AEV bags investment-grade rating from JCR

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May 27, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Conglomerate Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. (AEV) has reinforced its position in global capital markets after securing an A- foreign currency long-term issuer rating with a stable outlook from Japan Credit Rating Agency Ltd. (JCR).

The A-rating reflects JCR’s expectation that AEV will continue to maintain a sound financial position despite global market volatility, elevated fuel prices and geopolitical uncertainty.

The rating affirms AEV’s position as one of the Philippines’ leading conglomerates, supported by stable cash flow generation from its power business and the growing contributions of its infrastructure, banking, food and beverage and real estate platforms.

JCR cited the group’s prudent financial management, sound liquidity profile and conservative leverage strategy as key factors underpinning the rating.

“This rating reflects the strength of our diversified portfolio, the resilience of our operating businesses and the discipline of our long-term approach to growth,” Aboitiz Group president and CEO Sabin Aboitiz said.

“As we continue to scale our businesses, we remain focused on creating sustainable long-term value while maintaining financial prudence and operational discipline,” he said.

As one of Japan’s leading credit rating agencies, JCR is internationally recognized by investors and financial institutions as an independent assessor of corporate creditworthiness and financial resilience.

In its assessment, JCR highlighted AEV’s “strong and stable business base and cash flow generation,” while recognizing the group’s continued diversification beyond power.

According to the agency, the group’s earnings stability is supported by long-term contracted power sales, diversified operating platforms and disciplined financial policies.

Non-power businesses accounted for 42 percent of AEV’s beneficial EBITDA in 2025, reflecting the group’s long-term strategy of building a more balanced and resilient earnings portfolio.

The agency also cited the continued strength of AboitizPower as the group’s core earnings platform, while noting the growing contribution of Union Bank of the Philippines, Aboitiz InfraCapital and Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines in broadening AEV’s exposure to infrastructure and consumer-driven sectors.

Further, JCR recognized AEV’s ongoing transition toward a more diversified energy portfolio, noting that the group’s new investments are increasingly focused on renewable energy and LNG, in line with the Philippines’ long-term energy transition roadmap.