Straco Corporation Limited has released written responses to shareholders’ questions in advance of its upcoming annual general meeting on Apr, 27 2026, detailing measures to revive attendance at its attractions, the outlook for key leases and its approach to capital allocation.
Overall visitor numbers across the group’s attractions fell 12.2 % year on year to 2.95 million in 2025 amid “subdued consumer sentiment and global geopolitical uncertainty”. Management said it is refreshing exhibits, expanding distribution channels and pursuing brand collaborations—such as a recent tie-up between Singapore Flyer and Korean lifestyle label Wiggle Wiggle—to spur repeat visitation.
The company believes attendance at Underwater World Xiamen has stabilised, although it cautioned that macro and geopolitical headwinds continue to cloud visibility. Lease-renewal talks with local authorities will start closer to expiry, and Straco will provide updates when there is material progress.
Straco invested about 7.5 million Singapore dollars in capital expenditure last year, mainly to upgrade the Singapore Flyer’s Time Capsule ahead of Singapore’s SG60 celebrations. A pre-opening survey showed 86 % of respondents expected the revamped experience to be engaging, and early visitor feedback has been “encouraging”. Discussions on a broader façade revamp and other asset enhancements for the Flyer remain under evaluation, with commercial viability and potential land-betterment charges being assessed.
For fiscal 2025 the board has proposed a dividend of 1.5 Singapore cents per share, equating to a 71 % payout ratio. While some shareholders asked for a return to the previous 2 cents per share, the board said it balances dividends against operational needs, future investments and maintenance requirements.
Despite a depressed share price, Straco said any share buy-backs will depend on market conditions, liquidity and the need to maintain an adequate public float. No major capital projects are planned for 2026 beyond routine exhibit refreshes, though management is still studying potential enhancement initiatives for its attractions.
The company’s AGM will be held virtually on Apr, 27 2026.