Philippine Stock Market Weekly

In this podcast episode, Host and Business Development Section Head for Mindanao, JP Billones interviews our Market Consultant, Aaron Say - to help you make the most out of fundamental analysis, technical analysis, and how to build your own personalized trading system. Whether you're a seasoned trader or just starting your investment journey, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and invaluable insights to help you navigate the market with confidence. These and more, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

FirstMetroSec’s Adel Bermudez shares our updated insights on Globe Telecom Inc (GLO). Adel also discussed why shifting focus to core telco business is key for GLO. Adel also disclosed our new target price for the counter. These and more, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

FirstMetroSec’s Adel Bermudez shares our updated insights on PLDT Inc (TEL). Adel also discussed why TEL has solid market shares and compelling valuations. Adel also disclosed our new target price for TEL. These and more, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

FirstMetroSec’s Adel Bermudez shares our updated insights on Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. (CNVRG). Adel also discussed why CNVRG is well-positioned to leverage on current trends in fixed-line broadband. Adel also disclosed our new target price for CNVRG. These and more, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

In this episode, FirstMetroSec’s Visayas Business Development Officer, Monneth Pangatungan and Mindanao Section Head, JP Billones discussed the basics of tender offer. They also shared about the current Metro Pacific Investments Corporation tender offer and the options that shareholders' face and their implications. These and more, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

Time for another wrap-up! In this episode, Royce Aguilar, Department Head for Retail Research, discussed the reasons for the rally in global markets in June 2023 and why the PH has underperformed.

Find out what to anticipate in the coming months ad investors try to gauge the monetary policy in the U.S. Royce also shared the Research Team’s recent company updates.

Tune in to know our top picks and grab trading ideas from the Q&A portion.

To commemorate First Metro’s 60th Anniversary milestone, we are delighted to present a special episode of The Trading Room, featuring our very own Mr. Francisco Sebastian. Mr. Sebastian served as First Metro president from 1997 to 2011 and as chairman from 2011 to 2022. He is currently a senior adviser to the board of First Metro.

Listen to our insightful and engaging conversation with the man who made an indelible mark on the company’s growth and success.

Designed as a virtual talk show, The Trading Room engages the country’s foremost executives, policymakers, and market movers in a casual, more relaxed but insightful and informative conversation. Aside from a discussion on current topics and latest market developments, we also try to get to know the men and women behind their successes,  as well as learn from their wealth of experience. It is hosted by the head of our Sales & Distribution Group, Peter Bautista.

In this episode, FirstMetroSec’s Equity Research Associate Joan Batara discussed our updated insights on Monde Nissin Corp. Joan also shared why we further downgraded our estimates on MONDE and elaborated the instances on when we will turn bullish on the stock. Joan also disclosed our new target price for MONDE. These and more, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

FirstMetroSec’s Joan Batara shares our updated insights on Jollibee Foods Corp. Joan also discussed why JFC’s operating metrics (i.e. system-wide sales, margins, and free cash flow) are trending in the right direction. Joan also disclosed our new target price for JFC. These and more, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

FirstMetroSec’s Adel Bermudez discusses Globe Telecom, Inc.’s (GLO) earnings performance last first quarter of 2023. Adel reiterated that we continue to see downside pressure on GLO’s core telco businesses.

More of GLO’s earnings performance, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

FirstMetroSec’s Adel Bermudez has an update on PLDT, Inc. (TEL), this time regarding its earnings performance last first quarter of 2023. Adel reiterated our view that TEL can mitigate the impact of rising competition (esp. from mobile) to its earnings – thanks to its strong positioning in the fixed-line broadband segment.

More of TEL’s earnings performance, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

In this episode, Host and Equity Research Department Head for Retail Research, Royce Aguilar is joined by ATRAM Group's Multi-Asset Analyst Luis Miguel Lopa and Business Development Manager Ms. Ericka Ninon - to talk about their economic as well as global market outlook. ATRAM also shared their tips on the factors to consider in choosing a mutual fund. Lastly, ATRAM explained the benefits of having a UITF in one’s portfolio. These and more, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

Time for another wrap-up! In this episode, we discuss the stock market highlights in May 2023. Listen to Royce Aguilar as he shares the options should a company conduct a tender offer. Royce also discussed the updates on some of the companies they cover. Tune in to know our top picks this month and grab trading ideas from the Q&A, all in our latest episode.

Is it wise to buy into DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (PLUS)? In this episode, FirstMetroSec’s Royce Aguilar sits down with Andy Tsui, the President of PLUS, and talks about the measures the company implemented that lead to a turnaround in the first quarter of 2023.

The two also tackled about the reason for the recent change in corporate name as well as the plans moving forward for BingoPlus and the rest of its Retail business.

These and more, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

FirstMetroSec’s Adel Bermudez shares our updated insights on BDO Unibank, Inc. Adel also discussed that while BDO had strong results in the first quarter of 2023, we have three things we are keeping our eyes on. Adel also disclosed our new target price for BDO. These and more, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

In this episode, FirstMetroSec’s Equity Research Associate Adel Bermudez discussed our updated insights on Bank of the Philippine Islands. Adel also shared our take on the pending merger of BPI and Robinsons Bank. Adel also disclosed our new target price for BPI. These and more, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

In this economic briefing, the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development (ACERD) shared comprehensive updates on the macroeconomic performance of the Philippines. Hear it straight from the distinguished economists from ACERD and gain first access to their economic outlook and insights for the Philippines amid lingering global headwinds today.

In this Market Bites episode, FirstMetroSec’s Joan Batara talks about Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. Joan shares her thoughts on the acquisition of a 6.5% equity stake in the Bank of the Philippine Islands. She also shares FirstMetroSec’s new target price for RRHI. These and more, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

FirstMetroSec’s Adel Bermudez discusses why we think the fixed-line space will remain a tough market to penetrate for Globe Telecom, Inc. (GLO). Moreover, Adel explains why the mobile market share between GLO and PLDT Inc (TEL) appear to be closer than historical data suggests. Adel also shares our new target price for GLO.

In this Market Bites episode, FirstMetroSec’s Adel Bermudez talks about our updated outlook on Converge ICT Solutions, Inc. (CNVRG). Adel discusses the two factors we believe should merit accumulation of CNVRG on further price action weakness. Adel also shares our new target price for CNVRG.

In this Market Bites episode, FirstMetroSec’s Adel Bermudez discusses why we prefer to accumulate TEL at these levels. Adel also explains we think TEL can mitigate the impact of rising competition (esp. from mobile) to its earnings.

FirstMetroSec’s Joan Batara talks about our updated outlook on Puregold Price Club, Inc. (PGOLD). She explains that there are near-term pressures expected for the company from inflation, weak Peso, and pre-operating store expenses. She also shares FirstMetroSec’s new target price on PGOLD. These and more, only on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

Listen to First Metro Sec’s Department Head for Retail Research Royce Aguilar as he discusses why the PSEi rallied by nearly 2% last April 2023. He also shares the impact of a possible supply crunch of rice and sugar.

In this episode, IMI’s Global Head of Investor Relations and Business Development Finance, Brian Jalijali joins our host and Department Head for Retail Research Royce Aguilar to talk about the measures the company implemented to get pass through the COVID-19 pandemic and the global supply chain issues. The two also discussed the prospects of each of IMI’s segments (i.e. Automotive, Industrial, Aerospace/Defense, Consumer, Telco, and Medical). Tune in to learn more about IMI only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

Time for another wrap-up! In this episode, Royce Aguilar discusses what made the market move in the first quarter of 2023. Royce also dissected the timeline of the recent banking crisis in U.S. and Europe and elaborated on the reasons why it happened. Tune in to know our top picks this month and grab trading ideas from the Q&A, all in our latest episode.

In this Market Bites episode, FirstMetroSec’s Joan Batara discusses the company’s earnings growth expectations for Wilcon Depot, Inc.’s (WLCON) in 2023 and 2024. Joan also highlighted the key risks that can result to a slower growth for WLCON going forward. Get to know FirstMetroSec’s new target price on WLCON, these and more, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

In this type of tough market environment, most investors and traders find it hard to remain resilient, specifically when picking stocks as well as managing risks. In this episode, we invited Mr. Junie Banaag, who is recognized for his long-term track record of #1 in the management of equity funds. He has 30 years of experience in economics, industry and company analysis, valuation, portfolio construction and execution, and client management. Currently, he helps “small” investors in portfolio management or developing, formulating, and implementing investment strategies, managing risks, and remaining resilient when financial markets are performing poorly. Listen in as we discuss all you need to know about picking stocks at this kind of market environment in this episode of our podcast series.

In this episode, we discuss the stock market highlights in February 2023.

Listen to Royce Aguilar as he analyzes why the local market in February 2023 had offset the gains it posted last January 2023. He also shared First Metro Securities Research’s outlook for each of the key sectors in the PSE.

Tune in to know our top picks and grab trading ideas from the Q&A, all in our latest episode.

In this episode, Premiere Island Power REIT Corporation (PREIT) Investor Relations Officer Kitto Jacinto joins our host and Department Head for Retail Research Royce Aguilar to talk about the company’s missionary electrification operations.  Royce was able to ask PREIT about the company’s differentiating factor vs other REITs in the market.  Tune in to learn more about PREIT only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

FirstMetroSec’s Joan Batara discusses our earnings growth forecast for EMI driven primarily by the sustained rise in revenue contribution of the whiskey segment resulting in margin recovery in the next two years. However, we are of the view that EMI’s domestic business will continue to be under pressure amid shifting consumer preferences in favour of other spirit categories and rising competition. Joan will also explain our target price and call for EMI.

In this Market Bites episode, FirstMetroSec’s Joan Batara discusses why we like FB as a branded food & beverage (F&B) powerhouse – with its dominant market leadership across food, beer, and spirits businesses. Joan also explains our new target price on FB as valuations have de-rated since COVID. On a positive note, Joan elaborates why at current levels, FB offers an attractive entry point.

Energy? Water? Toll Roads? Agriculture?

In this episode, FirstMetroSec’s Royce Aguilar sits down with Metro Pacific Investments Corp.’s (MPI) Vice President for Investor Relations, Maricris Aldover-Ysmael, to discuss the company’s outlook on some of its business segments. The two also go over the risks the company is on the lookout for.

Tune in to learn more about MPI only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

FirstMetroSec’s Equity Research Analyst, Alyssa Alamar shares our updated insights on MREIT including our new target price for the company. Alyssa elaborates why MREIT is among our top REIT picks for 2023, as the sector should benefit from a Fed pivot/pause.  

FirstMetroSec’s Equity Research Analyst, Alyssa Alamar shares our updated insights on RCR as well as why we have confidence that stable organic growth is embedded in RCR’s portfolio without factoring asset injections. Alyssa elaborates why RCR is among our top REIT picks for 2023, as the company should benefit from a Fed pivot/pause. 

FirstMetroSec’s Adel Bermudez is back to discuss why the SIM registration is a step in the right direction but has material implications on telco players. Adel also explains why TEL and CNVRG are in better position versus GLO.

In this Market Bites episode, FirstMetroSec’s Equity Research Associate Peter Garnace shares our insights on our coverage, Citicore Energy REIT Corp. Peter discusses on how CREIT stands out among the REITs in our coverage. Peter also points out how CREIT has a unique business model with large headroom for growth.

In this Market Bites episode, FirstMetroSec's Equity Research Associate Adel Bermudez discusses First Metro Securities’ updated outlook on Security Bank Corp. She explains how SECB’s valuations are undemanding vis-à-vis SECB’s strong capital position and earnings growth trajectory. Adel also shares First Metro Securities’ new target price for SECB.

FirstMetroSec’s Joan Batara talks about Century Pacific Food, Inc.  (CNPF). She explains why the company’s diversified product portfolio is well positioned to capture changing consumer preferences and weather macroeconomic headwinds. She also shares FirstMetroSec’s new target price on CNPF. These and more, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

In this episode, Shakey's Pizza Asia Ventures, Inc.’s (PIZZA) President and Chief Executive Officer Vicente Gregorio joins our host and Equity Research Deputy Head for Retail Royce Aguilar to talk about how the company retains its market leadership despite the inflationary environment.

The two also talked about PIZZA’s other brands (Peri-Peri & Potato Corner) and how they fit in the company’s overall strategy.

Listen to Royce Aguilar as he analyzes the main reasons why the PSEi rallied by more than 10% in the month of November. He also discusses two new buy calls investors can consider buying amidst the current market environment.

In this Market Bites episode, FirstMetroSec’s Equity Research Associate, Adel Bermudez elaborates on why we are underweight on the Philippine telco sector and why we have downgraded our target prices across our telco coverage. Nonetheless, the recent selloff offers an opportunity to enter on select stocks with specific catalysts, which, in our view, can mitigate the impact of rising competition in the core telco segments. Learn more about which stocks are those here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly!

Time for another wrap-up! In this episode, we dissect what made the local market rally in October 2022.

Find out what to anticipate in the coming months as investors try to gauge the monetary policy of the U.S. and Philippines. He also shares several factors on why the Hang Seng Index (from Hong Kong) dropped by the most since 2008 last October.

Tune in to know our top picks this month and grab trading ideas from the Q&A portion.

In this Market Bites episode, FirstMetroSec’s Alyssa Alamar talks about Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC). She shares her key takeaways from her Bridgetowne site visit. She also discusses why she thinks Bridgetowne is underappreciated by the market and why she sees long term earnings runway for the group. These and more, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

FirstMetroSec’s Joan Batara talks about Wilcon Depot, Inc. (WLCON). She explains why WLCON’s topline appears to be stronger in the third quarter of 2022. She also shares why WLCON’s higher inventory cover is good use of cash under the current environment. These and more, only here on Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

POGO exodus? Higher interest rates’ effect to the residential sector? Malls back to pre-COVID levels?

Leechiu Property Consultants, Inc.’s co-founder and CEO David Leechiu joins our host and Deputy Head for Retail Research Royce Aguilar for an elaborate discussion focusing on the different segments of the Philippine property sector so far: residential, office, retail, and industrial. This episode also features David’s general recommendation for property investors, both for those already invested and those planning to buy their first property.

Plus, learn about Leechiu Property Consultants, Inc.’s views and gain insights on the local property scene in this episode of the Philippine Stock Market Weekly.

In this episode, we discuss the reasons for the PSEi’s biggest monthly drop since March 2020.

Royce Aguilar also delves into the reasons why the US Dollar is outperforming against other currencies. He also defines credit default swaps and shares more stocks picks.

Time for another wrap-up! In this episode, we discuss the stock market highlights in August 2022.

Listen to Royce Aguilar as he analyzes the equity market’s strong performance in the month of August. He also dissected the earnings performance of different sectors in the index. Plus, find out what to watch out for as we enter the Ber months.

Tune in to know our top picks this month and grab trading ideas from the Q&A, all in our latest episode.

In this episode, we are joined by Citicore Energy REIT Corp. (CREIT).

CREIT is at the forefront of driving the green agenda in the Philippines’ real estate industry.  

Tune into this episode as CREIT management shares their ongoing projects, strategies, and plans for building sustainable and modern communities and what this means to you as an investor.

In this episode, you can hear from Francis Suarez, CFO, and Joey Crisol, Head of Investor Relations of GTCAP. The team shared the company’s current assessment of the business environment post-pandemic, including the future of banking, automotive, property, infrastructure, and insurance.

Hosted by Royce Aguilar, Equity Research Deputy Head for Retail.

In this episode, we dived into why the local and global markets rallied in July 2022 despite the several risks.

Royce Aguilar talks about the pros and cons of a weak Philippine Peso plus how to take advantage of the recent PSEi rebalancing. He also shares which economic data to watch out for in this eventful August.