Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Service revenues net of interconnection reached $145.9 billion, up 1% year on year, driven by steady demand across fiber, data, and ICT [4][6] - Cash operating expenses, subsidies, and provisions decreased by 2%, reflecting the company's focus on spending control [4][16] - EBITDA rose 3% to $82.8 billion with margins steady at 52% amidst higher revenues and lower operating expenses [4][17] - Telco core income was $5.3 billion, down 5% mainly due to higher depreciation and financing costs from network and IT investments [5][18] - Core income remained stable at $25.8 billion, supported by Maya's sustained profitability [5][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fiber revenues grew 7%, reflecting solid demand for reliable connectivity [6][10] - Mobile data and fixed wireless revenues were up 1%, with fixed wireless showing strong momentum with an 18% year-on-year increase [6][15] - Corporate Data and ICT revenues grew 2%, with ICT services alone growing 27% year on year [7][13] - Home revenues grew 4% year on year, driven mainly by continued fiber demand [10][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The enterprise segment returned to growth in the third quarter, with corporate data and ICT up 5% year on year [9][13] - Government and public sector projects began to ramp up after election-related delays, contributing to the growth in enterprise revenues [7][13] - The number of 5G devices increased by 39% year on year, driving higher data usage and improved customer experience [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company continues to invest in new cell sites, LTE and 5G upgrades, home fiber ports, data center development, and submarine cables to strengthen network quality and support growth [20] - PLDT launched Filipinas AI, the country's first sovereign AI platform, to enable enterprises to build and deploy AI models locally [14][89] - The company is focused on asset monetization programs, including a potential REIT listing for its data center [71] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining positive free cash flow into 2026, supported by lower CapEx and asset monetization [22][70] - The government is expected to continue investing in digital connectivity, which is seen as a priority for future growth [46] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining profitability amidst a competitive environment, with a focus on disciplined growth [17][18] Other Important Information - Maya's net income for the third quarter was $532 million, with significant growth in deposits and loans [24][25] - The company recorded a $1.1 billion in proceeds from tower sales and completed a $20.5 billion final dividend payment for 2024 [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What were the main drivers for the drop in Maya's net income for the period? - The drop was attributed to the removal of gaming links and the launch of new credit products, which will have some provision impact in the near term [33][34] Question: How do you see the KPA and IRRs impacting profitability and investment profile? - The law aims for cheaper internet and wider coverage, but lacks obligations for new entrants to build infrastructure, raising concerns about its effectiveness [36][54] Question: What is driving the difference in performance in the mobile segment? - Smart Wireless Group achieved flattish growth year to date, with improved ARPU due to targeted customer acquisition strategies [39][40] Question: Are you seeing sustained uptick in government projects into the fourth quarter? - Continued demand from government agencies is expected, with investments in digital connectivity prioritized [42][46] Question: What is the status of the asset monetization programs? - The company is in talks for a 49% stake sale in its data center and exploring a REIT listing [71][92]