GMA claims dominance in airwaves, online

 

BY JAMES A. LOYOLA

  

---

Amid challenges faced by traditional media and competition from web-based services, local media giant GMA Network remains the undisputed leader on air and online for the full year 2023. 

Nielsen TV Audience Measurement (TAM) ratings data from January to December 2023 show that GMA – together with GTV and digital channels I Heart Movies, Heart of Asia, Pinoy Hits, and Hallypop – tallied a combined people net reach of 94 percent or a projected total of 73 million viewers in Total Philippines. 

The network’s main channel, GMA 7, remained the most dominant channel in Total Philippines, with a 93 percent net reach, or a projected total of 72 million viewers nationwide.

Meanwhile, GMA Network's flagship AM and FM radio stations maintained their top-ranking positions in 2023.

Super Radyo DZBB 594 recorded an audience share of 29.9 percent last year based on Nielsen Radio Audience Measurement (RAM) data, while closest competitor DZRH 666 tallied 28.9 percent. 

The AM station’s successful performance extended beyond Mega Manila, with Super Radyo Iloilo emerging as the number one AM station in 2023 with a total audience share of 46.9 percent. 

Barangay LS 97.1 Forever led other FM stations by a wide margin, averaging a 42.5 percent audience share against Love Radio 95.1’s 15.5 percent.

GMA’s FM stations ruled the airwaves outside Mega Manila as well. In Baguio, Barangay 92.7 (DWRA) recorded an audience share of 38 percent. 

Listeners to Barangay FM 93.5 (DWTL) in Dagupan likewise tallied an audience of 44.5 percent. In Western Visayas, Barangay 93.5 (DYMK) Iloilo drew a 70.5 percent audience share.

GMA currently operates 108 TV stations and 21 radio stations throughout the Philippines, with more to come in 2024. Further strengthening its presence across different regions in the country through GMA Regional TV, the Network launched GMA Ilocos Norte, its 12th regional station, in March 2023. 

Besides analog broadcast stations, the Network has also ventured into more digital and online platforms with the aim of making information even more accessible. 

Based on Tubular Labs data, social media video views for all GMA online properties drew billions of views from January to December 2023. 

Consolidated online viewership numbers reached 26.9 billion on Facebook and 8.9 billion on TikTok, as opposed to ABS-CBN’s pages, which got 20.8 billion views on Facebook and 7.9 billion on TikTok.

GMA Integrated News and GMA Public Affairs' social media pages drew billions of views from the same period. Online viewership numbers for these properties reached a total 21.9 billion views.

The umbrella account of GMA Integrated News alone drew 5.3 billion views, versus ABS-CBN News' 2.2 billion views. Meanwhile, GMA Public Affairs’ online platforms generated 13.9 billion views across popular social media platforms: 9.7 billion from Facebook, 2.5 billion from TikTok, and 1.7 billion from YouTube.

In total, GMA Integrated News and GMA Public Affairs properties boast a staggering following of over 220 million across social media platforms.

Stocks rise as window-dressing starts

BY JAMES A. LOYOLA

Aug 29, 2023 04:38 PM

  

---

The local stock market rose in late trading as funds start window dressing for the month’s end.

The main index jumped 64.39 points or 1.05 percent to close at 6,225 as the Services sector led all indices in the advance. Volume rose to 395 million shares worth P5.63 billion but losers still beat gainers at 89 to 85 with 53 unchanged. 

“Philippine shares opened the week higher as trading gear up for window dressing,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan. 

He noted that, “on the data front, investors await data on home prices, job openings and consumer confidence will also be due Tuesday morning in the US.”

Philstocks Financial Assistant Research Manager Claire Alviar said, “the local bourse gained due to last minute bargain hunting. Investors took the opportunity to buy around 6,150 support areas, following the sharp decline last week.”

“Moreover, positive cues from Wall Street overnight helped lift the sentiment in Asia, including in the Philippines,” she added.

Stocks jump on strong corporate earnings

BY JAMES A. LOYOLA

  

---

The local stock market rose further as investors were cheered by early corporate earnings reports.

The main index jumped 71.59 points or 1.09 percent to close at 6,613.50 as Banks led the rally with only the Services sector in the red. Volume improved to 518 million shares worth P4.52 billion as gainers beat losers 99 to 81 with 44 unchanged.

“Philippine shares climbed higher again, buoyed by stronger-than-expected second quarter earnings results locally and regionally,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.

He added that, “The latter creating optimism for a soft landing for the economy.”

Philstocks Financial Research and Engagement Officer Mikhail Plopenio said “The local market climbed as investors took cues from Wall Street’s positive performance overnight amid optimism towards second quarter corporate results in the US. At home, the strong sscond quarter 2023 earnings report from BPI also sparked hopes towards the Philippine corporate sector’s earnings season.“

“Moreover, ADB’s projection that the Philippines will be the fastest growing economy for 2023 and 2024 in Southeast Asia boosted sentiment,” he noted.

Former rivals GMA, ABS-CBN jointly producing tv series

by James A. Loyola

GMA Network and ABS-CBN Corporation, formerly stiff rivals in the broadcasting industry, have sealed a new historic partnership for the co-production of a groundbreaking television series.

In a statement, the two multi-media giants said the romantic-drama series titled “Unbreak My Heart” will be filmed in Switzerland and will air on GMA this year.

It will also stream in 15 territories outside of the Philippines on Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional over-the-top video streaming service.

The partnership was made official during a contract signing held at ABS-CBN with top officials from the three companies led by GMA Senior Vice-President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Groups Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer of Broadcast Cory Vidanes, and Viu Philippines Deputy Country Manager Vinchi Sy-Quia.

“It’s a first for Philippine TV and I’m sure it’s the audience that will be the winners in this collaboration. We’re very excited to be working with ABS-CBN on TV for the first time,” said Gozon.

Vidanes noted that, “This is a milestone in the industry. We’re thankful for this opportunity and we’re very happy to work with GMA to serve our audiences. We unite as one team. We never imagined that this was going to happen.”

“Today, we are able to proudly showcase that on our platform with premium Filipino content not just for Filipino audiences but also for global audiences to appreciate and enjoy. This is with a vision of bringing the best of the Filipino talent on-cam and off-cam to the world,” said Viu Philippines Content Partnerships Head Garlic Garcia.

Actress Jodi Sta. Maria said “This collaboration will really bring in opportunities not only to the networks, but for the people working in the network, for the people in the industry.”

“I’m really proud, honored, and excited to be part of this show which is history in the making since this is the first time that two network giants will be working with each other. Of course I’m also excited to be working with Jodi again and all the other people in the cast,” said actor Richard Yap. It will also stream in 15 territories outside of the Philippines on Viu, PCCW’s leading pan-regional over-the-top video streaming service.

The partnership was made official during a contract signing held at ABS-CBN with top officials from the three companies led by GMA Senior Vice-President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide, and Support Groups Atty. Annette Gozon-Valdes, ABS-CBN Chief Operating Officer of Broadcast Cory Vidanes, and Viu Philippines Deputy Country Manager Vinchi Sy-Quia.

It’s a first for Philippine TV and I’m sure it’s the audience that will be the winners in this collaboration. We’re very excited to be working with ABS-CBN on TV for the first time,” said Gozon.

Vdanes noted that, “This is a milestone in the industry. We’re thankful for this opportunity and we’re very happy to work with GMA to serve our audiences. We unite as one team. We never imagined that this was going to happen.”

“Today, we are able to proudly showcase that on our platform with premium Filipino content not just for Filipino audiences but also for global audiences to appreciate and enjoy. This is with a vision of bringing the best of the Filipino talent on-cam and off-cam to the world,” said Viu Philippines Content Partnerships Head Garlic Garcia.

Actress Jodi Sta. Maria said “This collaboration will really bring in opportunities not only to the networks, but for the people working in the network, for the people in the industry.”

“I’m really proud, honored, and excited to be part of this show which is history in the making since this is the first time that two network giants will be working with each other. Of course I’m also excited to be working with Jodi again and all the other people in the cast,” said actor Richard Yap.

PSEI rises above 7,000 level

by James A. Loyola

The local stock market breezed past the 7,000 resistance level as foreign funds bought Philippine shares on expectations of milder US rate hikes.

The main index rose 93.94 points or 1.35 percent to close at 7,045.48, after breaching 7,100 intraday, as Banks led the rally while the Services and Mining sectors yielded to profit taking. Volume was higher at 1.11 billion shares worth P10.23 billion as gainers beat losers 138 to 65 with 46 unchanged.  

“Philippine shares touched the 7,000 level after so many months as foreign funds continued to make bets into our economy, as conviction remained high that the country would be one of the best performers in 2023,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.

Philstocks Financial Assistant Research Manager Claire Alviar said “The local bourse surged amid expectation that the Federal Reserve will be less aggressive in its rate hikes following the cooled inflation in the US.”

She added that, “The strengthening of the peso against the US Dollar lifted the market as well. Moreover, foreigners helped lift the index, registering a net inflow of P1.08 billion.“

Stocks rally past the 6,600 level

by James A. Loyola

The local stock market finished strong after a sluggish start to end the week at the 6,600 level as foreign buying continued.

The main index rose 77.43 points or 1.17 percent to close at 6,606.94 with the Property sector leading the rally although the Industrial counter lagged behind. Volume grew to 489 million shares worth P7.14 billion as gainers topped losers 100 to 69 with 42 unchanged. 

PSE

“The Philippine market remained upbeat as investors continued to assess the latest meeting minutes and its implications,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.

He noted that, “The latter signaled that the central bank is seeing progress in its fight against high inflation and is looking to slow the pace of rate hikes, meaning smaller ones through the end of this year and into 2023.”

Philstocks Financial Research Manager Japhet Tantiangco said “The local market extended its rally this Friday still due to expectations that the Federal Reserve and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas will take a slower pace in their monetary tightening.”

He added that, “Investors also digested the Philippines’ October foreign portfolio investments which registered a net inflow of $83.44 million.”

Stocks rise as market turning bullish

by James A. Loyola, MB

The local stock market continued to rise on fresh corporate earnings reports as well as the easing of inflation rate in the US announced last week.

The main index added 67.99 points or 1.08 percent to close at 6,354.76 as Conglomerates led the advance although the Mining and Oil counter retreated. Volume improved to 634 million shares worth P5.65 billion as gainers beat losers 103 to 85 with 39 unchanged. 

PSE

“Philippine shares picked up from last week, continuing their ascent after stellar corporate earnings and growth data encouraged investors to buy into the markt,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.

Philstocks Financial Assistant Research Manager Claire Alviar said “The PSEi continued its bullish momentum this Monday, amid good third-quarter earnings, so far, and positive spillover from Wall Street as investors cheered the slowdown of the October inflation rate.”

She noted that, “So far, the sentiment at home is turning bullish. Market participation has improved as well. Moreover, the PSEi’s short-term movement is an uptrend, with the 50-day exponential moving average pointing upwards already.”

Stocks to continue riding on higher earnings

by James A. Loyola, MB

The local stock market is seen to continue riding higher on positive corporate earnings reports as well as the firmer Peso although weak volume in past days call for caution.

“This week, the local market may extend its climb with anticipation of third quarter corporate earnings giving a boost to sentiment,” said Philstocks Research Manager Japhet Tantiangco. 

He added that, “The Peso’s position above the 58.00 per US Dollar level, if sustained may also strengthen the market’s positive momentum.” The local market has been on a positive momentum after touching its trough at 5,699.30 last October 3, 2022.

Tantiangco noted though that, “From October 3 to date, net value turnover has only been averaging P3.97 billion per day, below the year-to-date average of P5.99 billion, implying weak conviction in the market’s climb. Thus caution is still advised in our trades.”

This sentiment was also shared by 2TradeAsia.com which said that, “While the trek north of 6,000 was welcome, the market is left wanting of stronger impetus to carry it convincingly towards 6,500-6,700.” 

“Investors are also expected to look towards the S&P Global Philippines’ Manufacturing PMI, Inflation data, and foreign trade data for clues on the local economy,” said Tantiangco.

2TradeAsia.com said investor focus will be pulled in multiple directions, given macro events unfolding for the month.

“The US midterm elections on the 8th, while not groundbreaking, might cause some volatility especially if the US chambers split (i.e. delays in 2023 stimulus, etc.),” the brokerage said.

It added that, “On the 10th, third quarter GDP will be reported and, while expectations have been tempered (low to mid-6 percent), the print will give funds a bigger sense of the impact of policy tightening and will be a guide to better project the fourth quarter up to 2023.”

Meanwhile, 2TradeAsia.com said that, “in mid-November, another round of Fed rate hikes are anticipated (estimated at 75-bps); the BSP is expected to mirror the Fed on the 17th to protect the peso.” Thus, it advised investors to “Range-trade while funds seek inspiration, noting that intraday selling pressure makes settling for modest gains the more optimal play for now.”

For stock picks, Abacus Securities Corporation is looking at Puregold Price Club because “We are anticipating a stronger second half of 2022 for PGOLD with revenge spending and reopening theme still in play after consumers being locked in the pandemic for two years.” 

“We do acknowledge the challenges presented above (peso, inflation affecting consumer spending) which will eat into the company’s margins and profitability. However, we still expect numbers to remain strong and possibly go beyond management’s expectations of consolidated revenues growing 7 to 9 percent.” It added.

The brokerage noted that, “We also have mentioned prior our preference to remain defensive and be choosy in picking stocks. And PGOLD makes a case for this with the company’s resilience in its line of business on essentials and the stock currently trading at all-time low valuations… Accumulate.”

Abacus is also advising investors watch Wilcon Depot and buy its stock when the price weakens as it is one of the best performing index stocks since the start of 2020.

While its price-to-earnings ratio is the highest in the PSEi and it is the second most expensive home improvement play in the region, “Upgrades are imminent and this will help valuations but the stock will still be pricey.”

“We do believe the premium, especially over its regional peers, is partly justified by the very strong YTD results and expanding margins,’ said Abacus adding that, “we would prefer to wait for dips before buying.”

For its part, COL Financial said it is raising its fair value for Wilcon to P31.70 per share from P25.20 a share “as a result of the changes in our forecasts and after rolling over our estimates to 2023.”

“After factoring in our higher topline and gross margin assumptions, our net income forecasts for FY22 and FY23 increased by 6.2 percent and 6.0 percent, respectively,” it said but noted that, “Despite the upgrade in our estimates, we maintain our HOLD rating on the stock due to current valuations.”

PSEi back at 6,000 level on bargain hunting

by James A. Loyola, MB

The local stock market climbed back to the 6,000 level as investors picked up bargains in anticipation of upcoming economic data and corporate earnings reports.

The main index added 45.23 points or 0.76 percent to close at 6,028.79 as the Services sector led the advance while the Mining and Oil counter lagged behind. Volume was thin at 406 million shares worth P3.48 billion as gainers beat losers 91 to 76 with 55 unchanged. 

92486

“Philippine shares started the last week of October solidly, as investors stateside are going to have a handful of eco data to keep tabs on this week,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.

He added that, these include “PMI data on Oct. 24, New Home sales for Sept. on Oct. 26, GDP and Durable Goods Orders print on Oct. 27, and Personal Income reading on Oct. 28.“

Philstocks Financial Assistant Research Manager Claire Alviar said “The local bourse went up amid bargain hunting while investors await the third-quarter earnings results. Moreover, the government’s announcement that it is prepared to defend the peso from falling to 60 levels against the US dollar boosted the sentiment.” 

She noted that, “Wall Street’s positive performance last Friday also influenced the market’s movement. However, market participation remains weak.”

SM Markets opening 7 more stores

by James A. Loyola

SM Markets, the SM Retail Group’s umbrella brand for SM Supermarket, SM Hypermarket and Savemore, is opening seven more stores before the end of the year.

In a statement, SM said these new stores will be in Air Residences Makati, DECA Marilao, Tanza, EB Town Center in San Jose Del Monte, Sorsogon, Tuguegarao and Taytay. As of October 2022, SM Markets has a total store count of 330. 

SM Supermarket in Tanza, Cavite

“We are targeting to fill the need for better food shopping in developing communities. The rising incomes outside the National Capital Region is definitely a welcome factor in terms of growth in the provinces,” SM Supermarket President Jojo R. Tagbo said.

He added that, “We continue to expand and maintain our optimism on growth. Regardless of economic circumstances, our approach has always been to have a breadth of offerings that fits all wallet sizes.”

Consumer spending is also expected to get a boost from the holidays and ongoing face-to-face classes. Already, SM Markets has seen an improvement in sales for fresh products, snacks, beverages and other school-related commodities as of year to date.

“We are optimistic about the consistency of consumer spending. The return of face-to-face classes and the holiday season will push the business in the coming months,” Tagbo said. 

SM Markets is enhancing its assortment to better serve customers’ evolving preferences to complement physical store expansion.

It continues to support MSMEs to boost the local economy by adding their products on the pasalubong (locally made) aisles on grocery shelves and prominently through its popular weekend markets to showcase their unique products.

SM Markets also expanded its imported offerings to include brands such as Coles from Australia, El Corte Ingles from Spain, adding to already existing brands, Iceland and Kirkland.

It introduced more options to the community to access essential products. It launched its online shopping platform accessible via shopsm.com/groceries, a natural complement to the business.

PSEi surges on remittance, US bank earnings news

The local stock market surged on the back of strong gains in the US bourses.

The main index jumped 158.31 points or 2.65 percent to close at 6,128.64 with the Property sector leading the rally. However, volume declined to 351 million shares worth P4.82 billion as gainers outpaced losers 109 to 73 with 52 unchanged.

92486

“Philippine shares rebounded above the 6,000 mark as investors turned bargain hunters and picked up badly beaten index names across the board,” said Regina Capital Development Corporation Managing Director Luis Limlingan.

He noted that, “In the US, last night’s moves were also grounded on solid earnings reports coming from the likes of Bank of America and Bank of New York Mellon.”

Philstocks Financial Assistant Research Manager Claire Alviar said “The local bourse jumped as investors cheered the increase in remittance last August. Also, positive cues from the US market overnight pushed the market upwards.”

“OF cash remittances in August grew by 4.29 percent year-on-year, bringing the year-to-date remittances to $20.99 billion. This boosted sentiment as higher remittance may help the peso from weakening against the US dollar,” she added.