Masan Group joins Forbes list of most innovative growth companies

Forbes Magazine announced its list last week.

According to the magazine's website, forbes.com, companies are ranked on the basis of their innovation premium, which is the difference between their market capitalisation and the present net value of cash flows from existing businesses.

The difference is the bonus given by equity investors on the educated hunch that a company will continue to come up with profitable new growth.

According to Forbes, to be considered for the list, firms need at least seven years of public financial data and US$10 billion in market cap. They should also be in industries known to invest in innovations.

With 67.1% growth rate and a value of US$2.8 billion, the magazine listed Masan in the catalogue of Food, Beverage & Tobacco.

New Zealand-based Xero, which specialises in software and services, topped the list, while other technology companies Netsuite, Ultimate, Kakaku.com, and Qlik Technologies followed.

In Vietnam, MSN is considered as one of the most successful private groups.

It has been in the consumption industry and produces seasonings, convenience foods, and beverages. It has its presence in the animal feed industry, natural resources, and banking sector.

In Q1 of 2014, MSN recorded VND3.584 trillion (US$164.4 million) in revenues, with an EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Depreciation and Tax) of VND930 billion (US$42.66 million) and VND57 billion (US$2.6 million) net profit after tax.

The firm has set its target revenue for 2015 at US$2 billion.

On May 22, each share of MSN closed at VND81,500 (US$3.7) on the HCM City Stock Exchange.