The Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc. (PSE) has reported a net income of ₱254.67 million for the first quarter of 2025, marking a 5.1 percent increase from ₱242.38 million during the same period in the previous year.

This growth is attributed to PSE's acquisition of additional shares in Philippine Dealing System Holdings Corporation (PDS), raising its total stake to 79.9 percent by the quarter's end and to 91.6 percent as of May 15, 2025.

The acquisition aligns with PSE’s three-year strategic agenda designed to integrate the trading of fixed income, equities, and other financial products into a unified marketplace.

PSE President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Monzon noted that this acquisition not only provides a stable revenue source but also aims to introduce synergies between the two trading entities to enhance the capital market's infrastructure in the Philippines.

PSE's operational revenues saw a significant surge of 82.7 percent, rising to ₱645.49 million from ₱353.34 million.

Key factors driving this increase included an 83.8 percent rise in trading-related revenues, which amounted to ₱222.60 million, and a 49.2 percent growth in listing-related revenues, totaling ₱171.19 million.

The boost in trading-related revenues was facilitated by the inclusion of transaction revenues from both the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corporation and the Philippine Depository & Trust Corporation (PDTC), alongside a 5.1 percent increase in equity trading value.

Additional listings and adjustments in listing maintenance caps further contributed to the revenue gains in that sector.

Notably, fees from depository securities accounts also added ₱139.28 million to the overall revenue growth.

Total operating expenses increased by 93.8 percent, reaching ₱339.14 million compared to ₱174.99 million in the prior year, driven largely by the costs associated with integrating PDS.

However, operating income rose by 71.8 percent to ₱306.35 million from ₱178.35 million in the same quarter last year.

The net income was partially impacted by a 73.2 percent decline in other income, which dropped to ₱32.23 million from ₱120.17 million, attributed to lower returns from financial assets amid ongoing market volatility.

In a related development, PSE has announced plans to launch a new version of its PSE EASy mobile application this month.

The updated app will facilitate share subscriptions during initial public offerings and follow-on offerings, as well as enable online payments for subscribed shares.

Registration for the PSE EASy account is free; however, local small investors are required to have an active stock market account with a PSE-accredited brokerage firm.

Both the PSE EASy and PSE EQUIP applications will be available for download on AppStore and Google Play.