Rising demand for power generation, renewable energy and premium real estate development means bright prospects for First Philippine Holdings Corporation, one of the leading conglomerates listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange.
As investors are eyeing opportunities to participate in the country’s development. Burgeoning economic activities have spurred demand for everything from power generation and renewable energy to new roads, industrial parks and other vital forms of infrastructure. Meanwhile, key reforms undertaken by the government of Benigno Aquino III have made it more attractive for foreign investors to take part in the country’s future.
First Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPH) is one of the leading conglomerates in the Philippines. With more than 50 years of experience in pioneering major infrastructure projects such as power, toll ways, industrial parks, and property development it is uniquely placed to be the partner of choice for foreign investors. “Our core businesses are geared to support the country’s potential as it takes its place among the world’s fastest-growing economies,” says chairman and chief executive Federico R. Lopez.
The Lopez family is well-established in the Philippines. In 1961, Eugenio Lopez Sr., acquired Meralco from its American owners and built it into the largest Filipino-run electric utility. In 1969, he launched the country’s first oil transport pipeline. A year later, he set up the country’s first transformer manufacturing facility. The same entrepreneurial flair and commitment to business excellence and integrity are at the heart of the group’s success today.
Through First Gen, FPH operates the world’s largest geothermal energy company, the Energy Development Corporation (EDC). First Gen is also involved in natural gas, hydro and wind power generation. It currently has an installed capacity of 2,763 megawatts (MW). This provides clean energy to 17 percent of the Philippines, making First Gen the leading clean and renewable energy company in the country
A leader in property, too
It is not only in the energy sector that the group is working to make a better future. In property, FPH operates First Philippine Industrial Park, a joint venture with Sumitomo Corporation of Japan. This 457-hectare economic zone has become the premier industrial park in the country. Meanwhile Rockwell Land, the group’s other property business, pioneers innovative urban projects that comprise mixed-use residential and commercial development. Philippine demographics make the country one of the youngest populations in Asia with a median age of 23. The result is likely to be rising demand for industrial parks and quality spaces in which to live and work. A fast-growing population should also be good news for FPH’s construction, manufacturing and engineering interests.
Policies introduced by the Aquino government are broadly supportive of stable growth. Better still, the government has shown a new found determination to address infrastructure bottlenecks in the country and to boost tax collection, introduce greater fiscal discipline and improve accountability.
Just how far the country has come in a short time is demonstrated by the fact that the Philippines is now the fastest-growing economy in the region after China. It’s a situation that would have been difficult to imagine a decade ago. FPH is committed to investing in businesses that improve the lives of the Philippine people whilst delivering solid returns to its shareholders.
Investor Contact
Emelita D. Sabella
Vice President
Finance and Investor Relations
First Philippine Holdings Corporation
Telephone: (632) 6313845 / 4496081
Fax No. (632) 6314089 / 9103101
EDSabella@fphc.com, InvRel@fphc.com