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Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
5 Singapore Stocks Hitting Their 52-Week Highs: Can They Keep Up the Momentum?
The Straits Times Index (SGX: ^STI) has broken past its previous all-time high to hit a new milestone this month. The bellwether blue-chip index has surpassed the 4,100 level for the first time as optimism led to a broad-based rally. This rally has now extended to mid-cap companies and second-line stocks. Here are five Singapore stocks that are hitting their 52-week high share prices. We explore if they can keep up the momentum. APAC Realty (SGX: CLN) APAC Realty is a real estate services provider that holds the ERA regional master franchise rights for 17 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The group is one of Singapore's largest real estate agencies with 8,823 advisors as of 26 February 2025. Shares of the property agency have rallied 32% year-to-date (YTD) and touched their 52-week high of S$0.52. APAC Realty reported a mixed set of earnings for 2024. Revenue inched up 0.7% year on year to S$561 million, but net profit plunged 38.8% year on year to S$7.2 million. The group churned out a free cash flow of S$8.4 million for 2024, nearly 48% lower than the previous year. A final dividend of S$0.012 was paid out, lower than the prior year's S$0.014. Coupled with the interim dividend of S$0.009, the total dividend for 2024 stood at S$0.021. CEO Marcus Chu expects more new home launches for 2025, with 15,000 new homes slated to be released. The group is also broadening its presence across ASEAN by acquiring a 51% stake in ERA Fiesta Group, which comprises seven real estate brokerage companies in West Jakarta. Tiong Woon (SGX: BQM) Tiong Woon is an integrated heavy lift specialist serving the oil and gas, petrochemical, infrastructure, and construction sectors. The group's share price surged 21% YTD to a 52-week high of S$0.74. Tiong Woon reported a commendable set of earnings for the first half of fiscal 2025 (1H FY2025) ending 31 December 2024. Revenue rose 5% year on year to S$78.8 million, but gross profit fell by 8% year on year to S$30.3 million because of a larger rise in cost of goods sold. Net profit, however, climbed 11% year on year to S$12.1 million. The group also eked out a small positive free cash flow of S$1.2 million for 1H FY2025, reversing the negative free cash flow of S$7.7 million in the prior year. Tiong Woon maintains a positive outlook as customer demand for heavy lift and haulage services is expected to remain resilient in Singapore. The group intends to pursue opportunities that emerge from the demand for construction and petrochemical investments. VICOM (SGX: WJP) VICOM is a provider of inspection and technical testing services. The group not only provides vehicular inspections but also provides inspection and testing services in the mechanical, biochemical, and civil engineering fields. VICOM's share price has increased by around 15% YTD and hit its 52-week high of S$1.54. The group reported a solid set of earnings for the first quarter of 2025 (1Q 2025). Revenue jumped nearly 19% year on year to S$33.3 million as VICOM installed 53,000 on-board units (OBUs) for the Electronic Road Pricing 2.0. This installation number was significantly higher than the 35,000 OBUs installed in the previous quarter. Operating profit improved by 8.7% year on year to S$9 million while net profit came in at S$7.5 million, up 7.5% year on year. VICOM generated free cash flow of S$4.2 million for the quarter despite capital expenditure being elevated because of spending on its new headquarters at Jalan Papan. Demand for non-vehicle testing improved in 1Q 2025, but management cautioned that trade tensions could result in lower demand for this business unit. Keong Hong (SGX: 5TT) Keong Hong's principal business activities include building construction, property development and investment, and hotel development and investment. The group develops and owns properties in Singapore, Japan, and the Maldives. Keong Hong's share price soared nearly 80% YTD to hit its 52-week high of S$0.16. The group reported a solid set of earnings for 1H FY2025 ending 31 March 2025. Revenue surged 50% year on year to S$122.9 million. Gross profit came in at S$8 million, reversing the previous year's gross loss of S$3 million. Net profit stood at S$7.5 million but was boosted by other income of S$9.2 million, of which S$3.8 million comprised a net exchange gain. Keong Hong put in a bid for a government land sale for the Bayshore precinct but lost the bid to Singhaiyi Group. It will continue to partner with strong and reputable players to bid for good development opportunities. Over in the Maldives, the average occupancy of the group's two properties was lower than the industry average. Keong Hong will implement comprehensive cost-reduction and marketing strategies to support the performance of these two properties. MoneyMax Financial Services (SGX: 5WJ) MoneyMax is a financial services provider, retailer, and trader of luxury products. The group has more than 100 stores in both Singapore and Malaysia, making it one of the largest pawnbroking and retail chains. MoneyMax's share price has surged 77.3% YTD and recently hit its 52-week high of S$0.60. The group handed in a sterling report card for 2024 with revenue surging 36.5% year on year to S$390.1 million. Net profit hit a record high of S$41.6 million that year, shooting up 65% year on year. A final dividend of S$0.014 was paid out, 40% higher than the S$0.01 paid a year ago. MoneyMax remains committed to increasing its network of outlets across Singapore and Malaysia. At the same time, the group will explore opportunities to elevate customer experience and raise its service standards to attract even more customers. Looking to create a lifelong income stream? Check out our report, '7 Singapore Blue-Chip Stocks That Can Pay You for Life.' We uncover a powerful lineup of dividend-paying stocks with the reliability and growth potential you need in today's market. Don't miss out on these dependable picks. Download your copy now and start building a secure financial future! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Telegram for the latest investing news and analyses! Disclosure: Royston Yang owns shares of VICOM. The post 5 Singapore Stocks Hitting Their 52-Week Highs: Can They Keep Up the Momentum? appeared first on The Smart Investor. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
Kheng Leong, Low Keng Huat launch Canberra Crescent Residences with prices from S$1,880 psf
[SINGAPORE] Joint developers Kheng Leong and Low Keng Huat will soon start previews for the suburban residential development Canberra Crescent Residences, with prices starting at S$1,880 per square foot (psf). Located along Canberra Crescent in District 27, the 99-year leasehold development houses 376 units across four 12-storey towers. It spans a total land area of 20,435.8 square metres (sq m), with a gross floor area of 35,265.8 sq m. One-bedders of 409 square feet (sq ft) – accounting for just three units in the entire development – will be priced from S$880,000 or S$2,152 psf. Prices start at S$1.11 million or S$1,950 psf for two-bedders sized 570 to 667 sq ft; S$1.53 million or S$1,920 psf for three-bedders sized 797 to 990 sq ft; and S$2.2 million or S$1,880 psf for four-bedders sized 1,163 to 1,324 sq ft. The Canberra Crescent land parcel was acquired by Kheng Leong, the private real estate arm of the family of Wee Cho Yaw, and builder Low Keng Huat in a state land tender in July last year. The joint venture outbid two other offers, with a top bid of S$279 million or S$793 psf per plot ratio (ppr). Observers noted then that the bid was the lowest land rate for a suburban government land sale site, excluding executive condos, since 2020. Still, the land rate of S$793 psf ppr was about 20 per cent above the S$644 psf ppr and S$650 psf ppr bids for two Canberra Drive sites sold in 2020. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Tuesday, 12 pm Property Insights Get an exclusive analysis of real estate and property news in Singapore and beyond. Sign Up Sign Up The project is also Kheng Leong's second in the Canberra area. In 2021, it launched the 448-unit The Watergardens at Canberra as part of a joint venture with UOL Group and Singapore Land Group. Some 60 per cent of units were sold at around S$1,400 to S$1,500 psf over its launch weekend in August that year. Most recently, in early July, a 646 sq ft unit was subsold at S$1.1 million or S$1,703 psf. Caveats data indicated that the median price of private non-landed homes in the area was S$1,311 psf in the year thus far. The latest transaction was for a 700 sq ft unit at 99-year leasehold North Park Residences at S$1.35 million or S$1,930 psf on Jul 8. This was over 40 per cent of the seller's original purchase price of S$946,000 or S$1,352 psf in April 2015. ERA Singapore chief executive officer Marcus Chu reckoned that Sembawang, as a relatively new estate, is likely to see stronger demand from public housing upgraders and local buyers. 'The active HDB resale market there, along with firm transacted prices for the flats that recently attained their minimum occupation status, helps support a strong appetite for private homeownership in this precinct,' said Chu. He added that Canberra Crescent Residences is likely to be among the most affordable new private condominiums launched this year, with one of the lowest entry prices for a new suburban project. In the third quarter of 2025, for instance, there will be four new launches in the prime Core Central Region. This includes Upperhouse at Orchard Boulevard, with agents advertising indicative prices from just under S$3,000 psf; and The Robertson Opus, with prices starting at S$3,150 psf. Both are slated to be marketed this weekend. 'With a tighter supply of private homes in Sembawang, Canberra Crescent Residences presents a compelling choice for both homeowners and investors seeking long-term growth potential (and) lifestyle vibrancy,' said Chu. Previews for Canberra Crescent Residences will begin on Jul 19, with sales bookings starting on Aug 2. It is expected to receive its temporary occupation permit in April 2030.
Straits Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
New private home sales in Singapore drop for 4th straight month in June
Find out what's new on ST website and app. SINGAPORE – New private home sales fell for a fourth straight month in June amid cautious market sentiment and the mid-year school holiday lull. Excluding executive condominiums (ECs), 272 new private homes were sold in June, down from 312 units in May, even as more newly launched units were put on the market, according to Urban Redevelopment Authority data. Developers launched 187 units across two projects in June, a significant increase from just 20 units in May. June's sales were 19.3 per cent higher than the 228 units sold in the same month in 2024. Including ECs, new private home sales fell to 305 units in June from 336 in the previous month. No new EC units were launched in June. Mr Marcus Chu, chief executive of real estate agency ERA Singapore, said the tepid performance was due to the smaller scale of the two launches in June. 'Both Arina East Residences and Amber House are freehold developments that appeal to buyers seeking properties for legacy planning,' he noted. Arina East Residences, a 107-unit development in Tanjong Rhu, and the 105-unit Amber House in the East Coast were launched at median prices of around $2,900 per sq ft. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Business MAS records net profit of $19.7 billion, fuelled by investment gains Business Singapore financial sector growth doubles in 2024, assets managed cross $6 trillion in a first: MAS Singapore $3b money laundering case: MinLaw acts against 4 law firms and 1 lawyer over seized properties Singapore Man charged with attempted murder of woman at Kallang Wave Mall Singapore Ex-cleaner jailed over safety lapses linked to guard's death near 1-Altitude rooftop bar Singapore SJI International resumes overseas trips amid ongoing probe into student's death in Maldives in 2024 Singapore Sengkang-Punggol LRT gets 15.8 per cent capacity boost with new trains Singapore 'Nobody deserves to be alone': Why Mummy and Acha have fostered over 20 children in the past 22 years Escalating global trade tensions and geopolitical conflict dampened market sentiment in June, said Mr Leonard Tay, research head of real estate consultancy Knight Frank Singapore. 'The seasonal off-peak period during the June school holidays also contributed to the lacklustre activity,' he added. In the EC segment, 33 units were sold in June across Aurelle of Tampines, Lumina Grand in Bukit Batok, North Gaia in Yishun and Novo Place in Tengah. Only 18 units remained unsold. Despite the slower sales, demand for city-fringe projects – Bloomsbury Residences in Media Circle and One Marina Gardens – remained healthy in June, particularly among investors, and continued to lead new home sales, said Mr Lee Sze Teck, senior director of data analytics at real estate firm Huttons Asia. One Marina Gardens sold 49 units at a median price of $2,962 psf in June, while Bloomsbury Residences sold 30 units at a median of $2,516 psf. Buyer interest in the luxury and ultra-luxury condominium market also remained steady in June, said Ms Christine Sun, chief researcher and strategist at Realion Group. Four condo units were sold for more than $10 million each, compared with the three transactions in May, and 11 units were sold between $5 million and $10 million, an increase from the eight units moved in May, she noted. The most expensive non-landed home was a 5,285 sq ft unit at Skywaters Residences in Shenton Way, which transacted at $30.9 million. 'While some buyers remain cautious amid macroeconomic uncertainties driven by US tariff policies, others are undeterred, encouraged by falling interest rates that have improved mortgage affordability and boosted confidence in entering the housing market,' Ms Sun said. Property analysts expect private home sales to see an uptick in July amid a robust pipeline of launches. During its launch weekend on July 12 and 13, LyndenWoods, a 99-year leasehold development in Science Park, sold over 94 per cent of its 343 units. The upcoming launches are The Robertson Opus in Unity Street, Upperhouse in Orchard Boulevard, and Otto Place, an EC in Tengah. All are slated for launch over the July 19 weekend. Ms Wong Siew Ying, head of research and content at property agency PropNex Realty, said that the four developments in July can yield 600 new EC units and nearly 1,000 new private homes. 'Following the strong performance at the launch of LyndenWoods, we expect that it could help to generate some buzz in the new home sales market over the next few weeks as more launches come up,' she said. Ms Wong added that the slower growth in private home prices, lower interest rates and the improvement in Singapore's economy may also lift buying sentiment in July. Mr Tay noted that some of the new launches in the third quarter of 2025 are located in prime areas such as Orchard Boulevard, River Valley, Robertson Walk and Zion Road, where there were limited new launches in the past few years. Even though the additional buyer's stamp duty rate of 60 per cent for foreigners continue to deter non-residents, local homebuyers are expected to support sales in the prime home market segment – largely for their own stay or leasing to foreign professionals, he said. 'New citizens and permanent residents that favour high-rise living will also be scouting for new home opportunities, after choosing to put down roots in a stable Singapore against the backdrop of a destabilising global environment,' he added.
Business Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
New private home sales more than double year on year in H1 2025 to 4,634 units
[SINGAPORE] Developers in Singapore sold around 4,634 private homes in the first six months of 2025 – more than double the 1,889 units moved in the same period last year. The half-year tally is also 37 per cent higher than the 3,383 units sold in H1 2023, and nearly 10 per cent more than 4,222 units sold in H1 2022. Figures from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) on Tuesday (Jul 15) showed that the strong showing came despite a 12.8 per cent month-on-month decline in the number of units sold in June amid the school holiday lull. Monthly sales were also muted in May, with just 312 new private homes sold, as new launches in the second quarter of 2025 were few and far between. Analysts said sales are expected to pick up in the coming months as a wave of new projects hit the market. ERA chief executive officer Marcus Chu pointed out that, in Q3 alone, an estimated 4,154 new units will be launched for sale across Singapore. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Tuesday, 12 pm Property Insights Get an exclusive analysis of real estate and property news in Singapore and beyond. Sign Up Sign Up The prime Core Central Region (CCR), in particular, will see four new launches, including the 301-unit Upperhouse at Orchard Boulevard and the 348-unit The Robertson Opus. Both are slated to be marketed this weekend. Some of these new launches will be in prime areas that have had limited new supply in the past couple of years, said Knight Frank research head Leonard Tay. CapitaLand's 343-unit LyndenWoods condominium – the first residential project in the Singapore Science Park – launched over the weekend, with a take-up rate of over 94 per cent at an average price of S$2,450 per square feet (psf). This shows that buyers were not concerned about the increase in holding period for seller's stamp duty, as strong household balance sheets continue to support investments in long-term assets, said Huttons Asia senior director of data analytics Lee Sze Teck. Wong Siew Ying, PropNex head of research and content, said LyndenWoods' strong performance 'could help to generate some buzz in the new home sales market over the next few weeks as more launches come up'. She added that the slower growth in private home prices – up 0.5 per cent in Q2, according to URA flash estimates – as well as a more benign interest rate environment and better economy could lift buying sentiment further. Lee said developers also appear to be more confident in the market, going by participation and bids for state land tenders in recent months. Last week, a private housing site in Chuan Grove drew seven bids, with the top bid of S$703.6 million or S$1,376 psf from a Sing Holdings-Sunway Developments joint venture. 'The competition for buyers among upcoming launches and the need to sell out before the (five-year) additional buyer's stamp duty deadline will create an urgency to launch as soon as possible,' Lee pointed out. 'Developers are competing for the first mover to launch and sell ahead.' In June alone, developers sold 272 private homes as 187 new units came to market. Just two projects were launched for sale in the month – the freehold Amber House with 105 units in the Amber Park area, and the 107-unit freehold Arina East Residences in Tanjong Rhu. Wong noted that the median unit price of new non-landed homes rose across the board, with the Rest of Central Region (RCR) seeing the biggest jump of 3.1 per cent month on month to S$2,732 psf. The price increase was just 0.5 per cent to S$3,270 psf in the CCR, and 1.1 per cent to S$2,274 psf in the suburban Outside Central Region (OCR). The price gap between the CCR and RCR also narrowed to 19.7 per cent in June – the tightest it has been in the last few years, said Wong. Realion Group chief research and strategist Christine Sun pointed to continued interest in ultra-luxury condominiums, with four units sold for over S$10 million apiece – more than the three such transactions in May. The priciest non-landed transaction was a 5,285 sq ft unit on the 55th floor of the 99-year leasehold Skywater Residences, at S$30.9 million or S$5,841 psf on Jun 19. Another 11 new condos were sold for between S$5 million and S$10 million in June, higher than the eight units moved in May, Sun noted. These were units at the 99-year leasehold Irwell Hill Residences and Canninghill Piers, both in River Valley; the 99-year leasehold Union Square Residences along Havelock Road; and the freehold Watten House in Bukit Timah. 'Some of these buyers are turning to real estate as a form of value preservation, especially during periods of broader economic and market uncertainty,' said SRI head of research and data analytics Mohan Sandrasegeran. 'Well-located homes in Singapore are viewed not only as luxury residences, but also as stable financial assets that offer long-term capital security.'
CNA
04-07-2025
- Business
- CNA
Higher seller's stamp duty, longer holding period for private homes to have limited impact on market: Analysts
SINGAPORE: The increase in seller's stamp duty (SSD) and holding period for private properties is meant to curb speculative growth and is expected to have a limited impact on the property market, analysts said. On Thursday (Jul 3), the Ministry of National Development (MND) announced that the holding period for private properties will increase from three to four years. Those who sell their property within four years of the purchase will also incur higher SSD, by 4 percentage points for each tier of the holding period, up to a maximum of 16 per cent for those who sell within a year of the purchase. The changes will be in effect for all private residential properties purchased on and after midnight on Friday. INCREASE IN SUB-SALES SINCE COVID-19 In introducing the tighter rules, the ministry said that there has been a significant increase in the sub-sale of units that were not yet completed. Market analysts said that the proportion of sub-sales in the market has been increasing steadily since the COVID-19 pandemic. Using data from the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), senior director of data analytics at Huttons Asia Lee Sze Teck showed that the proportion of sub-sales across all private residential properties increased from a low of 0.9 per cent in 2020 to a peak of 6.8 per cent in 2023. The proportion has since tapered down to 4.4 per cent in the first quarter of this year and 4.5 per cent in Q2 2025. ERA Singapore CEO Marcus Chu noted that since 2021, there had been a "significant jump" in sellers who sold their homes after holding them for between three and four years. Focusing on non-landed private homes, Mr Chu said that URA caveats show that in 2020, only 358 sellers sold their homes after holding them for three to four years, said Mr Chu. Last year, this number surged to a peak of 2,104 sellers, he added. Mr Chu said non-landed private homes in the Outside Central Region saw the highest volume of homeowners selling within three to four years, followed by the Rest of Central region and Core Central Region. Despite the increase, Mr Chu said that the majority of homeowners continue to sell their properties after holding them for five years or more. Accounting for the increase, executive director for research and consultancy at Savills Singapore Alan Cheong said that private residential prices remained pretty flat until just after the pandemic, when relaunches came and prices "gapped up". "Naturally, those who bought into the 2018, 2019 period would have a windfall gain. And because of their profit, they will naturally flip," said Mr Cheong, adding that these were mostly Singaporean buyers who were waiting for their properties to reach completion. "And just before completion, another new project gets launched, and this time around, the prices gapped up in the market," Mr Cheong said. "And those who bought ... fortunately or fortuitously for them, they see that massive gap up, and they are holding on to a windfall profit. They will flip." NO SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON MARKET Property analysts said that there would not be a significant impact on the market, with majority of genuine homebuyers and long-term investors unlikely to be affected. Through the new measures, the government is discouraging short-term flipping and sub-sales, which have contributed to artificial demand and price volatility recently, associate head of research Joel Lim said. "This measure reinforces the notion that housing should be viewed primarily as a home rather than a quick investment vehicle," added Mr Lim. Head of research and data analytics at Singapore Realtors Inc Mohan Sandrasegeran pointed to transaction data, which noted that average holding periods for sub-sale units remain relatively stable and in many cases, exceed the four-year threshold. "This reinforces the view that recent market activity has been driven more by owner-occupiers and long-term investors rather than speculative flippers," Mr Mohan said. The changes have minimal impact on investors and homeowners with medium- to long-term horizons, and may even contribute to greater confidence as the market is protected against speculative swings, he added. Realion Group chief researcher and strategist Christine Sun noted that although the number of sub-sale transactions was higher than before the pandemic, quarterly transactions have been on a downtrend over the past few quarters. "Furthermore, most condominiums are purchased for owner-occupation, especially after the additional buyer's stamp duty (ABSD) has been raised several times. Those who buy properties for their own use will not be affected by the increased SSD, as they are likely to stay in the property for the long term." She suggested that the policy changes were introduced as a preventive measure to limit speculative growth, since more condominiums are due to obtain their temporary occupation permit (TOP). The number of sub-sale transactions might rise in line with the anticipated increase in private residential units securing TOP, which is projected to grow from 5,920 units in 2025 to 6,838 units in 2026 and further to 10,306 units in 2027, Ms Sun said. She also noted that several new projects are expected to be launched in the coming months. Lower interest rates will make housing loans more affordable, which in turn may spur more buying activity, she added. Huttons Asia's Mr Lee said that the tighter rules will reduce the number of sub-sales in the market, with the proportion likely to go below 2 per cent starting from 2026. "The buyers who would otherwise have bought a sub-sale unit will buy from the new sale market now as the number of sub-sale listings will reduce," he said. ERA's Mr Chu said that buyers have become more cautious alongside rising economic uncertainty in recent months, and more now see property as a long-term investment. He noted that even without the revision, higher costs from elevated interest rates and property taxes have eroded profits, likely resulting in investors holding properties for more than three years. "Since most homebuyers are genuine owner-occupiers or longer-term investors, this measure is a gentle touch rather than a heavy-handed approach on the overall market. It aims to stabilise any spikes caused by short-term investors. "It is not designed to crack down on the market but to reduce the froth from investors who sell shortly after the third year."
