ABS-CBN sees profit rebound in 2026

Lopez-led ABS-CBN Corp. is optimistic about returning to profitability within the year, buoyed by a recovering advertising market, lower debt levels, and continued growth in digital and international content revenues.

“I believe we are finally well-positioned for a turnaround this 2025,” said ABS-CBN President and CEO Carlo Katigbak during the company’s annual stockholders meeting on Thursday. “The advertising market is recovering from last year and we will get an extraordinary bump from election-related advertising.”

He added, “We hope to achieve profitability sometime within the next 18 months.”

Significant total debt reduction

Katigbak said ABS-CBN has significantly reduced its total debt, bringing it down from P21 billion in 2020 — when the company lost its broadcast franchise — to P16 billion in 2023, mainly through the sale of non-core assets.

The company expects to further lower its debt to around P13 billion this year, following the planned sale of its 3-hectare property in Quezon City to Ayala Land.

ABS-CBN reported a 4 percent increase in consolidated revenues to P4.2 billion in the first quarter, driven by stronger content performance and election-related advertising.

Revenues from its Content Production and Distribution segment rose 21 percent to P3.2 billion, supported by improved ratings of key programs such as “Batang Quiapo,” “Incognito,” “It’s Showtime” and “TV Patrol.”

Ad revenues

Advertising revenue grew by P358 million, while digital ad revenues jumped 32 percent, boosted by platforms like iWantTFC and YouTube.

Looking ahead, ABS-CBN is betting on continued growth in international content licensing, as well as revenues from its film and music businesses.

“We hope to sustain the gains from our digital businesses by growing our international licensing, film and music revenues,” Katigbak said.