For those just starting out, small-cap stocks can feel like a vast, intimidating ocean.
But don’t let the size fool you.
While these companies – typically valued under S$1 billion – don’t have the same “glamour” as your blue-chip stalwarts, they often provide the essential services that keep our economy moving.
By focusing on fundamental health and operational grit, you can find hidden gems that provide a sturdy anchor for your portfolio.
Let’s dive into three Singapore-listed small caps that recently shared their latest updates.
SBS Transit (SGX: S61) – Singapore’s Public Transport Mainstay
If you’ve ever tapped your EZ-Link card on the Northeast or Downtown MRT lines, you’re already familiar with SBS Transit’s business.
In its third quarter of 2025 (3Q2025) update, the group hit a bit of a speed bump; revenue dipped 2.4% year on year (YoY) to S$386.5 million, while net profit saw a steeper 20.6% slide to S$14.5 million.
The main culprits: the loss of the Jurong West bus package and lower fuel indexation.
However, it isn’t all gloom.
The rail segment is actually seeing more foot traffic, with ridership up 3.8% on the Northeast Line.
While rising staff costs are a reality, lower electricity and fuel prices helped soften the blow.
One thing to watch: the group also lost the Tampines bus package tender, which will transfer out in mid-2026.
The good news for investors is that the balance sheet remains “bulletproof” with S$349.2 million in cash and no debt mentioned, providing a very comfortable cushion for these transitions.
VICOM Ltd (SGX: WJP) – Leader in Vehicle Inspections
VICOM proves that “boring” businesses can sometimes deliver the most exciting results.
The inspection specialist knocked it out of the park in 3Q2025, with revenue jumping 36% to S$41.6 million and net profit soaring 45% to S$9.9 million.
The main driver was the massive ERP 2.0 roll-out, which saw over 78,000 On-Board Units installed.
Financially, VICOM is as solid as they come, boasting S$42 million in cash and zero debt.
You might notice a negative free cash flow of S$2.5 million this quarter, but don’t let that spook you – it’s simply because they are investing heavily in their new Jalan Papan testing centre.
Once that site is up and running in early 2026, capital spending should drop, potentially opening the door for even better dividends for shareholders.
United Hampshire US REIT (SGX: ODBU) – US Necessity-Based Retail Specialist
If you want a slice of US real estate without the headache, UHREIT is an interesting candidate.
They own a portfolio of 20 grocery-anchored properties – the kind of “must-visit” shops that people frequent regardless of the economy.
3Q2025 was a win for income seekers, with distributable income surging 15.5% to US$7.0 million.
This was largely thanks to a welcome dip in interest rates which lowered their finance costs.
The REIT is running a tight ship with a 97.2% occupancy rate for its grocery assets.
They’ve also been busy “pruning” their portfolio – selling the Albany-Supermarket in January 2025 for US$23.8 million (4.2% above purchase price) and acquiring Dover Marketplace in Pennsylvania for US$16.4 million in August 2025 – which is expected to boost distributions.
With an annualized distribution per unit (DPU) of US$0.0414 and a 10-year lease already signed for a new store in Florida, UHREIT is showing exactly why “necessity retail” is such a resilient place to be.
Get Smart: Look Beyond the Blue Chips
Investing in small caps is all about looking past the headlines to find the real value drivers.
Whether it’s VICOM’s project-led growth, SBS Transit’s rising rail usage, or UHREIT’s savvy interest rate management, each of these companies has a unique engine.
There will always be headwinds, such as lost contracts or shifting property portfolios, but a strong balance sheet and essential services usually point the way to long-term rewards.
Keep an eye on these “boring” winners; they might just be the hard workers your portfolio needs.
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Disclosure: Calvina Lee does not own any of the shares mentioned. Chin Hui Leong contributed to the article and does not own any of the shares mentioned.
