PETALING JAYA: Property group UEM Sunrise Bhd
has been upgraded to a “buy” from “hold” by analysts following a strategic reset under its new chief.
The management is now taking a more pragmatic and execution-oriented approach to unlock value from its sizeable prime landbank, particularly in Johor.
Hong Leong Investment Bank (HLIB) Research said the group plans to monetise land through sales and joint ventures (JVs), ramp up launches, expand its recurring income portfolio, and enhance shareholder returns via higher dividend payouts.
Given the group’s prime landbank and assets, HLIB Research reckoned that there is substantial latent value which can be unlocked under the right stewardship.
“In UEM Sunrise’s case, the group appointed Shaharul Farez Hassan as its new chief executive officer (CEO) in November 2025, filling the vacancy left after the previous CEO’s departure in December 2024,” it told clients in a note.
Historically, UEM Sunrise’s strategic plans tended to appear overly broad and somewhat disconnected from the group’s on-the-ground conditions, the research house said.
“However, following our recent meeting with the new CEO, we believe the strategies articulated are more pragmatic and execution-oriented,” HLIB Research said.
The research house has maintained its forecasts despite upgrading the stock with a higher target price of 90 sen from 56 sen.
