For many Singaporeans, the 2.5% interest rate offered by the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Ordinary Account (OA) is the gold standard.
It is guaranteed by the government, the capital is protected, and it is free from volatility.
However, with several Singapore Exchange (SGX: S68), or SGX, listings offering dividend yields of more than 5%, many investors are weighing the potential for doubled returns against the inherent trade-offs.
While dividend stocks can offer superior income, they lack the guarantees of the CPF OA.
Share prices fluctuate, and payouts depend entirely on the business’s earnings and management’s decisions.
The fundamental difference lies in risk; higher potential returns require a higher tolerance for market uncertainty.
Therefore, investors must look beyond the headline yield to scrutinise whether a company’s financials can truly sustain its distributions over the long term.
In light of this, here are five SGX-listed companies currently offering dividend yields in the 5% range to consider.
DBS Group (SGX: D05): The Blue-Chip Dividend Anchor
DBS has been maintaining a consistent dividend payout for shareholders.
While it reduced dividends during the pandemic in accordance with regulatory guidelines, it has since steadily increased payouts alongside record operational performance.
The bank reported a net profit of S$11.0 billion for the year ended 31 December 2025 (FY2025).
It also maintains a Common Equity Tier 1 (CET-1) capital ratio of 17.0%, well above regulatory requirements, providing strong sustainability for its distributions.
Based on the bank’s FY2025 total dividend of S$3.06 per share and current share price of S$55, the stock offers a dividend yield of 5.6%.
With diversified earnings and high profitability, DBS remains a resilient pick for income seekers, offering relative safety against payout disruption compared to more cyclical industries.
CapitaLand Ascendas REIT (SGX: A17U): Industrial REIT with Strong Yield and Growth
CapitaLand Ascendas REIT (CLAR) offers investors a diversified portfolio of business space, logistics, industrial and data‑centric assets across Singapore, Australia, the UK and the US.
With units trading at S$2.54 and a distribution per unit (DPU) of about S$0.15005 per unit, this translates to a trailing dividend yield of 5.9%.
The REIT maintains a healthy portfolio occupancy rate of 90.9%.
This high occupancy, coupled with geographical diversification, provides significant stability to its rental income.
Furthermore, a weighted average lease expiry (WALE) of 3.7 years adds predictability to its revenue distribution.
The defensive nature of its assets also allows it to meet rising demand for logistics and essential digital infrastructure.
For investors seeking yields above the 5% threshold, CLAR offers a blend of reliable monthly income and exposure to the growing demand for industrial and business spaces.
Mapletree Logistics Trust (SGX: M44U): Defensive REIT with Structural Demand
Mapletree Logistics Trust (MLT) provides investors with exposure to a diversified portfolio of logistics and warehouse properties across the Asia-Pacific region, supported by structural demand from e-commerce and global supply chain shifts.
Based on the unit price of S$1.20 and a trailing 12-month DPU of S$0.074, the stock offers a yield of 6.2%.
The portfolio, which spans markets including Singapore, China, Japan and Australia, maintains a solid occupancy rate of 96.4%, effectively minimising geographic concentration risk while tapping into regional logistics growth.
With disciplined capital management – evidenced by a gearing ratio of 40.7% (a slight decrease from 41.1% in the prior quarter mainly due to a divestment and foreign currency effects) – and ongoing portfolio optimisation, MLT remains a reliable source of income for those seeking yields that comfortably exceed the CPF OA rate.
Frasers Centrepoint Trust (SGX: J69U): Steady Income from Suburban Malls
For investors seeking income from a portfolio of stable suburban retail malls across Singapore, Frasers Centrepoint Trust (FCT) is a compelling option.
The malls in FCT’s portfolio, including major assets like Northpoint City and NEX, enjoy a near-perfect occupancy rate of 99.9% (post-1QFY2026).
Rental income is anchored by essential retailers such as supermarkets and healthcare providers, ensuring stable footfall regardless of economic cycles.
With a DPU of about S$0.1211 for FY2025 and at the current unit price of S$2.21, this works out to a yield of 5.5%, significantly higher than the interest earned from the CPF OA.
With a disciplined capital profile and an aggregate leverage of 40.3%, FCT remains well-positioned to navigate the current interest rate environment while providing a consistent income stream from its dominant position in Singapore’s heartlands.
HRnetGroup (SGX: CHZ): Cash-Rich Recruitment Specialist
HRnetGroup is an Asian recruitment powerhouse operating across 18 cities and managing 20 brands.
At a share price of S$0.725, and based on FY2025 dividend of S$0.042, this represents a dividend yield of 5.8%, significantly higher than the 2.5% offered by the CPF OA.
The group maintains an exceptionally strong balance sheet, with S$262.9 million in cash and zero debt as at 31 December 2025.
This financial strength provides immense flexibility to sustain dividend payouts even during cyclical downturns in the labour market.
Furthermore, the company has maintained a consistent dividend trend over the past few years, reflecting disciplined capital allocation and robust support from operating cash flows.
For investors seeking a non-REIT income play, HRnetGroup offers a high-yield opportunity backed by a debt-free business model.
Get Smart: Higher Yield Demands Higher Discipline
The CPF OA’s 2.5% rate remains the benchmark for certainty, with guaranteed capital and returns.
In contrast, dividend stocks offer variable income that fluctuates with earnings and market sentiment.
For investors, the choice is between guaranteed security versus variable income with growth potential.
Doubling CPF’s 2.5% is achievable, but requires careful stock selection, a tolerance for volatility, and an awareness of cyclical risks.
While the CPF OA provides stability, successful income investing demands a focus on sustainability and business fundamentals rather than just chasing the highest headline yields.
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Disclosure: Darien.C does not own shares in any of the companies mentioned.
