SM Development Corporation (SMDC) comes from a business group that dominates the Philippine business landscape: SM Investment Corporation. The conglomerate has interests that include banking (Banco de Oro), retail (Forever 21 and Uniqlo) and mall management and development (SM Malls). SMDC is the group's real estate arm, and it's focused on residential projects that offer high-quality living at affordable, amenities-oriented condominiums at prime city locations.
SMDC has two brands: SM Residences and M Place. Projects with unit prices ranging from P1.5 million to P2.5 million are under SM Residences. The developments are located in familiar communities with easy access to conveniences like malls, supermarkets, schools and major transpo hubs. The company uses the brand M Place for projects situated in the metro's hotspots, with units priced between P1 million and P1.5 million.
In 2012, SMDC rolled out 9,403 units, which is equivalent to P21.9 billion. The company also increased its market share among its OFW clientele, hitting 35 percent in 2012 compared to 15 to 18 percent in 2011. SMDC was also cited by Forbes Asia as one of the “Best Under A $Billion” companies in the region. The internation business magazine's "Best Under A Billion" poll recognizes companies that have stood strong amidst a turbulent global economy, with annual revenues worth between $5 million and $1 billion. Qualified companies must also report positive net income and have been publicly traded for at least a year. SMDC was one of only three Philippine business groups from the Philippines that made it to the list, which was composed of 200 small- and medium-scale companies from 15 countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
For 2013, SMDC has set its sights on a growth rate of 10 to 15 percent. It also plans to launch expansions of three ongoing projects.