In Singapore, many investors rely heavily on their CPF accounts for long-term savings due to its steady 2.5% interest on the Ordinary Account (OA) and 4% on the Special Account (SA). These rates offer unmatched stability.
However, while CPF provides a solid savings base, it isn't the only path to secure, predictable returns. For those seeking extra income, more flexibility, and the possibility of long-term growth, dividend-paying stocks can be an excellent supplement to CPF investments.
One strategy is to focus on financially robust, cash-rich companies listed on the Singapore Exchange. These entities are known for generating consistent cash flow, maintaining strong balance sheets, and offering a history of rewarding shareholders with dividends, making them appealing to investors wanting to outperform CPF yields.
Below are three Singapore-listed companies that boast resilient business models and stable dividends that currently surpass the 4% yield of the CPF Special Account.
1. UOB
UOB, one of the top three banks in Singapore, remains strong even in a softer economic climate. In their third-quarter results, the bank posted a profit of S$443 million after reserving S$615 million in precautionary general allowances to enhance its balance sheet. Despite this, asset quality remained stable with a non-performing loan ratio of 1.6%, and customer loans increased to S$351.1 billion. The management reassured that these provisions would not impact the final dividend for 2025, emphasizing their dedication to shareholder dividends. With a dividend yield around 5.4% and a long history of stable earnings, UOB is a dependable choice for investors aiming to earn better returns than CPF without excessive risk.
2. HRnetGroup
HRnetGroup, a major recruitment and staffing firm in Asia, operates across 18 cities with over 900 consultants managing 20 specialist brands. In the first half of 2025, the group reported steady performance, with revenue growing 3.4% year-on-year to S$295.5 million. This was driven by a 4.1% increase in the Flexible Staffing segment. Although gross profit margins eased to 12.0% due to a greater contribution from lower-margin overseas markets, notable growth was seen in Taipei with a 16.9% revenue increase, while Singapore, contributing nearly two-thirds of total revenue, saw a slight dip of 1.2%. The Professional Recruitment segment remained subdued, but senior executive search showed resilience with higher volumes and stronger average billing.
Net profit jumped 29.2% to S$28.0 million, bolstered by S$8.7 million in government grants and S$2.9 million in revaluation gains. HRnetGroup remains debt-free, with S$311.7 million in cash and treasury bills, and generated S$26.5 million in free cash flow, a 54.1% increase from the previous year. Management declared an interim dividend of S$0.020 per share. At approximately S$0.74 per share, HRnetGroup provides a trailing dividend yield of about 5.5%, offering investors a stable income stream superior to CPF while waiting for an economic recovery in the hiring sector.
3. Singapore Exchange
Singapore Exchange, the nation's sole stock exchange operator, offers a comprehensive multi-asset marketplace that includes equities, derivatives, fixed income, and foreign exchange. The group recorded its best performance since listing, with net revenue increasing by 11.7% to S$1.298 billion and net profit rising 8.4% year-on-year to S$648.0 million. Growth was primarily driven by the FICC division, where currency derivatives volume surged nearly 50% and OTC FX daily volume hit 143 billion US dollars, indicating heightened global market participation. Cash equities revenue also saw improvements alongside robust trading activities.
SGX excels in converting profits into cash, with operating cash flow rising to S$841.7 million, while capital expenditure stayed prudent at S$68.1 million. This led to a free cash flow of S$773.6 million. For FY2025, the company paid a total dividend of S$0.375 per share and has projected consistent quarterly increases from FY2026 to FY2028, depending on performance. With strong cash generation, a leading market position, and over a decade of stable dividends, SGX is a reliable long-term income provider.