Cebu Landmasters, Inc. (CLI), the leading property developer in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, has presented a robust financial performance for the first quarter of 2025 at its “Q1 2025 CLI Investors and Analysts Briefing.” During the session, the company announced a significant 12% year-on-year increase in consolidated net income, reaching PHP1.32 billion.
The positive results, as detailed by top CLI executives, were driven by the company’s strategic geographic expansion, consistent project execution, and sustained strong demand across its core VisMin markets.
In a statement, CLI Chairman and CEO Jose R. Soberano III emphasized the company’s deep understanding of its operational areas, saying, “We benefit from our deep market knowledge and operational agility. Demand remains resilient in the VisMin region, and Cebu Landmasters continues to offer value-for-money products well-suited to the needs of the homebuyers.”
Strong demand fuels P6.32-B in property sales, boosts reservation figures
During the briefing, it was revealed that CLI’s consolidated revenues for the first quarter reached P6.51 billion, marking a 4% increase compared to the same period last year. Property sales remained the primary contributor, accounting for 97% of the total at P6.32 billion.
This growth in real estate sales was attributed to steady progress in ongoing construction and the consistent demand for CLI’s residential offerings.
A healthy 13% increase in gross profit was also reported, reaching P3.53 billion for the quarter.
This translated to an improved gross profit margin of 54%, up from 50% in the first quarter of 2024. Attributable net income to the parent company stood at P995 million.
CLI’s recurring income skyrockets: Hotel and leasing surge by 113% in Q1
One Manresa Place signals high investor confidence in Cebu Landmasters’ Manresa Town in CDO
A key highlight presented at the Cebu Landmasters’ briefing was the strong market reception for One Manresa Place, launched in Q1 2025 and already more than 90% sold out. This residential development is strategically located within Manresa Town, a 14.6-hectare dynamic university township integrated with the future Xavier University Masterson Campus and Uptown CDO.
Reservation sales also experienced a significant uptick, rising from PHP5.3 billion to PHP6.3 billion.
This growth was fueled by the launch of P6 billion worth of new residential inventory during the quarter, with projects in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro (CDO) making substantial contributions, underscoring the resilient housing demand in the VisMin region.
Looking at recurring income, Cebu Landmasters’ hotel and leasing segments demonstrated remarkable growth, surging by 113% to PHP157 million in the first quarter. Hospitality revenues saw an impressive 161% increase to PHP105 million, driven by improved occupancy rates across three hotels launched in 2024.
CLI’s Davao Global Township (DGT) project
Meanwhile, leasing income climbed by 56% to PHP54 million, supported by the turnover of newly occupied office and retail spaces. The company announced plans to double its operational hotel count by the end of 2025, with four more completions in the pipeline.
Chief Finance Officer (CFO) Beauregard Grant L. Cheng provided insights into the company’s financial health, highlighting positive operating cash flows of P3.6 billion and a healthy net debt-to-equity ratio of 1.52. This strong financial position supports CLI’s growth strategy through prudent capital management.
Exploring crypto and digital payments for enhanced customer experience
During the Q&A session, Mr. Cheng addressed the long-term potential of Cebu Landmasters’ recurring income assets, mentioning that while a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) requires a three-year operating history, it remains a future consideration for capital recycling.
He also detailed CLI’s advancements in the digital space, stating ongoing efforts to enhance customer convenience through digital payment channels like GCash and the development of an integrated mobile application for statement of accounts and seamless payments.
Mr. Cheng further unveiled plans for an online reservation portal, aiming to streamline the property reservation process.
On the topic of broader payment options, the company CFO stated that CLI is now also exploring cryptocurrency payments via partnerships with online brokers and e-wallet solutions, to potentially allow Peso-denominated transactions using various cryptocurrencies on a case-by-case basis.
Regarding capital allocation, Mr. Cheng emphasized a targeted approach, linking fundraising activities to specific CAPEX requirements for land acquisition and ongoing projects. He highlighted that strong internal cash flows sufficiently cover debt obligations, allowing newly raised funds to be strategically deployed for expansion.
Cebu Landmasters’ playbook emphasizes local nuances, strategic partnerships
Looking ahead, Cebu Landmasters has ambitious expansion plans, with the company announcing its intention to deploy PHP36 billion for new project launches between 2025 and 2026. This significant capital allocation is expected to further solidify CLI’s position as a premier real estate developer with a robust development pipeline.
Responding to questions about entering the Luzon and NCR markets during the briefing, Mr. Soberano explained, “Beyond our established success in VisMin, our core strategic playbook for profitable expansion into the fiercely competitive Luzon and NCR markets hinges on a deep understanding of local market nuances and preferences. We are carefully selecting locations and tailoring our product offerings to meet the specific demands of these regions.”
“While our primary focus remains on delivering quality and value, we are also exploring potential collaborations, including within the fintech space, to enhance the customer experience, particularly in areas like digital payment solutions and streamlined transaction processes. These partnerships could be instrumental in reaching a tech-savvy demographic in these key urban centers,” he added.
In line with its long-term growth strategy, Cebu Landmasters is strategically penetrating high-potential markets across Luzon and the National Capital Region (NCR), while simultaneously consolidating its dominant market position in underserved regional centers.
“We’re building more than just developments, we’re shaping communities in VisMin and soon, Luzon. Our strong start reflects the depth of demand in the regions we serve and the strength of our on-the-ground execution. 2025 will be about scaling our impact where it matters most,” Soberano concluded.
Cebu Landmasters, a leading developer in Visayas and Mindanao, specializes in residential, office, hotel, resort, co-living, mixed-use, and township projects. More information about CLI and its projects can be found at cebu-landmasters.com/.