PLDT Key Stats
- Founded: November 28, 1928 in Makati City, Philippines
- Market Capitalization: $4.62 billion USD (2025)
- Annual Revenue: $3.79 billion USD (2024)
- Chairman and CEO: Manuel V. Pangilinan
- Mobile Subscribers: 55+ million through Smart Communications
PLDT Inc. stands as the oldest and largest telecommunications company in the Philippines. The company provides fixed-line, wireless, and digital services across the archipelago through its extensive fiber optic backbone and cellular networks.
PLDT operates through three main segments: Wireless, Fixed Line, and Others. The wireless division runs through Smart Communications, which serves over 55 million subscribers nationwide. The fixed-line segment delivers broadband internet, voice services, and enterprise solutions to residential and corporate clients.
The company has evolved from a traditional telephone operator into a comprehensive digital services provider. PLDT now offers cloud computing, cybersecurity, data center services, and fintech solutions through its subsidiary Maya. This transformation reflects the changing telecommunications landscape in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
PLDT History
PLDT Co-founders
Theodore Vail Halsey
Served as the first president of PLDT when the company was incorporated in 1928. He led the initial efforts to establish a unified telephone network across the Philippines.
Major J.E. Hamilton Stevenot
Represented General Telephone and Electronics Corp (GTE) as executive vice president and general manager. He oversaw the acquisition of provincial phone companies to expand PLDT’s national reach.
PLDT Revenue
PLDT generated $3.79 billion in revenue during 2024. The company’s revenue has remained relatively stable over the past decade, with wireless services contributing the largest share through Smart Communications.
Revenue growth accelerated in 2020 despite the pandemic, driven by increased demand for broadband and mobile data services. The wireless segment through Smart Communications remains the primary revenue driver, followed by fixed-line broadband services through PLDT Home.
PLDT Marketcap
PLDT’s market capitalization stands at approximately $4.62 billion as of 2025. The company trades on both the Philippine Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol PHI.
Market valuation peaked in 2014-2015 when the stock reached all-time highs above $39 per share. The decline in recent years reflects broader telecommunications industry challenges and increased competition from new entrants in the Philippine market.
PLDT Acquisitions
PLDT has grown through strategic acquisitions that transformed it from a fixed-line operator into a comprehensive telecommunications giant. The most significant deal came in 2000 when PLDT acquired Smart Communications through a share-swap arrangement with NTT Communications of Japan. This acquisition proved transformative as Smart became the primary revenue driver while fixed-line income declined.
The formation of ePLDT in 2000 marked PLDT’s entry into information and communications technology services. This subsidiary now operates data centers, cloud computing services, and cybersecurity solutions. ePLDT manages 11 data centers across the Philippines, including a 50-megawatt hyperscale facility in Santa Rosa.
In 2011, PLDT completed its largest acquisition by purchasing 51.55% of Digitel from JG Summit Holdings for P69.2 billion. This deal brought Sun Cellular under PLDT’s control, effectively ending competition in the mobile sector and establishing PLDT’s dominance. The Sun Cellular brand was eventually integrated into Smart Communications in 2022. Additional investments include stakes in Huawei network equipment, media companies through MediaQuest Holdings, and fintech ventures through Maya (formerly PayMaya).
PLDT has also expanded internationally through subsidiaries in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, and the United Kingdom. These offices primarily serve overseas Filipino workers with telecommunications services. The company’s partnership with telecommunications equipment providers like ZTE has enabled network modernization and 5G deployment across the Philippines.
PLDT Competitors
The Philippine telecommunications market was historically dominated by PLDT and Globe Telecom. However, new entrants like DITO Telecommunity and Converge ICT have disrupted the duopoly since 2021. These competitors now challenge PLDT’s market position across mobile and broadband segments.
| Company | Primary Services | Market Position |
|---|---|---|
| Globe Telecom | Mobile, Broadband, Enterprise | Second largest telco |
| DITO Telecommunity | Mobile, 5G FWA | Third mobile operator |
| Converge ICT | Fiber Broadband | Fastest fixed network |
| NOW Telecom | Enterprise, Wireless | Fourth mobile operator |
| Sky Cable | Cable Internet, TV | Major cable provider |
| Radius Telecoms | Fiber, Enterprise | Metro Manila focus |
| InfiniVAN | Internet, Data | Business solutions |
| PT&T | Fixed-line, Internet | Regional presence |
| Eastern Communications | Enterprise, Connectivity | Corporate services |
| Starlink | Satellite Internet | New entrant |
Competition has intensified in the fiber broadband segment where Converge ICT leads with the fastest download speeds in the country. DITO Telecommunity has gained 15 million mobile subscribers since launching in 2021, forcing PLDT to accelerate network investments and introduce prepaid fiber offerings. Similar competitive dynamics are observed in Southeast Asian markets where companies like Telekom Malaysia and T-Mobile operate in their respective countries.
FAQs
Who owns PLDT in the Philippines?
First Pacific Company Ltd. holds the controlling stake in PLDT, with Manuel V. Pangilinan serving as Chairman and CEO. NTT Communications of Japan and JG Summit Holdings are also major shareholders.
When was PLDT founded?
PLDT was incorporated on November 28, 1928, through Act No. 3436 of the Philippine legislature. This makes it the oldest telecommunications company in the Philippines with nearly a century of operations.
What is PLDT market cap?
PLDT has a market capitalization of approximately $4.62 billion USD as of 2025. The company trades on both the Philippine Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.
Does PLDT own Smart Communications?
Yes, Smart Communications is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PLDT since the 2000 share-swap acquisition. Smart operates the largest mobile network in the Philippines with over 55 million subscribers.
Who are PLDT main competitors?
PLDT’s primary competitors include Globe Telecom, DITO Telecommunity, and Converge ICT. Globe remains the closest rival in mobile services while Converge leads in fiber broadband speed.
