Best Stocks to Buy Right Now in the Philippines: 2024 Edition

Why Aren't More People Buying These Stocks? The truth is, some of the most valuable stocks in the Philippines right now are flying under the radar, even though their potential for high returns is evident. But there's a reason why. Investors are often drawn to big names and familiar industries—forgetting that the real opportunities often come from companies and sectors that are transforming rapidly or have an essential role in the country’s economic future.

Let’s start with an important insight: not all booming stocks are on people's watchlists. Some of the best investments of 2024 are quietly gaining traction in less-obvious sectors like infrastructure, renewable energy, and digital finance. And you’re about to see why these sectors—and specific companies—are leading the charge toward strong gains.

Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV)

Sector: Conglomerate
Performance: Steadily rising over the past year, AEV is involved in key sectors such as power, infrastructure, food, and banking. These industries are crucial for the Philippines’ post-pandemic recovery. With its diverse portfolio and strategic investments, the stock has shown resilience and growth potential.

Why Aboitiz? It’s simple: the company is investing heavily in renewable energy, which is aligned with the country’s shift to more sustainable sources of power. With government policies supporting clean energy projects, AEV is well-positioned to benefit from future demand.

Key Takeaway: Aboitiz Equity Ventures is like a Swiss Army knife in the stock market. It covers multiple industries, giving it protection against sector-specific downturns and making it a great buy for long-term investors.

Ayala Land, Inc. (ALI)

Sector: Real Estate
Real estate is usually considered a “safe bet” in the Philippines, and Ayala Land is a prime example of why. While the property market has had its ups and downs, Ayala Land continues to thrive due to its well-established brand and its role in developing key infrastructure projects.

But there’s more. ALI is now venturing into mixed-use developments and smart city projects. With the urban population in the Philippines rapidly growing, this shift places the company at the heart of urbanization trends that are reshaping cities across the country.

The major kicker for investors: Ayala Land’s commitment to sustainable development. Their “Ayala Green” initiative puts a focus on eco-friendly buildings, which are expected to drive higher demand from both local and international buyers.

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC)

Sector: Consumer Goods, Food & Beverage
One of the Philippines’ most beloved brands, Jollibee isn’t just about fried chicken and spaghetti anymore. This stock is more than a representation of local fast food; it's a multinational player, with growing investments across the globe. From buying Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to aggressively expanding its presence in North America and China, JFC has proved its capability to thrive in international markets.

What makes JFC stand out now? Post-pandemic recovery. As economies worldwide recover, the food and beverage industry is seeing increased consumer spending. Jollibee has made strategic moves to capture this resurgence by opening new stores in emerging markets and enhancing its delivery service options.

For long-term investors, JFC offers a combination of brand loyalty, international growth, and solid financial performance.

San Miguel Corporation (SMC)

Sector: Conglomerate, Infrastructure
San Miguel is one of the largest and most diversified companies in the Philippines. Although SMC is known for its beer, it is SMC’s massive infrastructure projects that are grabbing attention. The company is deeply involved in the construction of new highways, power plants, and even airports, which are all critical to the country’s long-term development.

San Miguel’s investments in energy, particularly renewable energy projects, make this stock particularly appealing. The Philippines is committed to reducing carbon emissions, and SMC is right at the forefront of that initiative. Their aggressive moves toward more sustainable business practices, coupled with their already dominant position in infrastructure, make SMC a top stock to buy.

The fact that the company has such a wide portfolio means that it’s diversified enough to weather economic fluctuations. It’s hard to ignore a stock that’s both established and constantly expanding into new growth areas.

PLDT, Inc. (TEL)

Sector: Telecommunications, Technology
Technology is the backbone of the future, and PLDT is the leading telecommunications company in the Philippines. With the rise of the digital economy, PLDT has consistently made strides in upgrading its network, offering faster internet speeds and better mobile service, especially with its fiber-optic infrastructure.

What’s exciting about PLDT now? The company is heavily investing in 5G technology, which is expected to revolutionize sectors like online gaming, streaming, and digital commerce. The deployment of 5G across major cities in the Philippines will position PLDT as a critical player in the tech space for years to come.

Investors should consider PLDT for its forward-thinking initiatives and a solid track record in providing essential services. The demand for faster, more reliable internet isn’t going away, and PLDT is well-prepared to meet that need.

DMCI Holdings, Inc. (DMC)

Sector: Construction, Real Estate, Energy
DMCI has its hands in construction, energy, and mining, making it a multi-faceted stock that can offer stability even in turbulent economic conditions. The company has been making strides in housing development, catering to the growing need for affordable housing in the Philippines. In the energy sector, DMCI’s focus on coal and renewable energy projects has positioned it for long-term success.

The real story here? DMCI’s focus on infrastructure development aligns perfectly with the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program, which aims to improve the country's roads, bridges, and other public works.

Investors who want to ride the infrastructure boom should take a closer look at DMCI. Its diversified portfolio ensures that it won’t be too exposed to risks in any one sector, offering a safe but lucrative bet for investors.

Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)

Sector: Banking, Finance
In times of economic uncertainty, bank stocks often serve as a solid investment choice. BPI, one of the largest and oldest banks in the Philippines, continues to innovate its services. With the rise of digital banking, BPI has introduced a slew of online services that have resonated well with tech-savvy customers.

What makes BPI attractive? Low interest rates and consumer confidence are leading to more loans, credit cards, and business transactions, which will increase the bank’s revenue. Additionally, BPI’s strong presence in corporate banking gives it a significant edge over smaller players.

For investors, BPI offers stability with growth potential, making it a must-buy in the banking sector.

Key Considerations for Investors

1. Market Timing: Timing is crucial. The current market conditions, along with global and local economic factors, make it essential for investors to carefully assess when to buy.
2. Sector Diversification: To manage risk, diversify your investments across sectors like energy, real estate, banking, and technology. This ensures your portfolio remains strong even if one sector underperforms.
3. Government Policies: Keep an eye on the government’s initiatives in renewable energy and infrastructure, as these policies often impact stock performance significantly.

By focusing on the companies listed above, you’re not just riding the waves of popular stocks—you’re investing in the future of the Philippines.