In 3-city roadshow, SM Investments engages retail investors

THE SM Store

MANILA, Philippines—SM Investments Corp. (SM) reached out to retail investors in maiden non-deal domestic roadshow held recently in Cebu, Davao and Manila.

The roadshow is an initiative of the company’s investor relations which runs in line with the company’s good governance practices by keeping investors and the markets informed and updated on developments within the SM Group. This is part and parcel of SM’s responsibility as a publicly listed company.

The roadshow also aims to encourage investors to share in the company’s growth through investments in the stock market by providing investors wealth-building advice and strategies.

SM partnered with local broker COL Financial for its maiden retail roadshow entitled “Wealth Building Summit for the Filipino Investor, SMart Money through the Stock Market.”

Over 1,700 investors attended the event during its three-day run from March 25 to 27 held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Cebu, SMX Convention Center in SM Lanang, Davao and SMX Convention Center in SM Aura, Taguig.

Speakers during the roadshow were also optimistic about the prospects of the Philippine economy, which is a major factor in the growth of local companies.

SM chief finance officer Jose T. Sio urged investors to study the company’s financial health.

“In all these, look at the balance sheet and find a company that is healthy, liquid, and has a low gearing ratio. These are the companies that will grow regardless of the country’s economic cycles,” Sio said.

SM senior vice president for Investor Relations, Corazon P. Guidote told investors that the Philippine economy is at an “inflection point that offers much more growth opportunities across all sectors, which will result in continued growth for the stock market.

“We are excited, as you are, with all that the Philippines is experiencing. As such, we encourage you to invest in your country, and invest in your home-grown companies. Share in the dividends that you yourselves generate as a collective engine of growth for the companies that are listed on the Philippine stock market,” Guidote said.

Also, Joel Litman, chief investment strategist at Valens Securities Inc. said he too was bullish on the long-term prospects of the local economy.

“I am extremely bullish on the Philippine economy, in terms of employment or growth of jobs, the banking sector, growth of middle market, and the growth of consumers,” Litman said.