OKP Holdings (SGX: 5CF) is a leading construction firm for Singapore’s civil engineering projects, specialising in airport runways and taxiways, roads and bridges, airport and oil & gas infrastructure, and petrochemical and oil storage terminals.
The Group can trace its roots back to 1966, when Founder and Chairman, Or Kim Peow, started out as a contractor. Today, beyond its civil engineering projects, the OKP has also ventured into property development and investment.
Listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) in 2002, OKP Holdings has a market capitalisation $155 million, and its revenue is derived from construction projects (63%), maintenance (34%) and rental income (3%).
For those interested in investing in Singapore’s civil engineering sector, here are 5 things to know about OKP Holdings.
#1 Can You Give Us A Picture Of OKP’s Recent Financial Performance?
Driven by strong performance from both the construction and maintenance segments, OKP achieved a 13.3% increase in revenue to S$181.8 million in FY2024.
Aside from topline performance, the group reported a 135.4% increase in gross profit to S$58.2 million in FY2024. This was supported by higher-margin projects, and underscores its disciplined approach to cost management and operational efficiency – lifting its gross profit margin to 32.0 in FY2024.
To sustain the growth trajectory, the Group is leveraging on its decades-long track record and core expertise to capitalise on growth opportunities by tendering for both public and private projects, while diversifying earnings and geographical presence.
Its future performance is also supported by a robust order book of S$600.7 million, and the Group is well-positioned to pursue growth opportunities.
#2 Does OKP See Opportunities To Leverage Its Balance Sheet For Future Growth, Including Acquisitions Or Expansions Into New Business Segments?
Backed by a strong balance sheet with free cash and cash equivalents totalling S$124.3 million, the Group is well-positioned to capitalise on growth opportunities.
Its long-term strategy remains centred on leveraging its core capabilities, venturing into new overseas business, and diversifying earnings through property development and other investments.
To reinforce its strategy, the Group will continue to explore strategic partnerships to strengthen its foothold in property development and investment ventures. At the same time, the Group remains committed to maximising returns on investment while maintaining product and service excellence.
#3 Singapore’s Construction Sector Grew 5.9% Year-On-Year In 4Q 2024, Driven By Increased Public Sector Construction Output. How Is OKP Positioning Itself To Capture Upcoming Public Infrastructure Projects?
The Group has become a well-acknowledged business in the transport infrastructure and civil engineering industry in Singapore and the region, differentiating itself in both public and private sector tenders through its decades-long track record, wide expertise, and a proven ability to navigate industry cycles.
Its strong reputation as a preferred civil engineering contractor gives the Group a competitive edge in securing contracts across various industries. This is reflected in its robust FY2024 order book of S$600.7 million, with projects extending till 2027, primarily driven by public sector projects.
Some of the Group’s past projects include large oil and gas projects including the S$750 million Universal Terminal, a massive petroleum storage facility on Jurong Island, civil works relating to ExxonMobil’s multi-billion-dollar Second Petrochemical Complex project, and land reclamation works on Jurong Island, a milestone project.
In 2024, the Group secured five projects amounting to a total value of approximately S$257.2 million. This includes a project awarded by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) for drainage improvement works and four projects awarded by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) for the improvement of road-related and commuter-related facilities, as well as construction of cycling path networks.
The Group remains committed to being a trusted partner for key public agencies, having successfully undertaken projects for the Housing & Development Board (HDB), JTC Corporation, Land Transport Authority (LTA), National Parks Board (NParks), Public Utilities Board (PUB) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). In the private sector, the Group has worked for esteemed clients, including Changi Airport Group, ExxonMobil, Foster Wheeler Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, and WorleyParsons Pte Ltd.
#4 Rising Construction Costs Remain A Challenge Across The Industry. How Is OKP Managing Cost Pressures, And Are There Any Pricing Strategies Being Employed To Protect Margins?
OKP is cognizant of the rising cost pressures in the construction industry and remains vigilant in navigating the challenging market conditions. The Group will continue to ensure effective cashflow management and remain prudent with its capital structure and finances.
Additionally, the Group is committed to raising its productivity by integrating technology into its business processes to reduce reliance on manpower and upgrade its workforce.
Strong execution remains critical to ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget and refraining from incurring unnecessary additional costs.
#5 Sustainability And ESG Have Increasingly Been A Key Focus, How Is Your Company Committed Towards Sustainability?
To integrate sustainability into its business, the Group invests in technology and innovation – enhancing operational efficiency, safety and overall project execution, enabling predictive maintenance, automation, and real-time analysis to optimise workflows and minimise risks.
– Smart Automation and Safety – AI-driven machinery reduces manual labour, minimising human errors and injuries. The Group’s AI Vision System on excavators provides 360-degree surveillance, eliminating the need for manual signalling, thus improving productivity and on-site safety.
– Innovative Monitoring – The Group’s wet bulb globe temperature monitoring system tracks real time temperature changes, while its smart earth control system eliminates the risk of silt being discharged into public drains, ensuring compliance with environmental standards.
– Enhanced Equipment Efficiency – The Group has upgraded its lorry cranes with stabiliser control in order to mitigate collapse risks, while motorised noise barriers replace labor-intensive shifting, improving efficiency.
The Group also prioritises workers’ health and safety and general safety, and invests in and adopts cutting-edge technologies, innovative approaches, and strategic measures that pre-emptively address potential hazards and risks. For example, in order to cope with extreme weather conditions, its measures include prohibiting outdoor works during adverse weather conditions and providing cooling resources like water stations, misting systems and solar fans. These measures and advancements have cultivated a healthier, safer and more sustainable built environment, promoting the well-being of its workforce.
The Group also pledges to enhance measures to safeguard the welfare of its workers, as it firmly believes that such investment will be beneficial in the long run, despite incurring additional cost.
Editor’s Note: Some answers for this article were extracted from the SGX 10 in 10 series published on 28 January 2025 and republished with permission. You can read more about OKP Holdings (SGX: 5CF)on the SGX website.
Read other featured companies from SGX’s 10 in 10 series on the DollarsAndSense website.
The post 5 Things To Know About OKP Holdings (SGX: 5CF), Building The Future With Airport Projects, Roads & Bridges, and Oil & Gas Infrastructure appeared first on DollarsAndSense.sg.
