Four Thai companies made it to Forbes Asia's 200 Best Under a Billion, a list of SMEs with good performance and highest potential.
The four are Arrow Syndicate Plc, maker of electrical conduits, fittings, and accessories; The Brooker Group Plc, a financial consultant; Eastern Polymer Group Plc, manufacturer of plastic and polymer converted produts; and Forth Smart Service Plc, a top-up service company for prepaid phone and bankcards.
The list ranked 200 public companies in Asia-Pacific with annual revenue between US$5 million and $1 billion, have positive net income and have been publicly traded for at least a year.
Of some 17,000 companies, the candidates were screened on sales growth and earnings growth in the past 12 months and over three years, and for the strongest five-year return on equity.
China and Hong Kong led the list with 98 companies. A sector that has consistently stood out in recent years is biopharmaceuticals in China. This year, a total of 17 such companies made the list, including those associated with herbals or traditional Chinese medicine.
In Southeast Asia, Singapore has two companies on this year’s list, while Malaysia has five, which includes new entrant Karex, the world’s largest manufacturer of condoms.
Vietnam has five companies on the list. The sole listee from the Philippines this year is D&L Industries, producer of food ingredients, plastics and chemicals. Indonesia has no representation on this year’s list.
Tim Ferguson, editor of Forbes Asia, said: “Even if the Chinese economy continues to slow, the rest of Asia -- if it is to carve out a bigger place on this SME all-star list -- is going to find big markets for high-value goods and services. Maybe the Asean trade treaties can help.”