Stocks to watch: Keppel Corp, CapitaLand Ascendas Reit, UOI, Lian Beng

THE following companies saw new developments that may affect trading of their securities on Friday (Apr 21):

Keppel Corporation : The global asset manager and operator on Thursday posted a 9 per cent rise in its revenue to S$2.3 billion for its first quarter ended Mar 31, from S$2.1 billion in the same period the year before. The group said net profit was significantly higher year on year, due to a disposal gain from the merger between its offshore and marine unit and Sembcorp Marine. Shares of Keppel closed 1.3 per cent or S$0.08 higher at S$6.27, before the announcement.

CapitaLand Ascendas Reit (Clar): The real estate investment trust (Reit) is divesting an industrial property for S$35.4 million. On Thursday, its manager said the proposed divestment is in line with its proactive asset management strategy to improve the quality of Clar’s portfolio and optimise returns for unitholders. Units of Clar closed 1.1 per cent or S$0.03 higher at S$2.88, before the announcement.