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Are DBS, Singtel, and ST Engineering Too Expensive to Buy Now?

Tiger Newspress01-14

At the beginning of 2026, the Singapore Exchange Composite Index (SGX: ^STI) reached an all-time high.

This was followed by a fear of buying at the market peak.

This is understandable, as the stocks of DBS Holdings Corporation (SGX code: D05), Singapore Telecommunications (SGX code: Z74), and Sanergy Engineering Company (SGX code: S63) all rose significantly over the past year.

But the real question is: do these companies still have long-term value?

The key lies in focusing on the fundamentals, rather than just the chart content.

DBS Group Holdings (SGX: D05)

In 2025’s third quarter (3Q2025), DBS recorded a net profit of around S$3 billion a slight decline from a year ago. 

Net interest margins fell during the quarter, but its loan book picked up the slack by increasing 5% year-to-year from broad-based growth.

Meanwhile, non-interest income improved, as wealth management and cards-related business picked up speed. 

Based on its 3Q2025 payout, DBS’s annualised dividend is around S$3 per share, made up of quarterly S$0.60 ordinary dividend payments and a special dividend of S$0.15 a quarter. 

At S$57.60, the bank offers a dividend yield of about 5.2%. 

Management has suggested the dividends will increase steadily by S$0.24 per year if its return on equity remains within the range of 15% to 17%. 

With the variety of its earnings streams in the consumer, institutional and wealth management sectors, DBS is less dependent than before on the rate cycle. 

As its net interest margins normalise, the growth in fee income and digital adoption will help offset the decline. 

For investors seeking consistent income and capital strength, DBS remains a dependable long-term holding.

Singtel (SGX: Z74)

Singtel has taken longer to convince the sceptics. 

However, its recovery story is looking stronger now than it has done for many years.

Underlying net profit for the first half of the fiscal year ending 30 June 2026 (1H’FY2026) rose 14% year-on-year, with Optus and NCS contributing, alongside steady associate dividends from Bharti Airtel and AIS.

Data centres under Nxera and ICT businesses within NCS recorded new growth.

Net debt remains comfortable at 1.3 times EBITDA.

The Board has kept its core dividend payout policy at 70% to 90% of underlying net profit, paying out S$0.082 per share for 1H’FY2026 and providing a yield of around 4.1% based on its current share price of S$4.46. 

Singtel’s management has also placed parts of its infrastructure assets up for review, a move that could unlock additional value for shareholders.

With these initiatives, investors are starting to see Singtel less as a traditional telco and more as a growing digital-infrastructure and connectivity platform.

ST Engineering (SGX: S63)

ST Engineering tends to avoid the limelight, but it continues to turn in results that shareholders love to see.

Revenue in 9M2025 was up 9% to S$9.1 billion.

With an order book of about S$32.6 billion, ST Engineering has work lined up for roughly three years. 

The conglomerate expects to pay a dividend of S$0.23 per share for 2025, consisting of a S$0.18 ordinary dividend per share and a S$0.05 special dividend per share.

With steady cash generation and moderate gearing, those dividends are well-supported. 

ST Engineering is investing in autonomous-mobility and digital-infrastructure systems that are likely to provide additional revenue streams by the end of the decade.

In short, ST Engineering is not enjoying a high rating on hype, but on the fact that it delivers the goods.

Disclaimer: Investing carries risk. This is not financial advice. The above content should not be regarded as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation on acquiring or disposing of any financial products, any associated discussions, comments, or posts by author or other users should not be considered as such either. It is solely for general information purpose only, which does not consider your own investment objectives, financial situations or needs. TTM assumes no responsibility or warranty for the accuracy and completeness of the information, investors should do their own research and may seek professional advice before investing.

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