Hock Lian Seng Holdings Limited reported net profit of S$17.3 million for the year ended 31 Dec 2025, a 46.2% year-on-year (YoY) decline that management attributed to margin compression in its civil engineering projects and reduced contributions from property sales.

Basic earnings per share fell to 3.33 Singapore cents from 6.25 cents a year earlier. The board proposed a first-and-final cash dividend of 1.125 cent per share, down from 1.80 cents last year, with payment slated for 15 May 2026 and a books-closure date of 5 May 2026.

Full-year revenue edged up 1.5% to S$186.3 million. Civil engineering remained the dominant segment, generating S$163.8 million, up 9.1% YoY and accounting for 87.9% of group turnover. Property development revenue contracted 32.7% to S$22.3 million as fewer units were recognised at Shine@TuasSouth, while investment property income was steady at S$0.2 million.

Pre-tax profit by segment showed a sharp retreat in civil engineering earnings to S$5.8 million (FY24: S$17.1 million) after higher labour and material costs. Property development delivered S$12.4 million before tax versus S$16.4 million previously, reflecting lower sales volumes. Other income eased to S$11.1 million, weighed by softer interest and rental receipts and a smaller gain on asset disposals.

Looking ahead, the group’s civil engineering order book stood at approximately S$386 million as at 31 Dec 2025, anchored by the Aviation Park Station (CR103) and Serangoon North Station (CR113) contracts. In November, the company completed the S$88.2 million acquisition of an industrial land parcel at Pioneer Road. The site will be developed into a 270-unit, strata-titled B2 industrial project targeting a Building and Construction Authority Green Mark Platinum (Super-Low Energy) rating, financed in part by a green loan from United Overseas Bank. The launch is scheduled for early 2027.

Management noted that the construction sector remains competitive, with labour constraints and elevated input costs persisting. The company intends to continue bidding selectively for public infrastructure contracts while seeking new property and investment opportunities to sustain shareholder returns.