GT Capital Holdings Inc. has secured its first investment-grade foreign currency issuer rating from the Japan Credit Rating Agency, a milestone expected to broaden the conglomerate’s access to Japanese capital and diversify its funding sources.
JCR assigned GT Capital a long-term foreign currency issuer rating of A-minus with a Stable outlook, citing the group’s resilient business model, steady cash generation, and strong balance sheet.
The rating places GT Capital among only seven Philippine institutions, including the national government, to receive a credit assessment from Japan’s largest credit rating agency, underscoring the growing confidence of international investors in the conglomerate’s financial strength.
JCR highlighted in its report that GT Capital’s diversified portfolio, anchored by market leaders Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co., Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., GT Capital Auto and Mobility Holdings Inc., and Toyota Financial Services Philippines Corp. The agency said the group’s balanced earnings base and solid financial position underpin its strong credit profile.
“We are very pleased with the results of the JCR rating as it is reflective of the Group’s resilience, sound fiscal position, and strong balance sheet,” said Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer George S. Uy-Tioco Jr.
Uy-Tioco said the rating also reinforces GT Capital’s long-standing ties with major Japanese partners, including Toyota Motor Corp., Nomura Real Estate, ORIX Metro, and Mitsui & Co., while opening new funding opportunities in Japan’s deep capital markets.
Beyond the prestige of the rating, the development reflects a broader trend of Philippine conglomerates seeking to diversify financing channels as they pursue expansion amid an uncertain global interest rate environment. An investment-grade rating from a respected international agency could lower borrowing costs and widen the pool of institutional investors willing to lend to the group.
An A-minus rating signifies strong creditworthiness and a high capacity to meet financial obligations. JCR based its assessment on GT Capital’s competitive businesses, profitability, liquidity, leverage, and financial flexibility, reinforcing the conglomerate’s standing as one of the country’s strongest corporate credits.
