Monday, February 24th, 2025

“Singapore Retail Research: February 2025 Market Insights & Top Stock Recommendations”

This comprehensive Trendspotter report offers deep dive analyses into several key companies, supported by detailed technical data and market commentary. With insights into market sentiment and technical triggers, the report covers multiple sectors and issues targeted recommendations supported by precise entry points, stop-loss levels, and price targets.

Market Overview

The report begins with an overview of market dynamics after a challenging session that saw the S&P 500 drop over 1.5% amid weaker-than-expected economic data. A surge in longer-run inflation views alongside volatile equity options and safe-haven flows into Treasuries helped unsettle investors. Factors such as a rally in Covid-19 vaccine makers amid new research reports, rich valuations, and short-term volatility set the backdrop for a potential “shakeout” in current market conditions. Investors were advised not to overreact to a single set of weak economic data points, a sentiment echoed by several market strategists.

In-Depth Company Analyses

AIA Group Ltd (1299) – Technical Buy

Recommendation: Technical Buy
Entry Prices: 58.00, 53.90, 51.50
Stop Loss: 49.00
Price Targets: 68.55, 74.56, 84.48, 98.38

The report recommends a Technical Buy on AIA Group Ltd, citing strong technical indicators that support an upward move. With three carefully chosen entry levels, the strategy aims to capture gains as the stock recovers from recent volatility, underscoring a bullish technical outlook.

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd (9988) – Technical Buy

Recommendation: Technical Buy
Entry Prices: 120.90, 112.00, 100.00
Stop Loss: 94.00
Price Targets: 150.00, 167.90, 206.80, 335.00

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd has also been named a Technical Buy. The strategy involves multiple entry points designed to manage risk and optimize the reward profile. With clearly defined stop-loss levels and an ambitious set of price targets, the recommendation emphasizes resilience and positioning for a significant upside.

Seatrium Ltd – Add Recommendation

Ticker: SIN: Seatrium Ltd
Recommendation: Add
Target Price: S\$2.80 (1.5x FY25F P/BV)

Seatrium Ltd is noted for the normalization of its FY25F margin as its cost optimisation initiatives and lower financing costs begin to deliver. The company reported an underlying 2H24 profit of S\$85m, aligning with forecasts, and even though its 2H24 revenue of S\$5.2bn beat expectations, the reported gross margin of 2.7% was below forecasts due to a larger number of projects lingering in the engineering stage. However, management remains optimistic with a maintained gross margin forecast of around 8% on the assumption that the US projects will be delivered with minimal excess provisions. With an impressive order book of S\$23.2bn and order wins at S\$15.2bn, Seatrium Ltd remains poised for growth, reinforcing the “Add” recommendation.

Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd – Technical Buy

Recommendation: Technical Buy
Last Price: 4.52
Entry Prices: 4.52, 4.25, 4.00
Support Levels: 4.26 and 3.89
Stop Loss: 3.87
Resistance Levels: 4.57 and 5.10
Price Targets: 5.02, 5.50, 5.80, 6.00

Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd, a prominent property investment, development, and management company, is recommended as a Technical Buy. The company primarily owns and manages prime offices and luxury retail properties in key Asian gateway cities, including Hong Kong and Singapore. A meticulous technical analysis signals that the stock, which has maintained its steady uptrend since April 2024, has undergone an extended corrective wave forming a mild downtrend channel that resembles a bullish flag formation. This formation suggests that if the stock breaks above US\$5.00, its upward trajectory is likely to resume. Further bolstering the bullish view are supportive technical indicators such as two out of three bullish Ichimoku crossovers, a stochastic oscillator crossing above the oversold line at 20, a 23-period ROC rising above zero, and healthy volume expansion.

Malakoff Corporation – Rebound Observation

Ticker: MAL: Malakoff Corporation
Observation: A decent rebound in 4Q24 earnings.

The analysis cites a notable rebound in Malakoff Corporation’s fourth-quarter 2024 earnings, indicating improved performance. While the specifics of the rebound are not elaborated upon, the rebound itself represents a positive momentum signal for the company.

Petronas Gas – In Line with Expectations

Ticker: MAL: Petronas Gas
Observation: Results are in line with expectations.

Petronas Gas is described as performing in line with market expectations. Although limited commentary is provided, the consistency in results highlights stability in the company’s operations.

Starhub – Pushing Back Recovery Expectations

Ticker: SIN: Starhub
Observation: The recovery expectations for Starhub are being pushed back.

The report observes that recovery expectations for Starhub have been pushed back. While detailed technical or financial arguments are not provided, the shift in outlook signals that investors should adjust their expectations regarding the company’s recovery trajectory.

Recommendation Framework

The report also provides an overview of the rating definitions used in the analysis. For stocks, an “Add” rating is given when the expected total return is projected to exceed 10% over the next 12 months; a “Hold” rating reflects a total return between 0% and 10%; while a “Reduce” rating indicates that total returns are expected to be negative over the same period. Additionally, sector and country ratings are provided to guide investors on positioning relative to benchmarks.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this Trendspotter report offers targeted recommendations based on in-depth technical and financial analysis. Each company is given clear entry points, well-defined stop-losses, and carefully determined price targets. With a balanced mix of growth stories like AIA Group, Alibaba, Seatrium, and Hongkong Land Holdings, as well as observations on Malakoff Corporation, Petronas Gas, and Starhub, the report delivers a comprehensive view designed for market participants seeking to navigate the equities landscape with confidence.

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