OceanaGold, PNB, Synergy top PSE gainers in 2025
The local index ended 2025 in negative territory due to heavy foreign selling and economic growth fears. Despite the overall slump, a few of them still emerged victorious.
International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), led by tycoon Enrique Razon Jr., logged a 46.89 percent gain, with its share price at the last trading session at P567 from a year ago’s P386.
ICTSI’s global diversification shielded it from the weak performance of the local bourse.
The port operator owns or operates facilities in 19 countries across three regions, with Asia contributing the highest in terms of port revenues.
ICTSI, dubbed the world’s biggest independent cargo port firm, now boasts of P1.12 trillion in market capitalization, making it the most valuable company in the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE).
Another Razon firm—Manila Water Co., a water utility operator in the East Zone of Metro Manila and Rizal—saw a 49.26-percent gain.
Taipan Lucio Tan was also a big winner as his LT Group Inc. and Philippine National Bank (PNB) were also listed as top gainers, amounting to 40.76 percent and 96.39 percent, respectively.
PNB, the second-biggest gainer, saw its shares rise as the appointment of veteran banker Edwin Bautista in April 2025 boosted management and removed succession overhang.
But the best performer in 2025 was OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc., rallying by 129.67 percent on the back of a dizzying upsurge in global gold prices to record highs.
The third best performer was Synergy Grid & Development Phils. Inc., which rallied by 68.98 percent.
In early 2025, it signed a deal to bring in Maharlika Investment Corp. as a strategic investor in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.
Other winners were:
• RL Commercial REIT Inc. (+37.09 percent);
• Cosco Capital Inc. (+29.93 percent);
• Asia United Bank Corp. (+27.48 percent) and
• Puregold Price Club (+23.18 percent).
“Majority of the performers of 2025 was able to show robust earnings growth … Even DigiPlus at one point led the market in terms of share performance before its earnings growth outlook was cut amid the government’s move to tighten regulations,” Ron Acoba, chief investment strategist at Trading Edge Consultancy, told Inquirer on Monday.
These firms bucked the 7.29-percent decline in the Philippine Stock Exchange Index last year. Market optimism was bruised by several issues, particularly last year’s massive corruption scandal, 10 companies posted significant gains.
Big losers
While there were winners, the bourse likewise saw major laggards, like the online gaming firm DigiPlus Interactive Corp., shedding 40.33 percent.
“Slower momentum from disrupted player engagement, delayed Brazil operations, and operational hurdles weighed on investor sentiment, outweighing the positive effect of index inclusion and driving the steep share price decline,” Unicapital Securities Inc. said.
Wilcon Depot Inc. realized a drop of 51.33 percent, while Philippine Seven Corp. saw a 45.43 percent decrease.
Bloomberry Resorts Corp. suffered a 44.54-percent decline as the absence of high rollers continued to batter casinos.
D&L Industries Inc. fell 36.78 percent.
Fast-food chain giant Jollibee Foods Corp. was also not saved, dropping 33.09 percent.
Other losers were Monde Nissin Corp., ACEN Corp., Globe Telecom and Security Bank Corp.
“For 2026, a lot hinges on whether consumer and business confidence will recover especially following the recent government scandal,” Acoba added.
The PSEi kicked off the new year on a positive note on the back of improvement in the local factory activity and hopes for a better economy.
