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Philippine Equities Show Divergent Trends as Select Holdings, Media, and Energy Firms Shine Amidst Mining and Education Setbacks

Posted on 1/27/26

A day of varied fortunes unfolded on the local bourse as investors navigated distinct sectoral performances. While several holding companies, media entities, and energy firms experienced notable rallies, a clutch of mining and education-focused stocks saw significant declines, highlighting a cautious yet opportunistic trading environment.

Top Gainers Rally on Positive Sentiment

Leading the advancers was Dominion Holdings, Inc. (DHI), which saw its shares surge by 13.65%. The stock closed at P3.58, marking a P0.43 increase from its previous close of P3.15. Trading activity for DHI was robust, with 29,399,000 shares changing hands, amounting to a total value of P111.10 million. Market observers attributed the strong performance to whispers of a potential strategic asset revaluation, fueling investor optimism for its underlying real estate holdings.

GMA Holdings, Inc. - Philippine Deposit Receipts (GMAP) also enjoyed a significant boost, climbing 8.52%. Its shares settled at P6.24, up P0.49 from its previous close of P5.75. Despite a modest volume of 3,200 shares and a total value of P19.72 thousand, the media giant's PDRs reacted positively to renewed investor confidence in the media sector, possibly on the back of anticipated improvements in advertising revenue and digital content monetization strategies.

Energy major Shell Pilipinas Corporation (SHLPH) registered a healthy 5.79% gain, closing at P12.78, a rise of P0.70 from its prior closing price of P12.08. A substantial 3,813,700 shares were traded, generating a total value of P48.12 million. The upward movement for SHLPH comes amidst a generally positive outlook for the energy sector, with global oil price stability and the company's continuous expansion of its non-fuel retail offerings contributing to the bullish sentiment.

In the leisure and gaming sector, Bloomberry Resorts Corporation (BLOOM) added 4.89% to its value, closing at P2.79 per share, up P0.13 from P2.66. With a hefty volume of 46,760,000 shares traded for a total value of P130.29 million, Bloomberry's advance reflects growing confidence in the tourism and gaming industries' recovery, buoyed by increasing visitor arrivals and strong local patronage at its integrated resorts.

Mining and Education Stocks Experience Pullback

On the losing end, Nihao Mineral Resources International, Inc. (NI) led the declines, shedding 12.50% of its value. Its shares ended the day at P0.42, down by P0.06 from its previous close of P0.48. With 90,000 shares traded for a total value of P38.30 thousand, Nihao's dip might be linked to broader concerns about commodity price volatility or specific operational challenges within the mining exploration sector.

Imperial Resources, Inc. (IMP) also faced a downturn, retreating by 8.18%. The stock closed at P1.01, a decrease of P0.09 from its P1.10 previous close. A total of 49,000 shares worth P49.27 thousand were traded. This decline could be indicative of profit-taking or investor unease regarding its project development timelines.

Far Eastern University, Incorporated (FEU) experienced a notable drop of 6.86%, with its shares closing at P800.50, down P59.00 from its P859.50 previous price. While trading volume was low at 70 shares for a value of P56.04 thousand, the significant price change may reflect market anxieties over the education sector, possibly due to evolving enrollment trends or regulatory adjustments impacting tertiary institutions.

Conglomerate Alliance Global Group, Inc. (AGI) was also among the significant decliners, falling 5.19%. Its shares finished at P7.30, a P0.40 decrease from its P7.70 previous close. AGI saw substantial trading, with 37,079,400 shares valued at P271.77 million changing hands. The dip for AGI, a diversified holding company with interests in real estate, food and beverage, and gaming, might be attributed to a general market correction after previous gains or specific headwinds in one of its key operating segments.

The day's trading activity underscored the selective nature of investor interest, with capital flowing into sectors perceived to have strong growth catalysts while some sectors faced pressures. As the market continues to react to both local and global economic cues, investors will closely monitor company-specific developments and broader market trends.