The Sy family’s flagship SM Investments Corp. (SMIC) is aiming to continue its leading position in the retail, property, and banking industries in the next 20 years by venturing into new regions in the Philippines.
In a statement, the firm said it is marking two decades of transformative growth as a publicly listed company on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). SM listed on March 22, 2005, with an adjusted price of ₱123.27 per share.
Compared to the March 21, 2025, closing price of ₱800 apiece, shares of SM have grown by 549 percent in the last two decades. Over the course of 20 years, SM’s assets grew by 900 percent, delivering a compounded annual growth of 12 percent.
In his remarks during the listing anniversary ceremony at the PSE, SMIC President and CEO Frederic C. DyBuncio said SM is focused on creating long-term value for investors.
“The next 20 years will see SM continue to lead in retail, property, and banking, while expanding into new regions where growth is accelerating, especially in provincial areas,” he said.
The group’s remarkable growth is a testament to SM’s unwavering commitment to the Filipino people and the vision of its founder, Henry Sy Sr.
“Over the past two decades, we’ve consistently created value, delivering steady returns to our investors while expanding opportunities for our people and communities. This legacy of growth and value creation continues to drive us forward,” DyBuncio said.
SM believes its growth is rooted in firm governance and responsible practices with its board composition predominantly composed of independent directors, providing strategic guidance to the direction of the company.
“We continue to invest in green infrastructure, embrace innovation, and support communities across the Philippines. At SM, we are focused on building a responsible, sustainable future for the generations to come,” DyBuncio said.
SM Prime Holdings Inc. is earmarking ₱100 billion this year for its malls, residences, and hotels, driven by expectations of sustained growth in consumer demand and corporate activity.
Meanwhile, SMIC announced a $1 billion buyback program, the largest and first-ever in its corporate history.
“Our buyback program is a clear signal of our confidence in the future of both SM and the Philippine market. We believe in our country’s potential and in the enduring value SM will continue to create for its shareholders,” DyBuncio said.
In 2024, SM expanded by 619 retail stores, two malls, and 73 bank branches, with over 85 percent of its footprint in the provinces. This brings SM’s total footprint to 87 malls, 4,470 retail stores, and 2,441 bank branches by the end of 2024.
As SM expands, it broadens access to different markets and enhances synergies across its businesses.
“We will continue to expand opportunities for Filipinos, providing greater access to modern retail, banking and integrated property developments that will help foster community, innovation, and sustainability for the next generation,” DyBuncio said.
Henry Sy Sr. had believed that business growth and social progress go hand in hand. Guided by this principle, and through the SM Foundation, the group granted 6,619 college scholarships, built 110 school buildings, trained 32,359 farmers, served 1,314,118 patients through medical missions, and improved 216 health and wellness centers to date.
“As we look to the future, we remain focused on inclusivity and empowerment. Our brand promise, ‘We’ve got it all for you,’ has served us well for years. But as we move forward, we aim to build an SM for All, one that reaches and benefits every Filipino, ensuring that our growth is shared by all,” DyBuncio said.