As global uncertainty continues to weigh on markets and businesses, Ayala Land is responding with a more measured approach—one focused not simply on expansion, but on execution, recurring income growth, and delivering long-term value.
Following Ayala Land’s Annual Stockholders’ Meeting, PhilSTAR Property attended a media briefing with Anna Ma. Margarita B. Dy, president and CEO of Ayala Land, Inc., and Jose Eduardo A. Quimpo II, head of corporate finance of Ayala Land, Inc., where the executives discussed how the company is navigating today’s operating environment while continuing to move key projects and developments forward.
They described the company as entering its “next phase,” where project delivery, leasing expansion, and balance sheet strength take greater priority.
Rather than aggressively pursuing launches, Ayala Land said its focus for 2026 centers on wise capital allocation, stable recurring revenues, and fulfilling commitments already made to buyers.
The company earlier reduced its planned launches for the year to around P30 billion from the previous P70 billion as it prioritizes delivery and leasing-led growth.
“The focus this year is really execution,” Dy said during the briefing.
Ayala Land is targeting the delivery of 40 residential projects nationwide this year, equivalent to around 13,000 units scheduled for turnover to buyers.
Ayala Land also noted that its current inventory position—estimated at around P130 billion—allows the company to sustain market leadership while remaining more selective with future launches.
Focus on delivery and trust
The company emphasized that projects scheduled for completion this year have become a key operational priority.
“I think our project priorities right now are really those that are for delivery this year,” Dy explained.
One of the clearest examples discussed during the briefing was Ayala Land’s decision to pause Laurean Residences in order to reassess project timing more carefully.
Dy explained that construction for the project has yet to begin, giving Ayala Land an opportunity to step back before making a major commitment amid uncertainties involving costs, delivery timelines, and supply chains.
“Given all the uncertainty, we didn’t feel that we could, in good faith, go to any new agreement with any new buyer,” Dy said.
Instead of proceeding aggressively, Ayala Land chose to revisit the project once conditions become clearer. Existing buyers are currently being offered several options, including refunds with interest, transfers to other Ayala Land developments under favorable terms, or the option to wait until the market environment stabilizes.
“When we start a project, we need to know that we can deliver it at this cost and within this timetable,” Dy said, emphasizing the importance of accountability before moving forward with major developments.
“In today’s market, defined by uncertainty, clarity becomes currency,” she added.
Dy also noted that early engagement and transparency with buyers remain critical in building long-term relationships.
On the financial side, Quimpo emphasized the importance of financial discipline and maintaining flexibility amid changing market conditions.
“It is during these times that it is even more important that your balance sheet is ready to capitalize on opportunities when they come,” Quimpo shared.
According to Quimpo, periods of uncertainty can also open opportunities for companies that remain financially prepared and focused on long-term growth.
Leasing expansion and long-term growth
At the same time, Ayala Land continues to expand its leasing and hospitality businesses, which executives view as more resilient during periods of volatility.
“This is a banner year for leasing for retail in particular,” Dy said during the briefing.
The company is set to open more than 200,000 square meters of new retail space this year—its largest annual mall expansion to date—alongside over 70,000 square meters of new office capacity. Ayala Land also highlighted a broader pipeline of more than 270,000 square meters of planned mall and office space, alongside the reopening of the Mandarin Oriental Manila.
Its leasing and hospitality segment generated P5.8 billion in revenues during the first quarter, supported by strong mall traffic, improved hotel performance, and expanding income-generating assets.
Recent reinvestments across Ayala Malls, including Ayala Center Cebu, TriNoma, Evo City, and Arca South, also support the company’s long-term leasing strategy.
Despite global headwinds, Ayala Land remains optimistic about the long-term fundamentals supporting the Philippine property sector.
“For the property development business, because we’re a young economy, young population, there’s really end-user demand,” Dy said.
“We’re really here for the long game,” she added.
In a market increasingly shaped by caution and shifting conditions, Ayala Land’s message is clear: long-term growth is not only about expansion, but about the ability to execute, operate prudently, and continue earning the trust of buyers and investors.
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