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When we invest, we’re generally looking for stocks that outperform the market average. And while active stock picking involves risks (and requires diversification) it can also provide excess returns. For example, the Hotel Properties Limited (SGX:H15) share price is up 68% in the last 5 years, clearly besting the market return of around 55% (ignoring dividends). However, more recent returns haven’t been as impressive as that, with the stock returning just 36% in the last year, including dividends.

Let’s take a look at the underlying fundamentals over the longer term, and see if they’ve been consistent with shareholders returns.

We’ve found 21 US stocks that are forecast to pay a dividend yield of over 6% next year. See the full list for free.

To paraphrase Benjamin Graham: Over the short term the market is a voting machine, but over the long term it’s a weighing machine. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company’s share price and its earnings per share (EPS).

During the last half decade, Hotel Properties became profitable. That’s generally thought to be a genuine positive, so investors may expect to see an increasing share price. Since the company was unprofitable five years ago, but not three years ago, it’s worth taking a look at the returns in the last three years, too. We can see that the Hotel Properties share price is up 43% in the last three years. Meanwhile, EPS is up 143% per year. This EPS growth is higher than the 13% average annual increase in the share price over the same three years. Therefore, it seems the market has moderated its expectations for growth, somewhat. Of course, with a P/E ratio of 69.97, the market remains optimistic.

The image below shows how EPS has tracked over time (if you click on the image you can see greater detail).

This free interactive report on Hotel Properties’ earnings, revenue and cash flow is a great place to start, if you want to investigate the stock further.

As well as measuring the share price return, investors should also consider the total shareholder return (TSR). Whereas the share price return only reflects the change in the share price, the TSR includes the value of dividends (assuming they were reinvested) and the benefit of any discounted capital raising or spin-off. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. In the case of Hotel Properties, it has a TSR of 79% for the last 5 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. This is largely a result of its dividend payments!

We’re pleased to report that Hotel Properties shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 36% over one year. Of course, that includes the dividend. Since the one-year TSR is better than the five-year TSR (the latter coming in at 12% per year), it would seem that the stock’s performance has improved in recent times. In the best case scenario, this may hint at some real business momentum, implying that now could be a great time to delve deeper. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. To that end, you should learn about the 3 warning signs we’ve spotted with Hotel Properties (including 1 which makes us a bit uncomfortable) .

For those who like to find winning investments this free list of undervalued companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Singaporean exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

The trade-reliant country’s growth print comes as investors watch for Trump’s meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung on the sidelines of APEC in Gyeongju. The two sides have yet to finalize a trade deal, with officials looking to fine-tune terms after South Korea pledged up to $350 billion in U.S. investment commitments.

  Taiwan 

  Taiwan is due to release its third-quarter advanced GDP print on Friday, which will likely show slower but still-robust growth after a strong showing the prior quarter. 

  Frontloading of shipments to get ahead of U.S. tariffs and booming demand for the island's chips and electronics have fueled exports and propped up economic growth. ANZ economists estimate that every 1% increase in exports is associated with 0.2% increase in Taiwan's GDP. 

  Economists' estimates for the third-quarter GDP growth range from 5.9% to 6.7% after the second quarter's 8.01% expansion. 

  Although AI-related demand remains strong, there are signs that the momentum may be peaking as Taiwan's September exports growth missed expectations. 

  DBS economist Ma Tieying expects to see a gradual slowdown in both AI-related exports and investment starting from the fourth quarter into 2026 as the AI frenzy cools and tariff impacts materialize. 

  But in light of stronger-than-expected exports in the third quarter, DBS has lifted its full-year GDP growth forecast for the island to 5.6%. 

  Hong Kong 

  Data on Friday gives a snapshot of Hong Kong's economic health: Retail sales for September offer a glimpse into consumer demand and GDP estimates will show how growth held up in the third quarter. 

  Economists at DBS expect growth to have edged down a touch to 3.0% on the year, amid weaker exports. Imports are projected to have stayed resilient. 

  After a long run of contraction, retail sales have returned to growth recently, and markets will look to see if the momentum held up last month. 

  Hong Kong officials have said they expect stabilizing consumer sentiment and tourism tailwinds to help support retail businesses. 

  Looking ahead, DBS's economics team expects the U.S. rate-cut cycle to bolster consumption and investment sentiment in Hong Kong, supported by a softer Hong Kong dollar and lower borrowing costs. 

  Any references to days are in local times. 

  Write to Jessica Fleetham at jessica.fleetham@wsj.com and Jihye Lee at jihye.lee@wsj.com 

  (END) Dow Jones Newswires

  October 26, 2025 20:14 ET (00:14 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.