Philippine Equities: Converge and BDO Lead Gainers, Citystate Savings Bank Plunges Amidst Mixed Trading
Posted on 12/13/25
The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) witnessed a day of mixed fortunes, with strong performances from key sectors contrasting with sharp declines in others. Investor sentiment appeared to be shaped by a combination of company-specific catalysts and broader market trends.
Top Gainers for the Day
Leading the charge on the bullish side was the telecommunications giant Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions, Inc. (CNVRG), which closed at ₱15.48, an increase of ₱0.78 (5.31%). A total of 16,711,500 shares were traded, amounting to a value of ₱255,427,000.00. The telecommunications sector, particularly fiber broadband providers, has seen continuous robust growth, fueled by increasing demand for reliable internet connectivity and aggressive network expansion. Converge's sustained rollout of fiber infrastructure across the country continues to attract investor confidence.
Port operator Asian Terminals, Inc. (ATI) also showed significant strength, ending the session at ₱34.70, up ₱1.55 (4.68%). Trading volume for ATI reached 169,100 shares, valuing ₱5,783,000.00. Port operators like Asian Terminals, Inc. often benefit from robust trade volumes and an improving global economic outlook. Increased cargo movement and efficient port operations likely contributed to its positive performance.
Banking powerhouse BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) registered a notable gain, with its shares climbing to ₱127.20, an increase of ₱5.20 (4.26%). A substantial 4,763,570 shares changed hands, totaling ₱599,568,000.00. As one of the largest banks in the Philippines, BDO Unibank's strong performance typically reflects overall market confidence in the banking sector, expectations of sustained economic growth, and potentially higher net interest margins. Positive analyst ratings or strong Q1 earnings reports (if recent) often buoy such stocks.
In the property sector, Altus Property Ventures, Inc. (APVI) saw its share price rise to ₱8.74, gaining ₱0.34 (4.05%). The company traded a modest 100 shares, with a total value of ₱874.00. Property developers, especially those associated with major conglomerates like SM (which Altus Property Ventures is part of), can see gains from renewed optimism in the real estate market, strategic landbank development, or successful project launches. Its low trading volume suggests institutional or niche investor interest.
Rounding out the top five gainers were Arthaland Corporation Series 'F' Preferred Shares (ALCPF), which closed at ₱500.00, marking an impressive increase of ₱18.00 (3.73%). Trading activity for ALCPF involved 60 shares, amounting to ₱30,000.00. Preferred shares can be sensitive to interest rate movements and the perceived stability of the issuing company. Arthaland's preferred shares gaining could indicate investor confidence in the company's financial health and its ability to meet dividend obligations, or a search for yield in the current market environment.
Top Losers for the Day
On the losing end, Citystate Savings Bank, Inc. (CSB) experienced the steepest decline, plummeting to ₱17.00, a significant decrease of ₱2.48 (-12.73%). The bank's shares traded 7,427,400 times, with a total value of ₱126,184,000.00. Citystate Savings Bank's significant decline could be attributed to profit-taking after previous rallies, or perhaps market reaction to specific internal news, regulatory concerns, or broader investor apprehension towards smaller financial institutions. Such sharp drops can sometimes signal specific company challenges or lack of liquidity.
Bright Kindle Resources & Investments Inc. (BKR) followed, shedding ₱0.06 (-9.09%) to close at ₱0.60. Only 8,000 shares were traded, totaling ₱4,840.00. Bright Kindle Resources & Investments, involved in mining and energy, is often subject to volatile market conditions, commodity price fluctuations, or news related to its project developments. A steep decline might suggest profit-taking or investor caution regarding the company's future prospects or project delays.
Berjaya Philippines, Inc. (BCOR) also saw a substantial drop, with its shares ending at ₱7.21, down ₱0.70 (-8.85%). Trading volume for BCOR was minimal at 400 shares, valued at ₱2,954.00. Berjaya Philippines, with diversified interests in hotels, gaming, and property, can be sensitive to consumer spending trends and tourism. A substantial drop could reflect concerns over a slower recovery in discretionary spending or specific operational challenges within its various segments.
Holding firm Crown Equities, Inc. (CEI) posted a significant loss, with its stock falling to ₱0.07, a decrease of ₱0.006 (-7.59%). A total of 9,280,000 shares were exchanged, amounting to ₱677,650.00. Crown Equities, a holding company, often sees its stock performance tied to its underlying investments and broader market sentiment for speculative or small-cap stocks. A notable decrease could be due to a lack of fresh catalysts, profit-taking, or a general shift away from higher-risk assets.
Rounding out the day's top losers was Coal Asia Holdings Incorporated (COAL), which slid to ₱0.022, registering a decrease of ₱0.001 (-4.35%). Volume for COAL was high at 20,300,000 shares, totaling ₱452,000.00. Coal Asia Holdings' performance is directly linked to global coal prices and demand, as well as environmental policies impacting fossil fuels. A decline could stem from a softening in international coal markets, or renewed investor focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors leading to divestment from coal assets.
