This week Nick Niziolek, of the TAMIM Global Equity Growth IMA investment manager Calamos Investments, continues to look at how economic reforms support investment opportunity in emerging markets, focusing this time on the Philippines.
Philippines: Increasing Economic Freedoms Set the Stage for Growth
Nick Niziolek
- October 2016 -
Nick Niziolek
- October 2016 -
Over recent years, the Philippines has launched a variety of economic reforms that have helped put the country on a path of stronger growth and lower inflation, with balance sheet and income statement improvements. Income inequality is also easing, leading to increased consumption, including a notable upswing in auto sales. Additionally, the country has done a good job of cleansing corruption in the system and building a more sustainable foundation for policy implementation and economic growth.
Supported by these reforms, the Philippines has seen a material growth in its level of economic freedoms, as illustrated by data from the Heritage Foundation (Figure 1). While the overall Economic Freedom Score for the world has remained generally flat, the Philippines has shown considerable improvement over recent years, with a rise of 8 points since 2011.
Supported by these reforms, the Philippines has seen a material growth in its level of economic freedoms, as illustrated by data from the Heritage Foundation (Figure 1). While the overall Economic Freedom Score for the world has remained generally flat, the Philippines has shown considerable improvement over recent years, with a rise of 8 points since 2011.
In the wake of President Rodrigo Duterte’s election in May, the Calamos team has been closely watching the trajectory of economic reforms in the Philippines. So far, the current administration seems to be doing a good job continuing economic reform polices established under the previous Aquino administration, while also introducing new reforms as well. Economic and political sentiment measures have remained on the upswing through the second quarter (Figure 2), and the election has been a positive catalyst for consumer spending.
With a generally strong cabinet of advisors and support in both houses of parliament, the government looks well positioned to implement further reforms and policies to promote economic growth. The administration has pledged to accelerate government spending on infrastructure to 5% of GDP. Other agenda items include lowering restrictions of foreign ownership of businesses, which should encourage more capital flows into the market. A tax reform package is also in the works, which is likely to support the trend of improving tax collections over recent years (Figure 3). By streamlining taxation, the government hopes to further improve tax collections and help fund infrastructure spending.
In our view, these developments suggest that the Philippines could well be approaching a positive inflection point in its economic growth trajectory. As we have discussed (link to India post), we see considerable long-term value in investing alongside these inflection points. In the Philippines, our team has identified opportunities that include:
- A large banking franchise advantageously positioned to capitalize on consumer activity. Currently, banking penetration rates are low in the Philippines but are likely to rise due to reform and stimulus measures that help the middle and lower classes prosper.
- The Philippines largest and most diversified real estate company. Supported by the strong backing of a parent, this company is well-known for its development of key central business districts and high-end residential and retail developments but is also expanding into middle and lower-end markets. We view this company as a beneficiary of policy targeted toward infrastructure and real estate developments.
- The country’s leading cement producer with an extensive distribution network. Also benefiting from a relationship with a strong parent, we believe this company is a likely beneficiary of the government’s commitment to infrastructure build out, particularly residential development.
- A Philippine conglomerate with activities in the banking, auto, power, and real estate industries. Auto sales have been on the rise, a trend which looks set to continue given low penetration rates and increasing consumer prosperity. A diversified business model provides attractive exposure to Philippine economic growth and domestic consumption trends as well.
- A leading fast food chain, positioned to benefit from strengthening consumer trends in the Philippines. Building on its strong local brand, this company is also establishing a multinational presence in emerging Asia and the United States.
Conclusion
In any economy, political change can either upend or improve economic growth prospects. In the case of the Philippines, economic progress looks set to continue under the new administration. With a broad set of economic reforms and stimulus policies underway, the Philippines remains one of the emerging markets we’re following with great interest.
The opinions referenced are as of the date of publication and are subject to change due to changes in the market or economic conditions and may not necessarily come to pass. Information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice.
As a result of political or economic instability in foreign countries, there can be special risks associated with investing in foreign securities, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates, increased price volatility and difficulty obtaining information. In addition, emerging markets may present additional risk due to potential for greater economic and political instability in less developed countries.
As a result of political or economic instability in foreign countries, there can be special risks associated with investing in foreign securities, including fluctuations in currency exchange rates, increased price volatility and difficulty obtaining information. In addition, emerging markets may present additional risk due to potential for greater economic and political instability in less developed countries.
