Shedding Light on Microfinance Equity Valuation: Past and Present

Abstract

Micro-finance institutions (MFIs) will certainly be affected by the financial crisis ricocheting across the globe, but the authors believe that the sector is fundamentally sound. Larger institutions, especially those with diversified funding sources, such as retail deposits, are best positioned to manage the effects of economic and financial contraction. Valuations may change, but the authors believe the long-term outlook for equity investment in microfinance is positive. Private equity valuations for MFIs have varied widely over the past few years. Investors should not value MFIs the same way they value traditional banks. The authors highlight five characteristics that differentiate MFIs from traditional banks, and justify a slightly different valuation approach: a double bottom line that aims for social and financial returns, excellent asset quality, high net interest margins (NIMs), high operating costs, and longer term funding available from developmental investors.