Thursday, July 31st, 2025

Centurion Corp Rides Construction Boom, Eyes REIT Listing & Global Expansion

šŸ“ˆ Strong Financial Performance Amid Rising Demand
Centurion Corporation delivered a stellar financial performance for FY2024, driven by higher rental and occupancy rates in its worker dormitories. Revenue surged 22% y-o-y to $253.6 million, while net profit jumped 125% to $344.8 million, boosted by fair value gains. Excluding these gains, net profit rose 43% to $99.3 million.

šŸ”¹ Dividend Growth: Shareholders will receive a final dividend of 2 cents per share, bringing the total FY2024 payout to 3.5 cents, up from 2.5 cents in FY2023.


šŸ—ļø Construction Boom Fuels Worker Dormitory Demand

With Singapore’s construction demand projected to hit $47B-$53B in 2025 (up from $44.2B in 2024), Centurion sees a positive demand-supply dynamic for its purpose-built worker accommodation (PBWA).

  • Addressable Market:

    • 443,000 workers in construction, marine & process sectors must live in approved dormitories.
    • Another 400,000 work permit holders in other industries can stay in alternative housing.
  • Supply Constraints & Higher Rents:

    • Singapore’s 9,000-bed reduction in 2Q2025 (as a competitor’s lease expires) will tighten supply.
    • The Dormitory Transition Scheme (DTS), requiring upgraded dorms by 2027, will further limit availability.
    • Westlite Toh Guan & Westlite Mandai will serve as “swing sites” during transition shifts.
    • Quick-build dormitories (QBDs) already meet new regulatory standards, ensuring uninterrupted revenue flow.

Centurion’s Malaysia segment is also growing, with 7,000 new beds planned in Nusajaya, Iskandar & Johor. Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s rising demand for Mainland workers adds another growth avenue.


šŸ« Student Housing & Global Expansion

Beyond worker dorms, Centurion is thriving in student accommodation across Australia, the UK & the US, benefiting from higher occupancy & rental rates.

  • UK: Rising international student intake boosts demand.
  • Australia: Persistent student housing shortage drives rental growth.
  • Hong Kong: The city’s push to become an education hub presents expansion opportunities.
  • Melbourne & Sydney: Identified for future bed count expansion.

Additionally, Centurion is entering China’s build-to-rent (BTR) market via a partnership in Xiamen, catering to working professionals as China increases bank financing for rental housing projects.


šŸ“¢ Centurion Revives REIT Listing Plans

After a decade, Centurion is ready to spin off a REIT, leveraging its $2.5B assets under management (AUM), 69,929 beds, and 37 properties across six countries. CEO Kong Chee Min believes the time is right for this move.

Analysts React Positively:

  • UOB Kay Hian (Adrian Loh): Raised target price to $1.16 (from $1.11), citing higher valuation at 8.7x earnings (up from 6.9x).
  • RHB Bank Singapore (Alfie Yeo): Buy rating, $1.17 target price, citing stronger earnings outlook for FY2025-FY2026 due to an expanded bed capacity.

šŸš€ Outlook: Growth on Multiple Fronts

With robust demand for worker housing, a growing student accommodation portfolio, and REIT plans on the horizon, Centurion is well-positioned for further expansion. Its global footprint, regulatory compliance, and strategic acquisitions make it a strong player in the rental housing market.

Thank you

Raffles Medical Group (RFMD SP): Strong Immunity, Shanghai Collaboration – Maybank Research Report

Maybank Research Pte Ltd April 23, 2025 Raffles Medical Group: Strong Immunity – Strategic Shanghai Collaboration Drives Target Price Increase Executive Summary Raffles Medical Group (RFMD SP) has recently forged a strategic agreement with...

SCGP: Anticipating Profit Decline in 3Q24 Amid Challenging Market Conditions

SCGP: Facing Profit Decline in 3Q24 Amid Market Headwinds UOB Kay HianOctober 10, 2024 SCGP (SCGP TB), a leading packaging solutions provider in Thailand, is expected to face a challenging 3Q24 as profit is...

CelcomDigi Q3 2024 Results: Cost Efficiencies Drive Earnings Growth Despite Revenue Challenges

Comprehensive Analysis of CelcomDigi and Other Companies Comprehensive Analysis of CelcomDigi and Other Companies Report by Maybank Investment Bank Berhad, November 19, 2024 Introduction In the latest report by Maybank Investment Bank Berhad dated...