In a market rally, it’s the well-regarded and familiar names that often lead the charge.
But charging alongside them are the quieter contenders that have been gathering strength under the radar.
Their reputations may still carry the weight of skepticism, the shadow of muted sentiment, or the hangover of a slow recovery.
We take a look at four types of stocks that could emerge as the dark horses in the next market upswing.
Why Surprises Happen in Market Rallies
These surprises emerge when we least expect them.
They can take place when large groups of investors pivot into overlooked sectors
Or when keen-eyed investors note that a company’s earnings are recovering quicker than expected after a slump.
At the same time, sentiment shifts can drive re-ratings.
Ultimately, surprises usually arise when improving fundamentals coincide with strengthening sentiment.
SATS Ltd (SGX: S58) — The Turnaround in Progress
SATS has been on the radar of many investors since global air travel rebounded following the pandemic.
Its third quarter of FY2026 (3QFY2026) earnings suggest its recovery is gaining traction.
Revenue rose 8.0% year on year (YoY) to S$1.65 billion, while operating profit climbed 18.8% to S$151.3 million.
Its rising income also led to continued improvement in profitability, with EBITDA increasing 12.8% to S$297.7 million.
Another key signal that SATS is a turnaround in progress is the balance sheet repair that is underway.
Its total debt fell to S$4.20 billion as at 31 December 2025, from S$4.24 billion as at 31 March 2025, lowering its gross debt to equity ratio to 1.43 times.
Recoveries often gain momentum quickly once confidence returns — and stocks such as SATS may be one to watch.
CapitaLand Integrated Commercial Trust (SGX: C38U) — The Undervalued Cash Generator
CICT is Singapore’s largest listed commercial REIT, with a portfolio spanning retail malls, office towers and integrated developments.
Its latest full-year earnings (FY2025) show a steady income engine at work.
CICT’s gross revenue ticked up 2.1% YoY to S$1.6 billion, while its net property income (NPI) climbed 3.1% YoY to S$1.2 billion, showing stronger cash flow from the assets.
Distribution per unit (DPU) came in at S$0.1158, up 6.4% YoY, marking the fifth consecutive year of DPU growth for the REIT.
With a trailing yield of 4.8%, CICT’s valuation remains grounded, especially given its proactive asset management.
The trust continues to sharpen its edge by recycling capital into high-potential projects, including three big upgrades in the third quarter of 2026 (3Q2026) at Lot One Shoppers’ Mall, Tampines Mall, and Capital Tower.
When cash flow stays resilient and valuations remain reasonable, steady income plays like CICT can quietly outperform.
United Overseas Bank Ltd (SGX: U11) — Cyclical Beneficiary
UOB’s latest full-year earnings (FY2025) reflect a strategic pivot toward balance sheet resilience.
While net profit slid 23% to S$4.7 billion, this was largely driven by S$2.0 billion in pre-emptive allowances set aside to cushion against macroeconomic uncertainty.
Operationally, the engine remains productive: gross loans climbed 4%, and net fee income reached a record S$2.6 billion, led by strong wealth management performance.
Although net interest margin narrowed 14 basis points to 1.89%, UOB’s asset quality remains solid with an NPL ratio of 1.5% and its CET1 ratio standing at a healthy 15.1%.
As a cyclical play, UOB is well-positioned to rebound as rate pressures stabilize and its conservative provisioning pays off.
Singapore Telecommunications Limited (SGX: Z74), or Singtel — The Dividend Re-Rating Story
For years, investors saw Singtel, Singapore’s biggest telecommunications group, as a solid but dull blue chip.
However, that’s starting to change, as its Singtel28 strategic reset begins to bear fruit, and the dividend outlook is getting brighter.
Singtel’s FY2026 interim dividend jumped 17% YoY to S$0.082 per share, following a total FY2025 payout of S$0.17.
This steady recovery from the pandemic-era lows marks a significant re-rating of its income potential.
Financial momentum is building, with its latest third quarter (3QFY2026) results showing underlying net profit rising 9.5% YoY to S$744 million, fueled by strong performance from regional associates like Airtel and AIS.
At S$4.92 as of 4 March 2026, Singtel shares are up about 7.42% year to date and 45.56% over the past year.
This translates to a trailing yield of 3.46% for Singtel, which is lower than its peers StarHub at 6.08%, and NetLink NBN Trust at 5.50%.
However, with its dividends on the rebound and payout visibility improving, Singtel’s shares look set for a re-rating as more investors regain confidence.
What Investors Should Watch and Avoid
The real edge comes from looking where others aren’t, as not every stock will shine in the next rally.
Look at where earnings are going, as when profits rise before the share price catches up, that gap tends to close.
Dig into the balance sheet to ensure strong liquidity and smart debt management, which help a company stay steady when things get rough.
Most importantly, watch if management walks the talk, as consistency is the only way to build genuine trust.
Strengthening fundamentals drive genuine surprises, not speculation.
Conversely, avoid the common mistake of chasing a stock after it has already shot up – you’re just buying into yesterday’s story.
It’s easy to lose sight of valuation, but even the best company can end up being a lousy investment if the entry price is too high.
Markets move in cycles and stories come and go, but fundamentals don’t just disappear.
In the long run, quality beats perfect timing every time.
Get Smart: Look Where Others Aren’t
Here’s the real edge: Pay attention to what most people overlook.
Not every stock will shine in the next rally.
The real winners are often those companies quietly getting stronger while no one’s watching.
Smart investors don’t scramble to react – they’re already ready when the market shifts.
Singapore’s dividend stalwarts have delivered for decades. But paying a high price for quality is how disciplined investors lose their edge. David Kuo is hosting a free webinar on 25 March to reveal where he’s finding income opportunities when familiar names are no longer as worthwhile as before. Save your free spot for the webinar now.
Many Singapore stocks fall behind inflation, which means your money quietly loses strength over time. Dividend stocks have a very different track record. Some continued delivering 6% to 13% every year across the toughest market conditions.
In this FREE report, discover 5 crisis-tested dividend stocks that kept rewarding investors while the market struggled. Download your dividend investing guide now.
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Disclosure: Joseph G. does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned.
