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Market Watch: Shipping and Energy Stocks Surge, Food and Media Decline

Posted on 8/18/26

Today's trading session saw notable movements across various sectors, with some companies experiencing significant upticks while others faced a downturn. Resource-linked firms and energy giants were among the day's top performers, reflecting investor confidence possibly fueled by sector-specific developments. Conversely, select food manufacturers and media entities registered losses.

Leading the pack of gainers was Harbor Star Shipping Services, Inc. (TUGS), which saw its shares climb by an impressive 24.30 percent. The maritime logistics provider closed at 1.33 pesos, up 0.26 pesos from its previous close, with a robust volume of 10,788,000 shares traded, amounting to a total value of 13,376,300 pesos. This surge could be attributed to a positive outlook on the shipping industry, potentially from increased trade volumes or strategic partnerships.

Energy and holdings companies also demonstrated strong performance. First Philippine Holdings Corporation (FPH) jumped 12.75 percent, adding 13.0 pesos to close at 115.0 pesos. The conglomerate, with interests in power, real estate, and manufacturing, traded 1,226,660 shares for a total value of 131,322,000 pesos. Its energy arm, First Gen Corporation (FGEN), followed suit, rising 10.66 percent or 2.90 pesos to finish at 30.1 pesos, on a substantial volume of 7,866,900 shares valued at 228,819,008 pesos. This strong showing for the Lopez-led firms might be buoyed by a continued focus on renewable energy projects and stable demand for power.

Mining sector players also had a strong day, likely reacting to favorable commodity prices. Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corporation (AT) advanced 11.25 percent, up 1.80 pesos to settle at 17.80 pesos. The mining firm saw 16,863,300 shares change hands, translating to a total value of 293,977,984 pesos. Nihao Mineral Resources International, Inc. (NI) also gained 7.25 percent, closing at 0.37 pesos with a price change of 0.025 pesos and 560,000 shares traded for 204,050 pesos.

Other significant gainers included Philippine Estates Corporation (PHES), which appreciated by 12.0 percent to 0.42 pesos, Top Line Business Development Corp. (TOP) up 7.69 percent to 1.82 pesos, Concrete Aggregates Corp. ``B`` (CAB) rising 7.08 percent to 59.0 pesos, Roxas and Company, Inc. (RCI) increasing 6.80 percent to 2.67 pesos, and Altus Property Ventures, Inc. (APVI) closing 6.23 percent higher at 11.60 pesos.

On the losing end, F&J Prince Holdings Corporation ``A`` (FJP) recorded the steepest decline, plunging 18.86 percent. Its shares fell by 0.56 pesos to end the day at 2.41 pesos, on a volume of 1,000 shares valued at 2,410 pesos.

Food sector companies also faced pressure. Swift Foods, Inc. (SFI) dropped 9.38 percent, losing 0.006 pesos to settle at 0.058 pesos, with 3,400,000 shares traded for a value of 205,900 pesos. Liberty Flour Mills, Inc. (LFM) declined 8.44 percent, down 1.90 pesos to 20.60 pesos, with 25,500 shares changing hands for 525,370 pesos. These drops could reflect concerns over raw material costs or shifts in consumer spending habits.

Media giant ABS-CBN Corporation (ABS) also experienced a dip, falling 5.42 percent or 0.22 pesos to 3.84 pesos. The company traded 1,416,000 shares for a total value of 5,489,780 pesos, possibly impacted by ongoing challenges in the media landscape or specific corporate news.

Other significant losers included CIRTEK HOLDINGS PHILIPPINES CORPORATION PREFERRED B-2 SUBSERIES C SHARES (TCB2C) down 6.90 percent to 8.37 pesos, Everwoods Green Resources and Holdings, Inc. (EGRN) falling 6.90 percent to 0.027 pesos, PHINMA Corporation (PHN) dropping 6.89 percent to 13.78 pesos, San Miguel Corporation Series ``2`` Preferred Shares – Subseries ``2-P`` (SMC2P) decreasing 6.60 percent to 70.00 pesos, Premiere Island Power REIT Corporation (PREIT) losing 6.54 percent to 1.00 peso, and ATOK-BIG WEDGE CO., INC. (AB) down 5.26 percent to 1.80 pesos.

Market Watch: Shipping and Energy Stocks Surge, Food and Media Decline

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