PLDT's Strategic Deepening of Digital Transformation via Kayana Solutions: Ownership Consolidation and Growth Potential in the Digital Economy

In 2025, PLDT Inc. has taken a decisive step to solidify its leadership in the Philippine digital economy by increasing its stake in Kayana Solutions Inc., a data-driven digital experience company. By subscribing to 594,000,000 additional common shares for ₱594 million, PLDT maintained its 45% ownership in Kayana while reinforcing its commitment to leveraging the MVP Group’s data assets for hyper-personalized customer experiences [1]. This move aligns with a broader strategy to drive growth in a market where the digital economy expanded by 20% in 2024, reaching a Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) of $31 billion [2].

Kayana’s recent partnership with Accenture to establish a “digital factory” in Manila further underscores its role as a catalyst for innovation. The facility, led by Accenture Song, focuses on AI-powered solutions, UI/UX design, and brand strategy to accelerate product development for Filipino businesses and consumers [3]. This collaboration is not merely a technological upgrade but a strategic pivot to position the Philippines as a global hub for digital innovation. Victorico Vargas of Kayana emphasized that the initiative includes a five-year roadmap for product development, ensuring sustained growth and adaptability in a rapidly evolving market [4].

PLDT’s financial performance in Q1 2025, while showing a slight dip in net income to ₱9.06 billion from ₱9.89 billion year-over-year, reflects a stable EBITDA margin of 52% and a 3% increase in consolidated service revenues to ₱96.9 billion in the first half of 2024 [5]. These metrics highlight the company’s resilience and its ability to reinvest in high-impact areas like Kayana. The digital unit’s focus on seamless digital payments and AI-driven engagement is expected to unlock new revenue streams, particularly as the Philippines’ internet economy continues to outpace global averages [6].

The ownership structure of Kayana—45% PLDT, 27.5% Meralco, and 27.5% Metro Pacific Investments—ensures a balanced approach to governance while allowing PLDT to steer strategic priorities. This consolidation is critical in an environment where data is the new currency. By integrating MVP Group’s data assets with Kayana’s AI capabilities, PLDT is creating a flywheel effect: enhanced customer insights drive better services, which in turn generate more data for further innovation [7].

For investors, the synergy between PLDT’s infrastructure and Kayana’s digital prowess presents a compelling case. The company’s recent showcase at AIBP 2025 highlighted its AI and data strategies, reinforcing its position as a key player in reshaping the digital landscape [8]. With the digital factory operational and the Philippine market expanding at a 20% annual rate, PLDT’s investments in Kayana are not just defensive but forward-looking, positioning the MVP Group to capture a significant share of the $31 billion GMV market [9].

Source:
[1] PLDT board approves acquisition of additional shares in digital unit, [https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/08/13/business/pldt-board-approves-acquisition-of-additional-shares-in-digital-unit/2166926]
[2] PH poised to be a rising Force in the Global Digital Economy, [https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kayanasolutions_digitaltransformation-philippines-innovation-activity-7262634094365155330-ua2s]
[3] Kayana and Accenture to Build “Digital Factory”, [https://newsroom.accenture.com/news/2024/kayana-and-accenture-to-build-digital-factory]
[4] Kayana Solutions taps Accenture as partner for new digital factory, [https://www.consultancy.asia/news/5842/kayana-solutions-taps-accenture-as-partner-for-new-digital-factory]
[5] PLDT INC, [https://www.stockinsights.ai/us/PHI/6-K/earnings-reports-20250515-b95]
[6] PLDT Inc. boosts stake in Kayana Solutions, [https://www.investing.com/news/company-news/pldt-inc-boosts-stake-in-kayana-solutions-93CH-3647540]
[7] Kayana: Turning data into possibilities for Filipinos - PLDT, [https://main.pldt.com/article/kayana-turning-data-possibilities-filipinos]
[8] PLDT and Kayana showcase AI and data innovation at AIBP 2025, [https://main.pldt.com/article/pldt-and-kayana-showcase-ai-and-data-innovation-aibp-2025]
[9] PLDT boosts stake in Kayana Solutions to drive growth, [https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/08/14/business/corporate-news/pldt-boosts-stake-in-kayana-solutions-to-drive-growth/2167339]