a Dividend Investor's Best Friend

CEO described the current environment as a "perfect storm." Rates are cooling: and geopolitical tensions are high.

Most investors hear "volatility" and think risk. I hear "volatility" and think yield.

When the market panics and the share price of a "King" like DBS dips (it fell about 2% this morning) the dividend yield actually goes up for those who are brave enough to buy. You are getting paid more to own a piece of the most dominant bank in Southeast Asia.

Master the Art of the Payout: Dividend Market Genius (DMG) 🏹

This is exactly why I am launching my new course: Dividend Market Genius (DMG).

Most people chase growth and get burned when the market turns red. But true wealth is built by owning high quality: cash flowing assets that pay you to wait. Whether the market is up: down: or sideways: your goal should be to build a "Income Machine" that funds your lifestyle.

In DMG, I’m going to show you:

  • How to find "Dividend Kings" before the rest of the market notices them.

  • The exact strategy I use to evaluate Singapore banks like DBS,UOB and OCBC.

  • How to build a portfolio that survives (and thrives) during "perfect storms."

We are launching very soon and because I expect this to be a crowded room, I am opening up a Waitlist today.

Those on the waitlist will get early access, a special "Early Bird" discount: and exclusive content that I won't be sharing anywhere else.

👉 Join the DMG Waitlist here: https://investwithpete.co/dmg-waitlist

The "easy money" of the last few years is fading. Now: it is about being a Genius with your dividends.

See you on the inside. 🥂

Pete
Invest with Pete

🚨‼️ By the way, I’ll never PM anyone on telegram or any other social media platforms. If you receive any “Pete” messaging you, these are scammers impersonating me. Pls beware!

The information provided in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Readers should seek their own independent financial advice before making any investment decisions. Please note that while Pete is a portfolio manager, the opinions expressed in this newsletter are his own and do not represent the views of any organization. Always perform your own research and due diligence before investing.

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