7 PH Firms Shine on Forbes Asia’s ‘Best Under A Billion’ List

Seven Philippine-listed companies have secured spots on Forbes Asia’s “Best Under A Billion 2026” list, joining 200 small and midsized firms across the Asia-Pacific region recognized for strong financial performance amid a challenging global business environment. Included in this year’s roster are A. Soriano Corp., Apex Mining Co. Inc., Asia United Bank (AUB), Far Eastern University (FEU), Pryce Corp., STI Education Systems Holdings Inc. and Vivant Corp. Among the Philippine companies, Ng family-led AUB posted the highest sales at $505 million, followed by Pryce Corp., a listed fuel and real estate firm, with $370 million. Razon-backed Apex Mining came next with $357 million, followed by holding firm A. Soriano at $256 million and Cebu-based utility company Vivant Corp. at $177 million. Completing the list were Montinola family-led FEU, with $100 million, and Eusebio Tanco-led STI, with $97 million. In terms of profitability, AUB also led the local contingent with $221 million in net income, ahead of Apex Mining at $133 million, A. Soriano at $95 million, Pryce at $65 million, Vivant at $47 million, STI at $38 million and FEU at $36 million. For market value, AUB and Apex Mining topped the Philippine firms at $1 billion each. They were followed by A. Soriano at $691 million, Pryce at $462 million, Vivant at $336 million, FEU at $313 million and STI at $193 million. Now on its 25th edition, the annual ranking recognizes publicly listed companies with annual sales of more than $10 million but less than $1 billion that have delivered consistent top- and bottom-line growth. “The small and midsized companies appearing on Forbes Asia’s Best Under A Billion list are successfully navigating the challenges of geopolitical tensions and volatile energy markets,” Forbes Asia said. China accounted for the largest number of companies on the 2026 list with 28, followed by India with 27, while 60 companies returned from last year’s roster. INQ