The Straits Times Index pushed past 4,300 points to reach record highs in September 2025.
ST Engineering, UOB, and Venture emerged as the month ’ s top performers among Singapore ’ s blue-chip universe, each riding distinct tailwinds that demonstrate why stock selection still matters.
Let ’ s take a closer look at September ’ s winning trio.
ST Engineering: 13% in Total Returns
Singapore Technologies Engineering, or ST Engineering, has achieved a remarkable turnaround in its performance - the group's performance in August 2025 was among the worst among all companies.
In the first half of 2025 ( 1H2025 ) , the group achieved remarkable results.
Revenue increased by 7.2% year on year ( YoY ) to S$5.9 billion, with contributions from all three business divisions.
Operating profit ( EBIT ) jumped 15.2% to S$602.2 million compared to a year ago, while net profit surged 19.7% to S$402.8 million.
The global technology, defence and engineering giant ’ s order book stood at a record S$31.2 billion, with S$5.0 billion to be delivered in the second half of 2025.
The strong performance was driven by higher Engine MRO and Nacelles revenue in Commercial Aerospace, broad-based growth in Defence & Public Security, and improved margins with cost savings across the board.
ST Engineering maintained its interim dividends at S$0.04 per share for both 1Q2025 and 2Q2025.
More importantly, the group's goal is to increase the annual dividend for 2024 from S$0.17 to S$0.18 this year, and to implement an increasing dividend policy starting from 2026. At that time, the dividend will be increased by one-third of the year-on-year growth rate of profits.
UOB: 6.1% in Total Returns
This real estate and hotel services company, headquartered in Singapore, has a total asset of S$23 billion. It conducts real estate development, real estate investment, and hotel operation businesses through its Pan Pacific, Parkroyal Collection, and Parkroyal brands.
UOL reported strong results in 1H2025, with revenue rising 22% YoY to S$1.55 billion, boosted by residential projects Pinetree Hill, Watten House and MEYER BLUE.
New contributions also came from the recently acquired 388 George Street in Sydney and improved performance from Singapore Land Tower following its asset enhancement completion.
Profit before fair value and other gains/losses and income tax jumped 30% YoY to S$319.2 million.
Free cash flow swung to S$317.6 million from negative S$48.3 million a year ago, boosted by strong collections from completed projects Clavon and The Watergardens at Canberra.
Net gearing remained prudent at 0.25x with cash balances at S$1.19 billion as at 30 June 2025
Net asset value per share stood at S$13.59.
UOL declared a final dividend of S$0.18 per share for 2024, up from the regular S$0.15 dividend a year ago ( though 2024 included a special dividend of S$0.05 ) .
The management team predicts that by 2025, Singapore's economy will grow by 1.5% to 2.5%. Due to the strong demand for private residential properties, the stability of the office and retail markets, and the limited new supply, these factors combined will enable the economy to maintain a stable growth trend.
Venture: 4.5% in Total Returns
As a global leading provider of technology solutions and electronic manufacturing services ( EMS++ ) , this company once again topped the list this month - this is the second consecutive time it has made the list since August 2025.
In the first quarter of 2025, Venture faced many challenges but demonstrated strong resilience.
The group reported revenue of S$1.26 billion, down 8.8% YoY from S$1.38 billion, due to weaker demand in Lifestyle technology.
Net profit declined 8.6% to S$113.0 million, but margins improved to 9.0% from 8.9% a year ago.
Venture maintained its fortress balance sheet with zero debt and a strong cash position of S$1.26 billion as of June 30, 2025.
Demonstrating confidence, the company declared an interim dividend of S$0.25 per share plus a special dividend of S$0.05 per share for 1H2025, totaling S$0.30 compared to S$0.25 a year ago.
Despite near-term challenges in the Lifestyle domain and tariff uncertainties, management remains optimistic.
The company is highly encouraged by its business success in multiple technical fields and continues to increase its investment in research and development capabilities in order to seize opportunities and create long-term value for its stakeholders.
