Three Key Catalysts Drive PLDT Shares Higher

Shares of Philippine telecommunications leader PLDT Inc. registered solid gains in the latest trading session, propelled by a trio of significant corporate developments. Investor confidence was bolstered by a strategic data center financing agreement, the landmark achievement of profitability at its digital banking unit, and a management transition within its wireless division.

While PLDT's traditional telco operations saw a 4% revenue contraction to P17.2 billion, its digital banking venture, Maya, delivered a powerful counterbalance. The fintech arm reported its first-ever profitable period for the first half of 2025, contributing over P400 million to the parent company's core income. This performance marks a dramatic P1.1 billion swing from the losses recorded during the same period a year earlier.

Key highlights from Maya's performance include:
* First-time profitability: Achieved black ink in H1 2025.
* Group contribution: Added over P400 million to PLDT's core earnings.
* Financial turnaround: A P1.1 billion improvement year-over-year.

Strategic Alliance Fuels AI-Ready Data Center Initiative

A significant development emerged from a partnership between BDO Unibank and VITRO Inc., PLDT's data center subsidiary. BDO is providing strategic financing for the Philippines' first AI-ready hyperscale data center. The VITRO Santa Rosa facility is designed to deliver up to 50 megawatts of capacity and house 4,500 server racks, specifically engineered to handle demanding artificial intelligence workloads. This collaboration highlights PLDT's strategic push to position the nation as a competitive player in the global digital landscape.

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Leadership Reshuffle and Regulatory Developments

Concurrently, Smart Communications, PLDT's wireless subsidiary, is undergoing a leadership transition. Chief Operating Officer Anastacio Martirez resigned effective October 21, a move that follows internal investigations into complaints regarding the company's corporate culture. Since September, Lloyd Manaloto and Marjorie Garrovillo have been serving as interim leaders.

On the regulatory front, the industry awaits potential changes. The Department of Information and Communications Technology is currently finalizing the implementing rules and regulations for the Konektadong Pinoy Act. The mandate is expected to be published by Monday, October 27, and could intensify competition in the data transmission sector through market liberalization.

Concluding the trading day, PLDT shares advanced by 0.91 percent to close at P1,110.00, a clear sign of market approval for the company's strategic direction. All eyes are now on November 4, when the release of quarterly results will reveal whether this digital transformation momentum can be sustained.