PLDT(PHI)2025-03-13 15:49Financial Performance - Adjusted EBITDA is monitored by management for each business unit separately, and it is presented as a key performance indicator to assist investors in analyzing the performance of PLDT[35]. - Core income for PLDT is defined as net income attributable to equity holders, excluding certain non-recurring items, and is used for resource allocation and performance assessment[36]. - Telco core income is adjusted for specific losses and is a basis for determining dividend payouts to shareholders[37]. - The company reported total revenues of Php216,833 million (approximately US558 million) for the year ended December 31, 2024[156]. Dividends - Total dividends declared for 2023 amounted to Php 20,525 million, with a per share dividend of Php 95[41]. - The company declared a total of Php 28,951 million in dividends for 2022, with a per share dividend of Php 134[41]. - In 2024, PLDT plans to declare dividends totaling Php 20,958 million, with a per share dividend of Php 97[41]. Market Competition - The company faces increased competition in the telecommunications sector, which may impact market share and profitability[46]. - The mobile telecommunications industry is experiencing intense price competition, particularly in data services, affecting customer experience and pricing strategies[47]. - Regulatory changes, such as the amendment to the Public Service Act, may increase competition and impact customer retention[48]. - The amendment to the Public Service Act allows for increased foreign investment but may also enable competition from foreign telecommunications companies[67]. - In 2022, the amendment to the Public Service Act removed the 40% foreign ownership restriction on telecommunications companies, increasing competition[83]. Technology and Innovation - The company is actively integrating AI into its operations, starting with a smart voice AI solution to enhance payment collections and improve employee productivity[55]. - The Philippine government is developing regulations for AI technologies, which may impose obligations and costs related to monitoring and compliance[56]. - The introduction of new prepaid eSIMs and digital delivery of eSIMs in 2023 supports the growth of mobile services, enhancing customer experience and engagement[181]. Infrastructure and Investments - The company has entered into agreements with vendors to upgrade and modernize significant portions of its IT infrastructure, but completion on schedule is not guaranteed[60]. - The company secured Php1.0 billion and Php4.0 billion Green Loan Facilities to fund the modernization and expansion of its fiber network, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2030[160]. - A Php2.0 billion Social Loan Facility was obtained to expand network fiber to underserved municipalities, aligning with government connectivity initiatives[161]. - The company invested Php840 million in Kayana, representing a 60% equity interest, to enhance digitalization initiatives within the MVP Group[163]. - On April 30, 2024, the company invested Php2,116 million for a 34.9% equity interest in Radius Telecom, Inc. to enhance market share[165]. - The company increased its ownership in MIH from 36.97% to 37.66% through a US$15.3 million investment in convertible preferred shares[166]. - The company sold a 4.99% equity interest in Multisys for Php270 million, retaining a 45.73% interest and continuing to consolidate its financial results[167]. Customer Base and Services - As of December 31, 2024, the company served 66.6 million users across mobile, fixed line, and data services[154]. - The total mobile subscriber base reached 58,989,807 as of December 31, 2024, reflecting a growth of 2% in prepaid subscribers and 5% in postpaid subscribers compared to the previous year[176][177]. - Mobile data services accounted for 89% of the wireless consumer segment revenues, with mobile internet revenues increasing by Php3,793 million, or 5%, to Php75,061 million from Php71,268 million in 2023[169][178]. - PLDT Home serves 3.3 million subscribers nationwide as of December 31, 2024, positioning itself as the leading home broadband service provider in the Philippines[204]. Operational Challenges - The company faces declining revenues from traditional services due to the growing use of mobile data and competition from alternative technologies[52]. - Limitations in frequency spectrum availability could negatively impact service quality and competitiveness, affecting customer retention[94][95]. - Cybersecurity threats pose significant risks to operations, with potential legal and financial repercussions from successful attacks[107]. - The company faces challenges in timely installation and maintenance of telecommunications facilities, which could adversely affect market share and service quality[101][102]. - Compliance with varying international data protection regulations may incur substantial costs and impact business practices[91]. Financial Risks - The company has significant internal cash requirements for debt service, capital expenditures, and operating expenses, which may limit its ability to pay dividends to the parent company[122]. - The company is vulnerable to fluctuations in the Philippine peso against the U.S. dollar, which could increase its U.S. dollar-denominated obligations[115]. - The company may incur significant costs due to potential new environmental legislation and regulations introduced by the Philippine Government[110]. - The company faces risks from climate change, which could increase the frequency and severity of natural disasters, impacting operations and supply chains[108]. - The company may face difficulties in funding capital expenditures if it cannot secure financing on acceptable terms[112]. Governance and Legal Matters - The company is involved in various legal proceedings that may materially impact its financial condition and operating results[135]. - Smart received a subpoena from the PCC Competition Enforcement Office related to an ongoing investigation in the telecommunications industry, submitting relevant corporate documents[82]. - House Bill 9021 mandates refunds for internet service outages lasting 24 hours or more, requiring significant operational adjustments for compliance[84][86]. - House Bill 10289 institutionalizes a roll-over data allocation scheme for ISPs, necessitating substantial capital and operational expenditures for compliance[87]. - The KP Act, if enacted, will liberalize the telecommunications sector by removing legislative franchise requirements, potentially reshaping market dynamics[88]. Strategic Partnerships - PLDT's strategic partnerships with institutional investors like First Pacific and NTT DOCOMO enhance its market position and product offerings[171]. - Smart enhances PLDT Enterprise's portfolio with IoT solutions, driving operational efficiency through advanced analytics and connected devices[227].