PLDT Among Top Dividend Payers as Investors Seek Shelter From Market Slide

Amid growing market turbulence, PLDT Inc. (PSE: TEL) has emerged as a top dividend play for 2025, according to the latest strategy note from Macquarie Capital. With the Philippine Stock Exchange index (PCOMP) dropping 4.3% to a new 52-week low of 5,822.85 as of April 7, investors are shifting focus toward stability and income—turning to companies like PLDT, whose steady dividends help offset the market’s growing unpredictability.

In its April 8 report, Macquarie reiterated its “Outperform” rating on PLDT, citing a 2025 forecast dividend yield of 9.3%—among the highest in the market and well above the PCOMP’s 3.7% average. The firm also set a target price of P1,800, representing a 47% upside from PLDT’s April 7 closing price of approximately P1,224. Telecoms stand out as dividend contributors, and PLDT ranks among the top payers, supported by a solid estimated 2025 return on equity of 33%.

However, the report also flags risks: “Revenues could weaken on lower pre-paid ARPU and lower-quality customer base. Risk of dividends declining in tandem for FY25.” Despite this, it emphasized the importance of revisiting high-quality dividend names as investors seek safety in a volatile market. In this context, PLDT remains one of the market’s most attractive income plays.

Globe CEO Carl Cruz Outlines Strategic Direction, Driving Innovation and Digital Inclusion

Carl Raymond Cruz formally stepped into his role as Globe’s new President and Chief Executive Officer, outlining a strategic direction anchored on purpose and customer centricity.

At the “Go Forward Together” media briefing, Cruz presented a clear roadmap for the company, centered on innovation, digital inclusion, and customer-first thinking to uplift lives and shape a better tomorrow for the company and the nation.

His message reinforces Globe’s market leadership amid a stabilizing economy and favorable conditions for expanded digital access. According to the 2025 Digital Report Study, Filipinos now rank third globally in daily internet usage, averaging 8 hours and 52 minutes.

“With the Philippines entering a phase of economic normalization and a large digital-native customer base driving long-term demand, Globe is well-positioned to lead the country’s digital progress,” Cruz said. “We are focused on inclusive growth by widening access to technology and financial tools that make everyday life better.”

Globe’s strength lies in the synergy of its dual growth engines. With connectivity from Globe and financial inclusion via GCash, the company serves everyday needs across the digital lifestyle spectrum, making Cruz’s vision of digital inclusion more attainable.

The telco leader boasts a strong mobile and fiber footprint, while GCash serves 8 out of 10 Filipinos and connects over 6 million merchants and social sellers through e-commerce, payments, lending, insurance, and investments.

“Our ambition is to be the largest, most profitable, most admired, and highly engaged telecom company in the country. Backed by purpose, technology, and people, we are building a progressive and inclusive digital nation,” Cruz added.

Globe’s solid performance in 2024 demonstrates that it is advancing in step with the industry. The company reported an all-time high of PHP165 billion in gross service revenues, a 2% increase year-on-year, while maintaining its lead in mobile with 60.9 million subscribers.

At the same time, GFiber Prepaid reached 260,000 subscribers, which, combined with postpaid fiber, delivered the first sequential broadband revenue hike in 13 quarters since 3Q 2021. Core services under the Corporate Data segment also rose by 9%, underscoring the relevance of its connectivity solutions.

High user demand signals market strength but also highlights the need for continued expansion. To address congestion and deliver better service, Globe optimizes network investments, especially on mobile, while shifting its fiber strategy toward port utilization.

As in previous years, the majority of capital expenditure was allocated to data-related requirements, ensuring customers can access reliable, high-quality digital connectivity.

In 2024, Globe deployed 1,212 new cell towers, including in-building installations, and upgraded 4,613 mobile sites. It also fired up 587 new 5G installations, bringing 5G outdoor coverage to 98.69% of the National Capital Region and 96.95% of key cities in Visayas and Mindanao, reaching approximately 106 towns.

Globe’s digital inclusion efforts also include the rollout of over 600 cell sites in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) and online safety initiatives such as #MakeITSafePH, Senior Digizen, and the Digital Thumbprint Program.

Meanwhile, customer experience continues to evolve, prompting Globe to invest in automation, proactive service, and network reliability to keep customers first.

Globe enhances customer interactions through an AI-powered relationship manager that delivers real-time insights, predictive recommendations, and automated support for personalized customer interactions.

Likewise, it advances proactive network upgrades through AI-driven predictive maintenance for enhanced reliability and efficiency.

Globe also remains a leader in responsible business practices, maintaining an “AA” MSCI Rating for two consecutive years and receiving the Five Golden Arrow Award from the Institute of Corporate Directors for three consecutive years, demonstrating leadership in both ESG and corporate governance, alongside multiple awards for prioritizing employee well-being.

As Globe moves forward under Cruz’s leadership, the company is committed to delivering sustainable growth, expanding digital and financial access, and aligning stakeholders around its ambition to Go Forward Together.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.

PBBM, MVP Unveil the Philippines’ First AI-Ready Hyperscale Data Center

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and PLDT Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan led the inauguration of VITRO Sta. Rosa (VSR), the country’s first hyperscale data center built specifically for Artificial Intelligence (AI) workloads.

Located in Laguna’s fast-growing tech corridor, VSR is developed by VITRO Inc., a subsidiary of ePLDT and the data center arm of PLDT.

“The inauguration of VSR signals the country's readiness to attract the world's largest technology companies and showcase our regional competitiveness in the digital space. More than that, this technological development is an investment in the future of every Filipino,” President Marcos said.

“We do intend to expand our data center capability for up to 500 MW. We have to be at least equal to the capacity of Malaysia…You have our pledge, Mr. President, to make the Philippines a data center hub,” Pangilinan said.

Operational since July 2024, the 50-megawatt facility is now home to telecom providers, enterprises, and global cloud technology companies. It sets a new standard for secure, high-performance, AI-ready infrastructure in the Philippines.

At the heart of its AI capabilities are NVIDIA-powered GPU servers hosted within VSR. Through these, ePLDT offers GPU as a Service (GPUaaS)—a first in the country. This on-demand computing model enables businesses to access powerful AI tools without a heavy upfront investment. Through this service, those in banking, fintech, healthcare, logistics, and government can build and scale AI applications faster, more securely, and at lower cost.

VSR is fully integrated into PLDT’s domestic fiber footprint and linked globally via international cable systems, including Jupiter, Asia Direct Cable, and the upcoming Apricot. Its carrier-neutral design also allows connections to multiple telcos, ensuring robust network diversity and resilience.

As AI adoption accelerates globally, VSR strengthens the Philippines’ bid to become a regional hub for digital innovation. It supports the country’s ambitions to attract global investment, foster local tech development, and drive economic growth.

PLDT Group’s investment in data centers and connectivity aligns with its mission to bridge the digital divide, expand access to technology, and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 9 on industry, innovation, and infrastructure.

"Para-Paraan": A Game-Changing Look at Metro Manila’s Commuter Life

MANILA, Philippines – Metro Manila’s bustling commuter scene took center stage in Para-Paraan, an innovative TV production by third-year Communication students from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Faculty of Arts and Letters. The show, produced under Middle Child Media and guided by Assistant Professor Faye M. Abugan, MA, concluded its run, offering a fresh, informative take on the city's complex transportation network, all while catering especially to Thomasians and Metro Manila commuters.

Blending entertainment and education through a dynamic game-show format, Para-Paraan followed three Thomasian challengers—Ynigo Diaz, Jake Caraan, and Chelsea Derla—as they raced across different points in Metro Manila. Their mission? To discover the fastest, most affordable, and most convenient commuting routes from UST to key locations like PITX, Cubao, and Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

In its pilot episode, challengers explored different transport modes to PITX. Featuring insights from Ms. Kolyn Gervacio-Calbasa of MWM Terminals, Inc., the episode emphasized the importance of early travel and PITX’s direct LRT-1 connection, a key development in Manila’s transport system.

The second episode took viewers to Cubao, widely known as the “center of the universe” for commuters. Expert Mr. Gabriel Go from MMDA highlighted the importance of pedestrian infrastructure, calling for better sidewalks to ease traffic woes.

For its finale, the show reached BGC, showcasing the district’s model for urban planning. Dr. John C. Ong, urban planning expert, shared insights on sustainable development and walkability, aspects that improve the commuter experience. Despite the heat and time constraints, executive producer Brianna Valdez believed these challenges made the episode more authentic, reflecting real-life commuting struggles.

Supervising producer Dean Manuel Pinza ensured that each episode showcased varied public transport modes, providing practical strategies for navigating the metro. The inclusion of jeepneys in every episode, as noted by head writer Jannelle Gelito, paid homage to their role as an essential symbol of Filipino commuting culture.

At its heart, Para-Paraan resonated with Thomasians and commuters alike, offering both entertainment and a deeper reflection on the shared struggles and cultural significance of public transportation in Metro Manila. The show’s three episodes remain available for viewing on UST Tiger TV’s Facebook page.

Globe Powers Ahead in 2025 With a Bold Vision for Digital Innovation and Industry Leadership

Globe sustains strong momentum in 2025, building on a year of solid financial gains and operational performance while continuing to lead with innovation in the delivery of digital services.

Carlo Puno, Globe’s Chief Financial Officer, said the company continues to work on meeting its cash flow targets for the year and maintaining the steady results across its core businesses.

“Globe is beginning 2025 with a stable financial foundation and very clear priorities. We continue to execute with discipline while maximizing the value of our portfolio. This puts us in a favorable position to deliver consistent results and drive long-term impact,” Puno shared.

The company’s positive outlook builds on its standout performance last year, having achieved record highs across key financial indicators.

Growth is expected to continue in mobile and corporate data services, which have proven to be reliable drivers of revenue and profitability.

In 2024, Globe’s service revenues reached an all-time high of Php165 billion, up 2% year-on-year, led by the strength of mobile and corporate data.

Corporate data also posted a record, growing 11% to Php20.4 billion while Mobile Business revenues reached a record Php116.7 billion, with mobile data revenues reaching an all-time high of Php97.4 billion, up 7% from the previous year. This growth was fueled by Filipinos’ increasing reliance on mobile applications for various online activities. As a result, mobile data now accounts for 83% of total mobile revenues, up from 81% in 2023.

Mobile data users totaled 37.4 million out of 60.9 million subscribers by year-end.

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) rose 7% to Php86.8 billion, the highest in Globe’s history. The EBITDA margin stood at 52.6%, exceeding guidance, as the company tightened costs and improved efficiency despite inflationary challenges.

Core net income after tax (NIAT) climbed 14% to Php21.5 billion, with normalized NIAT at Php21.7 billion, up 13%.

Capital expenditure was Php56.2 billion, down 20% in line with guidance. This demonstrates Globe’s careful balance between optimizing its network and ensuring financial sustainability.

Globe moves through 2025 with confidence, backed by sound fundamentals and a focused strategy that emphasizes innovation, financial strength, and purposeful investment, advancing its vision to Go Forward Together with every Filipino.

To learn more about Globe, visit www.globe.com.ph.