One of the country’s largest conglomerates, Ayala Corp.. remains optimistic about the years ahead despite the economic uncertainties globally.

Ayala Corp. president and CEO Cezar Consing said the company will build on 2024’s performance, with a record-high core earnings of P45 billion.

Asked about his outlook after Ayala Corp.’s “strongest-year ever”, Consing expects “next stronger year” for the company.

“We had our strongest year ever with not all our engines firing on all cylinders,” he said.

Consing said the company targets to bring its emerging businesses – AC Mobility, AC Logistics, and AC Health – to profitability in about two years.

“2025 could be an inflection year for our smaller businesses. Each of them undertook major rationalization initiatives last year, and we should begin to see the payoffs of such moves this year,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, AC Health said it targets to become a $2-billion healthcare enterprise by 2035.

“What we’re building is a healthcare group designed for the long haul,” AC Health president and CEO Paolo Borromeo said.

To back this target, Ayala’s healthcare arm eyes 1,150 retail pharmacies, 300 clinics, and 10 hospitals in the next three years.

PNA PHOTO