Strong client focus will help IGM adapt

Article Excerpt

IGM FINANCIAL INC. $36 (Toronto symbol IGM; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Finance sector; Shares out standing: 240.5 million; Market cap: $8.7 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 2.9; Dividend yield: 6.3%; TSI Network Rating: Above Average; www.igmfinancial.com) is Canada’s largest independent mutual fund provider. The company has two main businesses: Investors Group offers mutual funds and portfolio management services through 5,300 affiliated advisors; Mackenzie Financial sells funds through independent brokers. New rules will soon require investment firms to disclose more details on fees. It’s possible these changes could hurt mutual fund sales. However,Investors Group forms close relationships with its clients, which should help it adapt to the new rules. In addition, market research firm Pollara found that 87% of investors are confident mutual funds will meet their financial goals. It also found that only 34% of investors had similar confidence in ETFs. That’s likely due to a lack of awareness and familiarity about ETF products. IGM’s assets under management were $134.7 billion by the end of the…