IGM Takes Aim at Bank-run Funds

Article Excerpt

IGM FINANCIAL INC. $51 (Toronto symbol IGM; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Finance sector; Shares outstanding: 264.5 million; Market cap: $13.5 billion; SI Rating: Above average) is Canada’s largest mutual fund company, with assets under management of $123.8 billion. Power Financial Corp. owns 56% of IGM’s stock. IGM sells its funds through two main divisions. Investors Group sells its funds through its own network of 4,100 advisors. Investors Group also provides other financial services such as banking, insurance and brokerage. The other major division is Mackenzie Financial, which sells its products through independent brokers. IGM’s revenue fell from $1.9 billion in 2002 to $1.87 billion in 2003, but rose steadily to $2.6 billion in 2006. Earnings rose from $1.85 a share (total $491.1 million) in 2002 to $2.90 a share ($776.7 million) in 2006, or 11.9% compounded annually. If you exclude unusual items, IGM would have earned $2.85 a share in 2006. Strong competition from banks The company recently capped its management expense ratios due to…