TD: Virtual Q&A with Power Corporation CEOAsset / Wealth Management Within Power Corp
Virtual Q&A with CEO Jeffrey Orr
Impact: Neutral
We hosted CEO Jeffrey Orr for a discussion focused on Power Corp.'s broadbased asset/wealth management assets across Power Corp. and its operating entities (Great-West Lifeco and IGM Financial).
Power Corp.
The alternatives platform at $11.3bln in AUM ($7.4bln in funded AUM) is up 102% y/y. Management believes that there is plenty of capacity for further AUM within the existing strategies and expects to add new verticals. While there is room for value creation, consistent profitability may still be 3-4 years out according to management. The Grayhawk wealth acquisition (HNW) adds a distribution channel to this platform
The fintech strategy has evolved and provides multiple benefits. Initially, the launch of a venture capital fintech fund was to provide valuable insight for Power Corp's operating companies. This has evolved into a very successful vertical within the alternatives platform. Two big bets on digital wealth companies - Wealthsimple and Personal Capital - have generated strong investment returns, with the latter currently being integrated into Great-West (Empower).
The recent Wealthsimple financing transaction provides $500mm in proceeds for the Power Group (more than recouping the $315mm investment). The ongoing controlling stake (60% voting rights) is valued at $2.1bln. Management sees this transaction as de-risking the investment while still providing optionality
The China AMC investment (28% ownership across Power Corp. and Mackenzie) should benefit from a growing Chinese middle class and asset management industry. Power Corp. would be open to a larger position. Ultimately, ownership might be simplified under one Power Corp. entity (Mackenzie makes most sense, in our view).
TD Investment Conclusion
Management's closing message was investments in recent years have paved a road for good earnings growth at both Great-West and IGM, and expects more progress around value creating investments, and simplification, at Power Corp. In our view, the company has executed well over the past 12-18 months towards simplifying the organization, improving disclosure and outreach, and delivering value-surfacing transactions (Lion Electric, WealthSimple).