DBS Group Holdings Ltd (DBS SP): Southeast Asia’s biggest bank, posted a bigger-than-estimated increase in 3rd-quarter profit as a rebound in the economy boosted loans and fee income. Net income climbed to S$563m ($403.3m) from S$379m a year earlier, the Singapore-based bank said in a statement today. That beat the S$438m median estimate of 5 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg.

Sembcorp Marine Ltd (SMM SP): The world’s 2nd-biggest oil-rig maker, is buying an offshore drilling rig from Seadrill Ltd., the company said today in a statement. Sembcorp’s subsidiary PPL Shipyard has exercised its right to acquire the West Elara, a jack-up drilling rig that operates in shallow waters, for $10.8m, the company said in a statement to the Singapore stock exchange.

Sembcorp Industries Ltd (SCI SP):Owner of the world’s 2nd-biggest oil-rig maker, said 3rd-quarter profit gained 2.2% on increased production of offshore structures at its marine unit. Net income rose to S$148.1m ($106m), or 8.26 Singapore cents a share, in the 3 months to Sept. 30, from S$144.9m, or 8.08 cents, a year earlier, the company said today in a statement. Sales gained 3 percent to S$2.58bn.

City Developments Ltd (CIT SP): Singapore’s 2nd-biggest developer, added 1.7% to S$10.02. Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Plc (MLC LN), the operator of more than 120 properties worldwide, has received “unsolicited” offers for a number of its hotels and may sell some of them when prices improve, Chief Executive Officer Richard Hartman said yesterday. City Developments owns 52% of the hotel operator.

CapitaLand Ltd (CAPL SP): Said its China businesses are benefiting from the nation’s improved consumer sentiment, the Business Times said, citing company executives. The occupancy rate at the company’s serviced-residence properties has rebounded to around 85%to 90%, compared with 1st-half occupancy of 65% to 70%, the Singapore-based newspaper said, citing Ascott Group Senior Vice-President Gerald Yong. He added the 4th quarter
should be “very positive,” the report said.