SM Group receives 12 Stevie Awards for reporting and community programs

“People experience a mall through the things they do there, not through what we say about it,” said . “A place to read, an event that brings local art to more people, or a program that makes the mall easier to use can make a practical difference to a community.” ~Steven T. Tan, SM Supermalls President

The SM Group received 12 Stevie Awards for parent-company reporting and community and shopping center initiatives at the 2026 International Business Awards.

Four awards were given to SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group. It won Gold Stevies for its 2025 Integrated Report in the Best Annual Report (Publicly Held Corporations) and Conglomerates (Large) categories.

Its 2025 Sustainability Report won Bronze for Best Sustainability Report. In addition, the Asia, Australia, and New Zealand Sustainability Initiative of the Year competition awarded the SM Sustainability School Bronze.

“Clear reporting gives investors and other stakeholders a better view of how we make decisions, manage the business and plan for the long term. The other awards show how that same sense of responsibility is carried through by our businesses in the communities they serve.” ~Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments

That work can be seen across the eight awards received by SM Supermalls.

The Philippine International Pyromusical Competition won Gold in the Brand Experience of the Year (Consumer) category, while the Find Your SM campaign took home Silver.

The SM Green Movement won Silver for Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility. The SM Cares Coastal Cleanup program received a Silver Award for Environmental Achievement, and SM Cares: A Mall for All received a Silver Award for Diversity and Inclusion.

The SM Cares Book Nook won bronze for the Most Ingenious Creative Project. The project establishes spaces in shopping malls where people can read and share books. Furthermore, the Empowering Communities campaign won the Corporate Social Responsibility Program of the Year award for Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

SM Mindanao Art raised public awareness of Mindanaoan artists and their works by taking home bronze in the Corporate and Community (Community Engagement Event) category.

The two-month judging event attracted more than 300 business professionals. The winners were chosen based on the average scores.

The International Business Awards, now in their 23rd year, recognize companies, executives, entrepreneurs, and teams worldwide.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation (SM) is an owner-operator of market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property, with investments in high-growth opportunities in the Philippine economy. Through its portfolio, SM generates resilient cash flows and reinvests with discipline to compound value over the long term.

Its retail operations are the largest and most diversified in the country. Its property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines. Its banking interests include BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, one of the country’s largest private domestic banks.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

Alpha Southeast Asia Recognizes SM's Governance and Sustainability Leadership

"Recognition like this matters because it reflects the confidence of investors and analysts. Good corporate governance is about making sound decisions, being transparent about our performance, and creating long-term value. Sustainability is a very important part of how we do that." ~Frederic C. DyBuncio, SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer

SM Investments Executive Vice President for Treasury, Finance and Planning Erwin G. Pato receives the Best CFO in the Philippines award from Alpha Southeast Asia Publisher Siddiq Bazarwala.

The parent company of the SM Group, SM Investments Corporation, was recognized for its corporate governance and sustainability reporting by Alpha Southeast Asia, a Hong Kong-based investment publication. This shows that investors and analysts have faith in the company's management and performance reporting.

In the publication's 16th Annual Poll of Southeast Asia's Top Companies, SM Investments was named the Philippines' Best in Strategic CSR & ESG Reporting. The business was also ranked among the Top Five Philippine firms for Strongest Adherence to Corporate Governance and Best Senior Management in Investor Relations Support.

“These awards point to a company that not only communicates sustainability priorities clearly, but also pairs that with visible leadership engagement and sound governance discipline.” ~Siddiq Bazarwala, Publisher, Alpha Southeast Asia

For SM Investments, sustainability is a part of good governance. It supports decision-making, strengthens accountability, and fosters the long-term growth of the company while generating value for shareholders and other stakeholders.

Additionally honored as the Best CFO in the Philippines is Erwin G. Pato, Executive Vice President for Treasury, Finance, and Planning at SM Investments.

The annual survey was completed by over 580 analysts and investors from Europe, the US, and Southeast Asia. Fund managers, institutional investors, insurance companies, pension funds, private banks, and buy- and sell-side analysts were among these people.

Alpha Southeast Asia's annual poll is one of the region's leading perception-based surveys, recognizing listed companies for excellence in financial management, corporate governance, strategic CSR and ESG reporting, and investor relations.

More than 3,000 qualified market participants were invited to participate in the survey, which was conducted from January to April 2026.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation (SM) is an owner-operator of market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property, with investments in high-growth opportunities in the Philippine economy. Through its portfolio, SM generates resilient cash flows and reinvests with discipline to compound value over the long term.

Its retail operations are the largest and most diversified in the country. Its property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines. Its banking interests include BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, one of the country’s largest private domestic banks.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com.

SM Group raises renewable energy sourcing to 31% in 2025

“For us, investing in renewable energy is both a sustainability and business decision. It helps us manage long-term energy costs, improve operational efficiency and build more resilient businesses to help us better serve our customers, tenants, communities and other stakeholders. Reliable and affordable energy is important not only for businesses but also for communities and the broader economy. We believe renewable energy, particularly geothermal, can help strengthen long-term energy security while supporting economic growth.” ~Frederic C. DyBuncio, SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer

The SM Group operates the country’s largest rooftop solar panel network nationwide among property developers. Its investment in renewable energy started in 2014 with the very first installation of solar panels in SM North EDSA.

According to SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM Group, the Group boosted its renewable energy sourcing to 31% of total power consumption in 2025, up from 27% in 2024, as it continued to encourage cleaner energy use throughout its subsidiaries.

The Group received roughly 730 million kWh of electricity from renewable energy sources throughout the course of the year.

370,644.07 metric tons of carbon emissions were avoided by switching to renewable electricity, which is the same as taking around 296,954 electric passenger cars off the road for an entire year.

The Group's broader renewable energy strategy is overseen by the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC), a fully-owned subsidiary of SM Investments. It now operates the Mak-Ban and Tiwi steam fields in the provinces of Batangas, Laguna, and Albay, supplying geothermal steam capable of producing up to 400 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to power residences, businesses, and industrial facilities continuously. 

 

The Tiwi steam field in Albay is one of PGPCs geothermal sites

PGPC is developing new geothermal sites in six locations around Luzon that might provide the country with an additional 400 megawatts of clean, renewable geothermal energy. 

The Mak-Ban and Tiwi steam fields in Laguna and Albay alone may provide enough geothermal steam annually to power up to a million homes.

The Group's integrated activities continue to see an increase in the utilization of renewable energy. Over 200,000 solar panels have been put on 69 properties by SM Prime Holdings, Inc. as part of its broader energy conservation initiatives.

The Group's transition to renewable energy is becoming more and more reflected in its broader business environment. 

The Philippine Geothermal Production Company, Inc. (PGPC)’s Mak-Ban steam field located in Batangas and Laguna is one of the company’s sites supporting a stable, low-carbon renewable energy production. 

Alfamart's Saraiya Distribution Center in Quezon Province now has solar panels with a 120.28 kWp solar peak capacity, which will improve the operating efficiency of the supply chain network.

The Group's banking divisions continue to assist sustainable finance initiatives in the meantime. BDO Unibank, Inc. would have contributed PHP 1.21 trillion to sustainable initiatives by the end of 2025, including 71 renewable energy projects for PHP 177 billion. Energy access, renewable energy, and energy efficiency initiatives received PHP72 billion from China Banking Corp. in 2025.

Sustainability and operational efficiency are still included into the Group's retail, real estate, banking, and portfolio investments, according to SM Investments.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation (SM) is an owner-operator of market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property, with investments in high-growth opportunities in the Philippine economy. Through its portfolio, SM generates resilient cash flows and reinvests with discipline to compound value over the long term.

 

Its retail operations are the largest and most diversified in the country. Its property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines. Its banking interests include BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, one of the country’s largest private domestic banks.

 

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com 

FinanceAsia names SM companies among Asia’s Best Companies for 2026

In its Asia's Best Companies 2026 survey, which reflects the views of financial analysts and institutional investors across the region after they assessed corporate performance and governance over the preceding 12 months, the Hong Kong-based newspaper FinanceAsia identified four SM companies.

SM Retail, Inc. and SM Investments Corporation, the parent company of the SM Group, were two of these companies. Eight awards were given to SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and BDO Unibank, Inc. collectively. 

SM Investments received gold for Best Large Cap Company and Most Committed to ESG in the Philippines and silver for Best Managed Company in the Conglomerates category.

“We appreciate the recognition. It reflects our continued focus on delivering consistent results and creating long-term value for our stakeholders through disciplined execution.” ~Frederic C. DyBuncio, SM Investments President and CEO 

SM Retail was recognized as Best Managed Company in both Retail and Consumer Durables & Apparel.

“This recognition reflects our team’s ability to execute consistently across our retail platforms, anchored on serving Filipino consumers while delivering sustainable long‑term value.” ~Jonathan Ng, SM Retail President 

SM Prime was recognized as Best Managed Company in Real Estate.

“Earning the trust of the investment community affirms the discipline and consistency of our execution. We are grateful for this vote of confidence and remain focused on strengthening the business and creating long-term value for our stakeholders.” ~Jeffrey C. Lim, President of SM Prime Holdings, Inc.

BDO was recognized as Best Managed Company in Financials, while BDO President and CEO Nestor V. Tan received Bronze in the Best CEO (Philippines) category.

“These recognitions underscore BDO’s disciplined pursuit of operational excellence, enabled by managers across the organization who consistently lead with accountability and keep our customers’ needs firmly in mind.” ~Nestor V. Tan, BDO President and CEO 

FinanceAsia is a leading capital markets publication covering Asia’s business, sustainability, technology, and financial landscape.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com.

Asia’s Golden Icon Awards recognizes SM Investments CEO for financial excellence leadership

“Mr. Frederic C. DyBuncio has been selected for the award of Asia's Remarkable Leadership in Financial Excellence for his outstanding contributions to the financial sector and his exemplary leadership at SM Investments Corporation. Under his guidance, the company has not only achieved remarkable growth but has also set new standards for excellence in financial management and corporate governance.” ~Golden Icons Group

The 2025 Asia's Golden Icon Awards for Asia's Remarkable Leadership in Financial Excellence were recently presented to Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), at a time when social impact, innovation, and resilience are becoming more and more important characteristics of financial leadership.

This award honors a leadership concept that transcends statistics and is given by the Golden Icons group, a coalition of public and commercial sector leaders dedicated to identifying individuals having a transformative impact.

The accolade for Mr. DyBuncio comes as companies throughout Asia are reconsidering what long-term value means.  Under his leadership, the parent business of the SM Group has improved its financial standing and adopted a more comprehensive goal of serving as a platform and facilitator for equitable development.

Mr. DyBuncio said that more than an individual achievement, the award affirms SM’s role as an enabler to growth. 

“Leadership in finance today means creating value that is sustainable, human-centered, and purpose-driven. At SM, we see ourselves as enablers—of entrepreneurship, of community development, and of opportunities that multiply across sectors. This recognition reaffirms our belief that doing well and doing good are not at odds, but part of the same equation.” ~Mr. Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments)

The Golden Icons group works to provide vital assistance, support and resources to individuals and communities.  

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com

SM Investments declares special dividend for the first time

“This marks the fourth straight year of dividend increases. We remain committed to delivering returns for our shareholders while strengthening the long-term value of the company.  We are grateful for their continued trust and confidence, which has been instrumental in driving our growth.” ~Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments

The main company of the SM Group, SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), announced a 44% increase in shareholder payouts from PHP9 per share in 2024 to PHP13 per share in 2025. This increase is made up of PHP11 per share in regular dividends and PHP2 per share in special dividends.   The action demonstrates the business's ongoing commitment to generating and distributing value to its owners.

The raise was approved by the Board of Directors at the annual stockholders' meeting of SM Investments.  The dividends will be paid on May 29, 2025, to shareholders who were listed on May 16, 2025.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com 

SM Recognized with 13 Anvils for Excellence in Public Relations

“The success of our Euro Medium-Term Notes issuance underscores the strength of investing in Philippine companies. A well-executed PR strategy played a crucial role in achieving positive results, and we are grateful to the Anvil Awards for this recognition.” ~Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and CEO of SM Investments

Mr. Erwin G. Pato, SM Investments Executive Vice President for Treasury, Finance and Planning, receives the Anvil Award from Mr. Norman Agatep, Vice President for External, Public Relations Society of the Philippines for SM’s landmark Euro Medium-Term Notes Program.

With the help of the SM Foundation, China Banking Corporation, Watsons, and its parent company, SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments), the SM Group won 13 awards at the 60th Anvil Awards for its exceptional public relations initiatives in investor relations, financial communications, branding, social good, sustainability, and governance.

For its strategic communications promoting its historic Euro Medium-Term Notes (EMTN) Program, SM Investments was recognized as the Best Public Relations Program for Investor Relations. A USD 500 million withdrawal from SM's USD 3 billion EMTN program was recently priced. In the midst of market volatility, this is SM Investments' largest bond issuance since 2014, giving the group flexible access to capital.

SM Investments was also recognized for its 2023 Integrated Report, “Committed to Our Customers,” which went beyond financial disclosures to highlight SM’s commitment to communities, sustainability, and stakeholder engagement. In addition, its financial communication campaign, “Behind the Headlines: How SM Became the Pulse of Economic Growth,” and its corporate social responsibility and governance initiative, “The Strategy and Philosophy of CSR and Good Governance,” were acknowledged for effectively communicating the company’s role in economic development and responsible business practices. SM Investments also received an award for its special event, “SM Investments and GCNP Team UP to Empower MSMEs: Nego-Unlad MSME Caravan,” which supported micro, small, and medium enterprises.

SM Foundation earned recognition for its We Care newsletter and its initiative “Uplifting Lives Through Social Good,” which showcased the foundation’s efforts in education, healthcare, and disaster relief.

 

Meanwhile, Watsons secured multiple wins, including recognition for its HIMtayan advocacy campaign, which promoted responsible medicine disposal; the Watsons Health Expo, which championed accessible healthcare solutions; Watsons and SM Beauty – Beautycon, which leveraged influencer marketing to engage consumers; and the Watsons Sustainable Art Competition, which fostered creativity and environmental awareness.

Additionally, China Banking Corporation received recognition for its Brand Refresh program, which aimed to update the bank's image after more than a century and engage with a younger clientele. Additionally acknowledged was the bank's One China Bank initiative, which improved employee engagement and experience.

The Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP) presents the Anvil Awards every year to recognize exceptional PR campaigns and resources that have a significant influence on companies and their important stakeholders.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com 

SM Approaches 2025 with Cautious Optimism

“Any moderation in inflation should trigger a strong confidence rebound. This could create opportunities in consumer-focused sectors in the country and we are poised to cater to these evolving demands. By investing and expanding to more areas nationwide, SM creates new markets and improves access to these essential sectors, serving more communities and helping stimulate sustained economic activities. Our focus for 2025 will be to drive purposeful growth, empowering communities and partners through our investments towards a sustainable future.” ~Mr. Frederic C. DyBuncio, SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer

Encouraged by the Philippine economy's sustained growth, the SM Group is looking forward to the upcoming year with cautious optimism.

Mr. Frederic C. DyBuncio, SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer

SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio said that despite ongoing challenges of peso volatility and higher inflation, the business sector has adapted well. 

According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, household spending was maintained in the third quarter due to consistent demand. Household Final Consumption Expenditure posted a 5.1% year-over-year growth, staying at the same level from the same quarter the previous year. 

In order to meet the increasing demand, SM keeps growing into more underprivileged areas, promoting sustainable economic growth and working with government partners to improve access to integrated real estate developments, contemporary retail, and financial services.

Mr. DyBuncio added that SM keeps funding promising projects that stimulate the economy, like logistics and renewable energy. 

Through the Philippine Geothermal Production Company (PGPC), which generates 300 Megawatts of geothermal steam supply, SM has made investments in the clean energy sector. SM wants to support the Department of Energy's objective of having 50% of its energy come from renewable sources by 2040 by continuing to develop geothermal concessions through PGPC. 

SM Prime Holdings, SM's real estate division, teamed up with GUUN Co. to promote circularity in the production of green energy. Ltd. (GUNN) to apply the Japanese method of lessening the impact of landfills. Packaging that is difficult to recycle or non-recyclable is turned into alternative fuel by the technology.

One of the biggest contributors to renewable energy projects is BDO Unibank, SM's banking division. As of December 2023, BDO has invested PHP898 billion in sustainable finance, which includes loans to 59 renewable energy projects.  

In terms of tourism and logistics, the development of transportation networks throughout the nation's archipelago links industrial and tourist destinations, fostering inclusive growth. By launching MV Masigla and MV Masikap in 2024 through its subsidiary 2GO, SM further supports the government's push for medium-term growth through improved tourism infrastructure and ecosystem by improving the connection of goods to 19 ports nationwide, including Manila, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, and Iloilo.

About SM Investments Corporation

SM Investments Corporation is one of the leading Philippine companies that is invested in market-leading businesses in retail, banking, and property. It also invests in ventures that capture high growth opportunities in the emerging Philippine economy.

SM’s retail operations are the country’s largest and most diversified, consisting of grocery stores, department stores and specialty retail stores. SM’s property arm, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., is the largest integrated property developer in the Philippines with interests in malls, residences, offices, hotels, and convention centers as well as tourism-related property developments. SM’s interests in banking are in BDO Unibank, Inc., the country’s largest bank, and China Banking Corporation, the fourth largest private domestic bank.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com

For inquiries, please contact: smic_corpcomm@sminvestments.com 

SM Investments Receives Dual Accolades for Corporate Excellence and Sustainability

“We are grateful for the recognition and are inspired to continue to work even harder to grow responsibly and sustainably with the communities that we serve.” ~Frederic C. DyBuncio, President and Chief Executive Officer of SM Investments

SM Investments President and CEO Frederic C. DyBuncio holds SM’s double win from the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Awards.

SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments) was recently recognized at the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability Awards 2024 (ACES) as Asia's Most Influential Company and Top Sustainability Advocates in Asia. The ACES Council praised SM Investments' comprehensive approach to sustainability, which is integrated into all aspects of its operations. 

“Their influence extends beyond business operations, as they set benchmarks for sustainability in the Philippines and across Asia. By building integrated communities, fostering partnerships with MSMEs, and prioritizing corporate governance, SM Investments exemplifies leadership that positively impacts not just its stakeholders, but the broader socio-economic landscape.”

The council also highlighted SM Investments' commitment to renewable energy, as well as its emphasis on workforce diversity and inclusion. The company runs the Philippine Geothermal Production Company, which operates geothermal fields in Tiwi, Albay, and Makban, Quezon, as well as exploring additional sources in six provinces.

SM Investments, which employs over 130,000 people, is notable for its gender diversity, with women accounting for 63% of its workforce and 58% of leadership positions.

The ACES Awards, founded in 2014, aim to highlight Asian companies' achievements to the global business community, with support from a council of experts in academia, sustainability, and public policy.