Chuan Hup Holdings Limited posted a net profit attributable to shareholders of US$2.51 million for the six months ended Dec 31 2025, up 158.9% year-on-year, buoyed by higher gains on investment securities and a strong swing into profitability at its Australian joint venture.

The mainboard-listed investment and property group lifted revenue to US$3.59 million, a 32.0% year-on-year (YoY) increase from US$2.72 million a year earlier. Earnings per share rose to 0.23 US cent from 0.11 US cent. No interim dividend was proposed, mirroring the absence of a payout in the same period last year.

Segmentally, the property division delivered a pre-tax profit of US$3.58 million, reversing a US$0.48 million loss in 1H FY25, thanks largely to a US$3.7 million contribution from an Australian joint venture that completed a development project. The investment segment swung to a pre-tax loss of US$0.62 million from a US$4.58 million profit, reflecting lower mark-to-market gains on quoted equities and a US$0.46 million fair-value loss on investment securities.

Group profitability was further supported by an US$0.80 million gain on the disposal of investment securities and a US$0.55 million net increase in other gains. These positives offset higher employee benefits expense (up 105.3% YoY to US$2.93 million) and a US$0.53 million fair-value loss on investment properties linked to student accommodation assets. Finance costs also rose 48.7% YoY to US$0.19 million, reflecting increased lease-related interest.

Chuan Hup’s financial position remained robust. Total assets edged down 2.6% to US$257.3 million as loan repayments by joint ventures trimmed interests in associates and JVs to US$123.5 million. Cash and cash equivalents rose 57.3% to US$32.4 million, aided by US$14.8 million in loan repayments from a joint venture. Net asset value per share improved to 24.94 US cents from 24.80 US cents at end-June.

On strategy, the group continued to monetise its investment portfolio, realising US$0.8 million of gains from equity disposals, while reinvesting US$1.9 million in property development loans to joint ventures and capitalising US$2.8 million of development costs on its Neoco project in Singapore. Borrowings increased by US$1.3 million to fund these property activities.

Looking ahead, the board highlighted an “uncertain” global economic backdrop and ongoing geopolitical risks, and said it will maintain a prudent stance when evaluating new investments. No specific earnings or dividend guidance was provided for the remainder of FY26.