SM Investments Corp., the parent company of the SM Group, has been recognized for pulling off one of the biggest financial moves of 2024.

The company’s $500 million, five-year bond issuance earned the “Philippine Capital Market Deal of the Year” award from International Financing Review Asia, a leading authority on capital markets.

The award underscores SMIC’s strength in the financial world and the trust global investors have in its stability. This bond issuance was particularly significant as it marked SMIC’s return to the US dollar bond market after a decade-long hiatus.

It also stood out as the largest five-year bond deal by a Philippine corporation last year, securing competitive rates despite market uncertainties.

“This was a landmark transaction for both SM Investments and the Philippine capital markets,” said Erwin G. Pato, SMIC’s executive vice president for treasury, finance and planning.

“The strong demand from investors reflects confidence in Philippine corporate issuers and reinforces SM’s reputation as a solid investment.”

The deal was backed by major financial institutions, with HSBC, JP Morgan, Standard Chartered and UBS leading the charge as joint bookrunners.

Local banking giants BDO Capital and Chinabank Capital also played key roles as joint lead managers.

According to IFR Asia, SMIC’s move was a much-needed boost for the Philippine corporate sector, which has seen relatively few major bond issuances in recent years.

The company’s last bond issuance before this was a $350 million, 10-year note in 2014.

SMIC’s recognition by IFR Asia highlights its commitment to financial excellence and its role in reinforcing investor confidence in the Philippines.