This article first appeared in The Edge Malaysia Weekly on January 5, 2026 - January 11, 2026

UNLIKE some of its regional peers, the local bourse’s gain in 2025 was relatively mild, with the bellweather FBM KLCI rising only 2.3%. The Bursa Malaysia Emas Index, which tracks Main Market stocks, declined by 2.2%, while the ACE Market Index suffered a steeper fall of 9.4%.

Against this muted backdrop, The Edge’s stock picks for 2025 delivered a commendable performance, with eight out of 10 selections generating positive returns.

The sharp sell-off in April 2025 presented attractive opportunities for investors, and the portfolio adjustments made during the mid-year review proved timely, especially the inclusion of 99 Speed Mart Retail Holdings Bhd (KL:99SMART) and Pentamaster Corp Bhd (KL:PENTA).

As a defensive consumer play, 99 Speed Mart generated total returns of 80.9% within just six months, buoyed by its robust earnings and consistent dividend payouts. Pentamaster also staged a strong rebound, bringing total returns of 33.3% over the same period, supported by improved profitability.

Press Metal Aluminium Holdings Bhd (KL:PMETAL) emerged as another standout performer, rising more than 50% during the year, underpinned by elevated aluminium prices and easing alumina costs. Over the same period, AMMB Holdings Bhd (KL:AMBANK) and Hap Seng Plantations Holdings Bhd (KL:HSPLANT) advanced 25.2% and 19.7% respectively.

Not all selections performed equally well. Deleum Bhd (KL:DELEUM) recorded negative returns of 20.3% in 2H2025 amid less-favourable oil market prospects, while SKB Shutters Corp Bhd (KL:SKBSHUT) was down by 8.2% for the year despite its higher net profit being driven by lower manufacturing costs and improved production efficiency.

Among the picks by fund managers and heads of research, Fortress Capital founder and CEO Datuk Thomas Yong’s choice Capital A Bhd (KL:CAPITALA) led with a nearly 50% gain in 2025. The stock is set to exit Practice Note 17 (PN17) status in the near term, following the completion of the consolidation of its aviation business into AirAsia X Bhd (KL:AAX).

Meanwhile, MBSB Research head Imran Yassin Md Yusof’s pick, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (KL:F&N), rose 34.7% during the year in review, supported by its resilient business outlook. The group is on track to deliver record profits for the financial year ending Sept 30, 2026 (FY2026) after posting a lower net profit of RM508.47 million in FY2025.

Save by subscribing to us for your print and/or digital copy.

P/S: The Edge is also available on Apple's App Store and Android's Google Play.