In an uncertain market, consistent growth is not assured, and netting dependable returns can be challenging.
Companies that can do both come at a premium.
Here are four Singapore-listed, blue-chip stocks – Keppel Corporation (SGX: BN4), Singapore Exchange (SGX: S68), Singapore Telecommunications (SGX: Z74), and ST Engineering (SGX: S63) – that have quietly beaten the Straits Times Index (SGX: ^STI) over the past year.
Keppel Corporation (SGX: BN4): Share price returns of 56%
Keppel is a global asset manager and operator, operating in the infrastructure, real estate, connectivity, and fund management sectors.
For 2025’s third quarter (3Q2025), the firm proposed the divestment of M1’s telco business.
Despite losses from divestments, Keppel’s overall net profit rose by over 5% year on year (YoY) for the quarter.
Since October 2020, Keppel has monetised S$14 billion of assets, raising its funds under management to S$91 billion by mid-2025.
The company has a target of S$200 billion by 2030.
Keppel is also continuing to expand its operations, with a new Keppel Sakra Cogen Plant expected to be completed in 2026.
At S$10.67, shares offer a 3.2% dividend yield.
The group’s ability to continually provide dividends will hinge on its transformation into an asset-light business model.
Singapore Exchange (SGX: S68): Share price returns of 48%
SGX is the only stock exchange operator in Singapore, operating equity, fixed income, currency, and commodity markets.
For the fiscal year ended 30 June 2025 (FY2025), SGX recorded its highest-ever revenue and profit since its listing.
The bourse operator delivered revenue growth of 11.7% year on year (YoY) to S$1.3 billion while adjusted net profit for the year rose 15.9% YoY to S$609.5 million, driven by higher trading volumes across its various offerings.
There was growth across the board, with its Equities-Cash and Equities-Derivatives segments leading the way.
Beyond that, the group offers steady shareholder returns through dividends.
The company is projecting an annual dividend of S$0.525 per share in FY2028, up from FY2025’s S$0.375.
At S$17.78, SGX’s dividend yield is around 2.1%.
Singapore Telecommunications (SGX: Z74): Share price returns of 45%
Singtel, Asia’s leading telecommunications group, is the largest mobile network operator in Singapore.
Through subsidiaries, it has a combined mobile subscriber base of over 800 million customers.
Singtel’s primary appeal is its stable cash flows and capital returns.
In the first half of the fiscal year ending 30 September 2026 (1HFY2026), operating profit rose 13% YoY while underlying net profit increased 14% YoY, driven by a rebound in Optus’s performance.
Optus, Singtel’s subsidiary in Australia and the second largest telecommunications company in the nation, delivered a 27% jump in earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT).
Crucially, the telco has committed to pay out a core dividend at a range of between 70% and 90% of its underlying profit.
In addition, investors can expect to earn a value realisation dividend of between S$0.03 and S$0.06 per annum over the medium term.
At S$4.51, shares offer a decent 4% dividend yield.
ST Engineering (SGX: S63): Share price returns of 98.5%
ST Engineering is a conglomerate with global exposure in the technology, defence, aerospace, and digital solutions industries.
A key advantage is its order book of S$32.6 billion as of 30 September 2025, providing it with multi-year revenue visibility.
This factor makes it ideal for investors desiring stability.
For the first nine months of 2025 (9M2025), ST Engineering posted a 9% YoY gain in revenue to S$9.1 billion.
There was broad-based demand, led by its commercial aerospace (CA) segment which saw revenue increase by 11% YoY.
At S$9.39, shares offer a dividend yield of 2.4%.
ST Engineering has also sounded out its plan to pay a final dividend of S$0.06 per share and a special dividend of S$0.05 per share.
Get Smart: Pick Reliable Blue Chips
Although these four companies do not offer explosive growth, they have outperformed the market over the past year, largely flying under the radar.
Investors looking to invest for the long term may consider these four stocks as well-established and reliable picks that are likely to continue creating value for shareholders.
Instead of searching for the next big thing, investors would be far better served picking out blue-chip stocks with proven track records.
These four stocks – Keppel, SGX, Singtel, and ST Engineering have consistently delivered profits over the past few years. With major competitive advantages in scale and management, they are optimal choices for investors.
The world’s gotten unpredictable, but some Singapore companies have quietly kept thriving. You’ve probably seen them in your daily life. And yes, they’ve kept paying dividends through it all. Meet 5 resilient stocks built to navigate global storms. Get the free report here and see how they’ve done it.
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Disclosure: Daniel does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned.
