The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid: Golden Opportunity for Frontier Asia

Stock Markets

I have excluded markets such as Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar which currently only have between 3-5 stocks listed on their exchanges, thus making Bangladesh, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka the best frontier markets for accessing listed equity.  I have also excluded Mongolia because its market capitalization is relatively smaller(around $669 million) and I prefer mining companies listed on other exchanges, and have also excluded Nepal.

Source: Trading Economics/Various Stock Exchanges

The average stock market capitalization for these four frontier markets is only 14.9% of Thailand’s stock market capitalization, a major feat considering Vietnam, Pakistan, and Bangladesh all have substantially larger populations.  Another interesting trend to note is that these markets’ stock market capitalization/GDP is significantly lower than other emerging Asian peers.

Comparison with MNC’s

It is even more interesting to note that most of these frontier market’s total stock market capitalization even lags behind some multinational corporations.

Is Starbucks really worth more than Vietnam’s entire stock market? Is McDonald’s really worth more than Pakistan’s stock market, and is Netflix(trading at over 300 P/E) really worth twice as much as Sri Lanka’s stock market? When we take into account the strong trends of growth present in these frontier markets and the lower market cap/GDP for frontier markets, it is clear to see the potential for these markets is being relegated, and that these markets are a safe bet moving forward.  Proctor & Gamble’s stock market capitalization is nearly the same as the combined stock market capitalization of Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

A 2014 article from The Economist notes how some emerging stock markets were worth the same as some multinational corporations ( Mexico=IBM).

Moving forward, I have more faith in the simple growth story of the rising middle class in frontier Asia.

Vietnam’s Stock Market

I rank Vietnam as the most favorable frontier market due to its comparatively favorable demographics, lower GDP per capita, comparatively stronger economic growth, high consumer confidence, improved inflation, ease of doing business, and lower corporate tax rate.  Vietnam currently trades at over 16X P/E, which is a premium to MSCI Emerging Markets.  This, coupled with the country’s relatively high level of debt and need to implement more credible privatization efforts, are my main short term concerns with the market at the moment.  The following 20 investment themes in Vietnam have strong potential: Pharmaceutical Manufacturing, Textile Manufacturing, Food and Beverage Producers, Automotive Industry(various segments), Industrial Parks, Real Estate, Logistics, Oil and Gas, Steel Production, Banks, Brokerages, Seafood Companies,  Education, Rubber Exporters, Plastic Manufacturing, Retail Companies, Animal Feed/Livestock, Furniture Producers, Tourism, and Non-Life Insurance.  At the moment, the premium is somewhat justifiable and it is easily possible to construct a portfolio with lower valuation.

Pakistan’s Stock Market: Investment Themes

Pakistan is ranked as my 2nd choice for frontier markets, based on the long-term outlook for the country, as well as the immediate catalysts that are in place for the market.  Pakistan’s P/E was 10.77 as of the end of September 2016, and its P/E has the potential to rise to 12-13 due to its recent emerging market upgrade announcement for 2017.

Some positive outliers for this market include the following:

• Favorable Demographics: Over half of the country’s population is currently under 24 years old, which provides long-term opportunity for increased consumption.  The country’s median age is currently 23.4.

• GDP:  Pakistan’s GDP(269.97 Billion USD) is the highest among other frontier markets that I observed, and the country is a key global contributor for many sectors (sugar, textiles, cement, etc.).

• Population: The country’s population(188.0 million) was the highest among all frontier markets that I observed.

• Consumption: Pakistan had the highest consumer confidence among all markets observed.

Some less favorable factors for this country include the following:

• Slower Growth: Economic growth between 2011 and 2015 was slightly below 4%, significantly lagging behind all of the previously mentioned frontier markets.  However, the IMF projects that the country’s GDP growth will reach 4.5% and 4.7% in 2016 and 2017.
• Ease of Doing Business: Pakistan only ranked above Myanmar and Bangladesh for the country’s ease of doing business.  Political risks from terrorism lower foreign investors’ confidence for this region.

Some strong investment themes for the country that I have previously covered include the following:

• Banks: There is still very low penetration for this market, and the Global Findex Database ranks the country as the lowest for financial inclusion in South Asia.  Only roughly 13% of the population currently has a bank account.
• Textile Companies: Another strong component of the economy, which employs around 30% of its population.  Growth for textile exports, along with exports in general, has been sluggish, with textile exports most recently declining by 2% YoY.
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturers: Pakistan’s large economy, coupled with its increasing birth rates, is resulting in an increased demand for pharmaceutical products.  This industry achieved growth of 12%in 2015.
• Hospitals: As previously noted, Pakistan’s healthcare expenditure per capita significantly lags behind frontier and emerging Asia, which presents a strong opportunity for investment in listed hospitals.  Shifa International Hospitals currently trades at 22.9 P/E, quite a bargain, given the higher valuation in emerging markets such as Thailand.
• Automotive Distributors: Pakistan’s automotive industry has been delivering double-digit growth amid slowdowns in other emerging markets, and the penetration rate for vehicles in Pakistan is still very low.

Bangladesh Themes

Bangladesh is another significant frontier market to note, with strong trends of economic growth, and the largest stock market capitalization out of the previously mentioned frontier markets.

Some positive outliers for this market include the following:

• Demographics: Nearly half of the population is under 24 years old, and the median age is currently 26.3, a strategic area for strong consumption.
• GDP Per Capita: The country’s GDP per capita lags behind other frontier markets such as Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
• Population: The country’s population of over 160 million was the 2nd highest among all frontier markets, only falling behind Pakistan.
• Growth: Bangladesh’s GDP growth was consistently above 6% between 2011-2015.

The only main concern I noted was that the country ranked 174 for ease of doing business, and its relatively higher inflation of 5.5%.  Since gaining its independence in 1971, the country has increased its real per capita income by more than 130% and cut its poverty by more than half.  Around 1/3 of the population currently lives below the poverty line.

Some of the top investment themes to capture the country’s rapid economic growth include pharmaceutical companies and FMCG companies.  On top of this, the country has a strategic standing in the global textile industry due to its comparatively lower wages, and this is also a crucial industry for investment.  Some of the most noteworthy and largest companies in these sectors include the following:

• Singer Bangladesh Ltd.: Manufacturer and marketer of consumer electronics, home appliances, and furniture.
• Olympic Industries Ltd: The largest manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of biscuits in Bangladesh.
• Argon Denims: A denim producer, which exports its products to Europe, USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan.
• Beximco Pharmaceuticals: This company received FDA approval for a blood pressure drug last year.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is another intriguing frontier, which has been struggling with a slowdown in exports and its high debt. The government’s Debt/GDP was 76% as of 2015, and the country has required a $1.5 billion loan from the IMF.

Overall the market has some positive traits, but is not a stellar destination for investment like other markets:

• Demographics: Demographics are somewhat favorable for this market, with nearly 40% of its population under 24 years old, and the median age being 32.5.  The strong rise of the country’s aged population in the future is another positive trend to note for the rise of healthcare spending in the future.
• Population/GDP: The country’s population is only slightly over 20 million and its GDP is only around 82 Billion USD, around 42% of Vietnam’s GDP.
• Growth: The country’s economic growth has declined from its peak of over 8% in 2011, to its current level of 2.6%.

Sri Lanka’s economy is currently troubled by high debt, and its trends of economic growth are modest at the moment.  Nevertheless, there are a large number of interesting growth stocks in the country, which have been able to outpace the country’s economic growth.  Some of the following stocks have significant market shares in areas that are able to access the country’s rising domestic consumption, thus offsetting some of the risk associated with investing in Sri Lanka:

• Lanka Hospitals: A private hospital operator in Sri Lanka.
• Ceylon Tobacco: This company is the only legal producer of tobacco in Sri Lanka, dominating the majority of the market.
• Dialog Axiata: Sri Lanka’s largest telecommunications provider.
• Hemas Holdings PLC: A conglomerate, which primarily operates in FMCG and healthcare.
• Lion Brewery Ceylon: A brewery whose products include lagers, stouts, and Carlsberg products.

A Closer Look at Excluded Frontier Markets: Future Outlook

Some frontier stock markets that I initially excluded may be worth looking into in the future, and some of these economies are also significant positive outliers despite having negligent stock markets.

Mongolia: I am optimistic about this market, but prefer mining companies that are listed on exchanges in Hong Kong, Australia, and Canada.  The country’s Oyu Tolgoi mining project is projected to contribute to 1/3 of the country’s GDP when in full production in 2021, which has rightfully termed the country as “Minegolia”.  Recent improvements included a newly elected government that is much more pro-foreign investment, the resolution of a mining dispute with Khan Resources, and the confirmation of Oyu Tolgoi.  I could see another mining boom happening in the 2020s when Oyu Tolgoi goes into full production.

Nepal: Nepal’s stock market is another to watch in the future, with a total market capitalization of approximately $19.6 billion. Nepal was the slowest growing frontier market out of all the markets I observed, with annual GDP growth only reaching 3.4% during 2015.

Laos: Laos has very strong demographics, with over 55% of the population being under 24 years old, and a median age of 22 years old.  The market’s GDP growth consistently exceeded 7% between 2011 and 2015, and inflation has dropped to 1.97%.  The only issue I have with the market is the small size of its economy($12.33 Billion GDP), and especially the lack of offerings on its stock market.  There are currently only five companies listed on its stock exchange, which including the following: a bank, an electricity company, a property service company, a petroleum company, and a construction/home improvements company.

Myanmar:  Myanmar is another intriguing frontier market, which has just launched its stock market, and currently only has 3 companies listed.  Myanmar also has strong youth demographics, with a median age of 28.6, and its GDP growth averaged at around 7% between 2011 and 2015.  The Asian Development Bank is predicting that growth will remain over 8% during the next two years.  A large number of companies have been flocking in for private equity deals in the FMCG Sector (breweries, toothpaste, etc.).

Cambodia: Cambodia has also been leading frontier markets in terms of economic growth, with its average annual GDP growth exceeding 7% between 2011-2015.  Demographics are also stellar; over 50% of the country’s population is under 24 years old, and the country’s median age is 24.9.  However, the company’s stock market currently only offers three options for foreign investors.

Top Frontiers

Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia are still very intriguing for their economic growth and demographics, which are all poised to create an environment for greater consumption in the future when the country’s median age rise to the upper 20s.  Accessing the FMCG through private equity seems like the most appropriate play, although I prefer the simplicity of large frontier markets which produce a flurry of blindingly obvious trades.  Mongolia should still represent a small/long term/high-risk section of a portfolio, for investors willing to hold through the 2020s when the country is poised to potentially have another mining boom.

The collective GDP for all five of these markets is approximately $128 billion, with nearly half of this coming from Myanmar; this total amount still lags significantly behind Vietnam’s GDP of $193.6 billion. Moreover, the combined population is only approximately 107.7 million, compared to 188.9 million and 160.9 million for Pakistan and Bangladesh, respectively.  This fact, coupled with the country’s smaller stock markets, creates an investment case for frontier Asia which primarily focuses on Vietnam, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

India: An Emerging Outlier

India is also another strong emerging market outlier to examine, which has many similarities to other frontier markets.  The market trades at a discount to emerging markets like Thailand and Malaysia, which are both delivering comparatively slower economic growth.  Moreover, even a market like the Philippines, which grew by 7% during Q2 2016, currently trades at 27.7X P/E.  I think that the price is right for India, especially considering it is outpacing its emerging Asian peers in economic growth.

The icing on the cake for India though is that despite being such a large and developed market, there is still “the bottom of the pyramid” element present and the potential for increased consumption from this group.  Some of the previously mentioned statistics for the company were on par with other high growth/underdeveloped markets:

• The country’s demographics are still favorable, with over 45% of the population being under 24 years old.  The country’s median age is 27.6.
• India is the world’s 3rd largest economy(PPP), yet its GDP per capita is only $1,581.6, on par with other frontier markets.  The GDP per capita for Vietnam and Pakistan is $2,111.1 and $1,429.0 respectively.
• India’s GDP growth was over 7% during 2014 and 2015, on par with other high growth frontier markets.
• The country’s healthcare expenditure per capita was lower than Sri Lanka and Vietnam.

India still has much room for economic growth, similar to other frontier markets, and the obvious opportunity presented by its population and demographics further adds to its investment case.  Emerging market funds should be “overweight” in India.  I also think frontier funds should be overweight in (or at least increase holdings in) Pakistan and Vietnam while examining opportunities in Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.  This will allow investors to most effectively capture the growth of the bottom of the pyramid, and to mitigate investment risk amid global economic uncertainty.

My Thoughts on Social Implications

Although I did not focus on this aspect in this insight, the bottom of the pyramid concept has very significant social themes, namely eradicating poverty through profit.  This can be joined by other factors such as microfinance (Grameen Bank Model) and social business, which were spearheaded by Dr. Muhamad Yunus from Bangladesh.  Frontier market investing can therefore not only be considered a profitable endeavor for investors, but also as a social, macroeconomic boost for these frontier markets.  On top of this, some frontier funds, such as Tundra Fonder and Vietnam Holding, utilize an ESG focus (environment, social, and governance) in their investments.   I also view finance and economics as having very promising potential to be an altruistic force for frontier markets and certainly believe investing can produce social value in frontier markets.  The combined impact is very intriguing and extremely leveraged.

Dylan Waller: Futurist/Anarcho-Capitalist/Frontier Market Analyst
Contact: dylan@nomadicequity.com
Website: www.nomadicequity.com

Copyright © 2016 Dylan Waller - All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The above is a matter of opinion provided for general information purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. Information and analysis above are derived from sources and utilising methods believed to be reliable, but we cannot accept responsibility for any losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors.