SMIC focuses on flexibility, hikes dividend payout

MANILA, Philippines — SM Investments Corp. (SMIC), the parent company of the Sy family’s SM Group, is focusing on maintaining its flexibility to ensure sustained growth amid volatilities.

“We remain conscious that the environment is changing and we should be alert to the changes, both in terms of what is happening on the trade side as well as what is happening on the market side, the markets that we serve,” SMIC chairman Amando Tetangco Jr. said during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting yesterday.

“So generally, to be resilient, I think we need to be flexible in shifting conditions and protect long-term growth,” he said.

As one of the leading and largest Philippine companies, SMIC has investments in market-leading businesses in retail, banking and property as well as in ventures that capture high growth opportunities.

“Now in the case of SM, the company, the core businesses in particular retail, banking and property are closely tied to the domestic economy and the everyday needs of Filipinos. These sectors continue to show stability and relevance, even as market conditions change as consumption patterns continue to evolve,” Tetangco said. 

Tetangco said  SMIC is positioning itself to meet new demands while preserving the strengths that have anchored the group over the decades. 

“Our focus is to remain agile, maintain financial discipline and stay well positioned for sustainable growth for the group,” he said.

SMIC president and CEO Frederic DyBuncio said all of the group’s core businesses are expected to continue growing this year, with most of the growth coming from the provincial businesses.

SMIC’s board of directors  approved an increase in shareholder dividends to P13 per share for this year, composed of P11 per share in regular dividends and P2 per share in special dividends – up 44 percent from P9 per share in 2024. 

The group said the move underscores its sustained focus on creating and returning value to its shareholders.

Shareholders on record as of May 16, 2025 will receive the dividends on May 29, 2025.

“This marks the fourth straight year of dividend increases,” DyBuncio said.

“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,” he said.

As part of its commitment to good governance, SMIC also elected Marife Zamora as a new female independent director to the board.

She joins Lilly Gruba as the second female independent director.

Zamora’s election ensures that SMIC’s  board continues to maintain a majority of independent directors, exceeding regulatory standards and reinforcing the group’s commitment to good governance.

Zamora brings decades of leadership in telecommunications, insurance, and business process outsourcing

“SM mirrors the energy and growth journey of the Philippine economy. I look forward to contributing to a growing company deeply committed to independence and strong corporate governance,” Zamora said.