September has come to a close and it’s time to check the scoreboard.
The Straits Times Index (SGX: ^STI) pushed past 4,300 points to reach record highs in September 2025.
Of course, there were stocks that did better than the index.
From defense and aerospace to property and technology manufacturing, three companies prove that opportunities abound across different sectors of Singapore’s economy.
Singapore Technologies Engineering (SGX: S63), UOL Group Limited (SGX: U11), and Venture Corporation (SGX: V03) emerged as the month’s top performers among Singapore’s blue-chip universe, each riding distinct tailwinds that demonstrate why stock selection still matters.
What’s driving their outperformance, and should they be on your investment radar?
Let’s take a closer look at September’s winning trio.
1. Singapore Technologies Engineering: 13% in Total Returns
Singapore Technologies Engineering, or ST Engineering delivered quite a turnaround – the conglomerate was among the worst performers in August 2025.
For the first half of 2025 (1H2025), the group delivered robust results.
Revenue rose 7.2% year on year (YoY) to S$5.9 billion, with all three business segments contributing.
Operating profit (EBIT) jumped 15.2% to S$602.2 million compared to a year ago, while net profit surged 19.7% to S$402.8 million.
The global technology, defence and engineering giant’s order book stood at a record S$31.2 billion, with S$5.0 billion to be delivered in the second half of 2025.
The strong performance was driven by higher Engine MRO and Nacelles revenue in Commercial Aerospace, broad-based growth in Defence & Public Security, and improved margins with cost savings across the board.
ST Engineering maintained its interim dividends at S$0.04 per share for both 1Q2025 and 2Q2025.
More importantly, the group targets raising its annual dividend from S$0.17 in 2024 to S$0.18 this year, and will implement a progressive dividend policy from 2026, where dividends increase by one-third of YoY profit growth.
2. UOL Group Limited: 6.1% in Total Returns
This Singapore-based property and hospitality company, with S$23 billion in total assets,operates across property development, property investments, and hotel operations through its Pan Pacific, Parkroyal Collection, and Parkroyal brands.
UOL reported strong results in 1H2025, with revenue rising 22% YoY to S$1.55 billion, boosted by residential projects Pinetree Hill, Watten House and MEYER BLUE.
New contributions also came from the recently acquired 388 George Street in Sydney and improved performance from Singapore Land Tower following its asset enhancement completion.
Profit before fair value and other gains/losses and income tax jumped 30% YoY to S$319.2 million.
Free cash flow swung to S$317.6 million from negative S$48.3 million a year ago, boosted by strong collections from completed projects Clavon and The Watergardens at Canberra.
Net gearing remained prudent at 0.25x with cash balances at S$1.19 billion as at 30 June 2025
Net asset value per share stood at S$13.59.
UOL declared a final dividend of S$0.18 per share for 2024, up from the regular S$0.15 dividend a year ago (though 2024 included a special dividend of S$0.05).
Management expects Singapore’s economy to grow between 1.5% and 2.5% in 2025, with resilient demand for private residential properties and stable office and retail markets given limited new supply.
3. Venture Corporation: 4.5% in Total Returns
The leading global provider of technology solutions and electronic manufacturing services (EMS++) takes a spot as a top performer this month – its second consecutive appearance after August 2025.
For 1H2025, Venture faced headwinds but demonstrated resilience.
The group reported revenue of S$1.26 billion, down 8.8% YoY from S$1.38 billion, due to weaker demand in Lifestyle technology.
Net profit declined 8.6% to S$113.0 million, but margins improved to 9.0% from 8.9% a year ago.
Venture maintained its fortress balance sheet with zero debt and a strong cash position of S$1.26 billion as of June 30, 2025.
Demonstrating confidence, the company declared an interim dividend of S$0.25 per share plus a special dividend of S$0.05 per share for 1H2025, totaling S$0.30 compared to S$0.25 a year ago.
Despite near-term challenges in the Lifestyle domain and tariff uncertainties, management remains optimistic.
The company is encouraged by momentum in business wins across multiple technology domains, and continues investing in R&D capabilities to capture opportunities and deliver long-term value to stakeholders.
Get Smart: Different Paths, Same Destination
September’s winners showcase three distinct routes to outperformance.
ST Engineering rides surging global defence budgets and aerospace recovery.
UOL proves Singapore property remains a wealth creator despite cooling measures. Venture demonstrates that consistent execution and capital discipline trump short-term headwinds.
The lesson?
In a market hitting record highs, the biggest gains still come from picking the right horses, not just riding the index.
With diverse growth drivers – from geopolitical tensions to local property resilience to manufacturing excellence – these blue-chips offer multiple ways to win.
When quality companies deliver both strong fundamentals and market-beating returns, investors take notice.
The question isn’t whether they deserve a spot on your watchlist – it’s how much you’re willing to allocate when opportunity knocks.
How do rich Singaporeans invest when volatility hits?
They turn to companies with cash, history, and discipline. This free report highlights 5 blue chips that deserve your attention. Get your copy here and see who made the list.
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Disclosure: The Smart Investor does not own any of the shares mentioned.
