ICTSI secures position as Phl market’s most valued stock

International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) extended its market rally yesterday, closing at P733 and reinforcing its position as the Philippine Stock Exchange’s most valuable listed company, with a market capitalization now hovering between P1.4 trillion and P1.5 trillion.

The stock rose P39 or 5.62 percent on 25 February, with 2.83 million shares traded for a total value of P2.05 billion. Foreign investors remained aggressive buyers, registering net inflows of about P1.05 billion for the session.

At current levels, ICTSI’s estimated market value stands at roughly P1.48 trillion, surpassing the long-standing P1.373-trillion record set by SM Investments Corporation seven years ago. The milestone underscores sustained investor appetite for infrastructure and logistics investments tied to global trade.

Strong uptrend over the past year

The company, led by Enrique Razon Jr., has been in a generally strong uptrend over the past year. Its 52-week trading range runs from around P311 at the low end to about P689 at the high, placing the latest close near peak territory.

ICTSI’s climb has been backed by solid fundamentals. The ports operator reported robust earnings growth across multiple reporting periods in 2024 and 2025, with net income and revenues rising year-on-year.

Higher container throughput and expanding EBITDA margins have translated into stronger earnings per share, reinforcing confidence among institutional investors.

For the first nine months of 2025, revenues increased by about 16 percent compared to the same period last year, while net income grew roughly 19 percent.

Broader recovery in global freight activity

The improvement was supported by a broader recovery in global freight activity, with rising container volumes boosting port revenues across its international network.

Strategic expansion initiatives have also lifted sentiment. The company secured long-term concessions and new terminal agreements, including a 25-year deal in South Africa and extensions in Subic, strengthening its revenue visibility. These moves have been viewed by the market as enhancing ICTSI’s long-term growth profile.