SM's business bright spot: Strong retail activity pushes SM net income 27% higher to PHP26B in H1

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Aug 03, 2022, 03:21 ET

PASAY CITY, Philippines, Aug. 3, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- SM Investments Corporation reported its consolidated net income increased 27% to PHP25.5 billion in the January to June period from PHP20.1 billion in the same period last year.

Consolidated revenues rose 23% to PHP238.5 billion in the first half from PHP193.5 billion in the same period last year.

"Our financial performance was led by strong consumer spending across all categories and formats of our retail business and the return of crowds in malls. Despite rising inflation, we are encouraged to see shoppers' robust spending in the first half. This is a bright spot in the Philippines and in the region amid global headwinds," said Frederic C. DyBuncio, SM Investments Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer.

Consumers are back to safe shopping in SM stores which drove up retail growth. Further supporting this growth are SM Retail's efficient operations and strategic expansion.

SM Retail reported revenues of PHP163.7 billion, higher by 18% from PHP138.2 billion in the same period last year.

This revenue growth is driven by higher foot traffic in retail stores and malls as well as renewed vigor in shopping for fashion-related items in the department stores. The larger food retail formats also benefitted from higher foot traffic in malls.

Retail net income was higher by 91% to PHP7.0 billion from PHP3.6 billion in the previous period, benefitting from cost reductions and efficiencies across all formats.

"This consumer-driven momentum brings more optimism moving forward as we keep innovating on our retail offerings to ensure an excellent shopping experience for the Filipino consumer," Mr. DyBuncio said.