Friday, September 26th, 2025

City Developments (SGX: C09): Capital Recycling + Residential Momentum = Re-Rating Upside





Buy City Developments (SGX: C09): Capital Recycling + Residential Momentum = Re-Rating Upside



City Developments: A Strategic Play on Capital Recycling, Residential Momentum, and Valuation Upside

Ticker: SGX: C09 • Recommendation: Buy

City Developments (“Citydev”) is at a turning point in 2025—unlocking shareholder value through disciplined
capital recycling, robust residential performance, and an attractive valuation. With recent divestments, a strong
launch pipeline, and upgraded earnings forecasts, we see compelling upside potential.

Strategic Asset Divestments: Unlocking Capital for Growth

  • S$1.5b divestments YTD, underscoring proactive capital recycling.
  • South Beach: 50.1% stake sale; expected S$465m divestment gain in 2H25.
  • US asset rationalisation: Millenium Hotel St Louis sold (Jul 2025); Comfort Inn Near Vail Beaver Creek contracted for sale.

Proceeds are being redeployed to reduce gearing and pursue higher-yielding opportunities—strengthening the balance sheet and positioning the group for sustainable growth.

Residential Sales: Robust Momentum & Pipeline

  • 1H25 sales: 903 units in Singapore worth S$2.2b.
  • Key completions: Copen Grand EC (Apr 2025), CanningHill Piers, The Orie, The Myst, Norwood Grand, Union Square Residences.
  • Launch pipeline: 2,260 units—Zyon Grand (706 units, 4Q25) and Lakeside Drive (570 units, 3Q26).
  • Stabilised portfolio: Singapore office & retail occupancy ~97%; UK/Japan living sectors 80–95% take-up.

Hospitality: Near-Term Pressures, Long-Term Discipline

  • 1H25 hotel revenue down 1.5% YoY despite a 0.5% RevPAR rise.
  • PBT: S$84m loss on USD depreciation, financing costs, and inflation.
  • Mitigation: supplier diversification, variable cost controls, and deferred non-essential capex.

Valuation: Discount to RNAV with Re-Rating Potential

  • FY25–27F EPS upgrades: +4% to +233% (divestment gains, faster sales at The Orie).
  • Target price: S$8.97 (~45% discount to RNAV).
  • Current valuation: ~0.62x FY25 P/BV—inexpensive vs. peers.
  • Technical momentum: Sideways near S$6.93, break above S$6.85 resistance; near-term targets S$7.15 and S$7.50 (~8% upside).

Why Citydev Stands Out

  • Proactive capital recycling strengthens financial flexibility.
  • Strong residential engine underpins earnings visibility.
  • ESG commitment supports long-term resilience.
  • Attractive valuation plus earnings upgrades set up a re-rating story.

Key Catalysts

  • Potential interest rate cuts
  • Accelerated asset recycling
  • Stronger-than-expected sales momentum

Risks

  • Sluggish macroeconomic growth
  • Property cooling measures dampening demand

Conclusion: A Conviction Buy

Citydev is executing on divestments, residential momentum, and disciplined capital management.
With a solid launch pipeline, upgraded earnings outlook, and supportive technicals, we reiterate:
Buy Citydev.

Price Targets: Near-term S$7.15–S$7.50; long-term re-rating potential toward S$8.97.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and not investment advice. Do your own research.


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