Cohen & Steers, Inc. (CNS): Business Model Canvas

Key Partnerships

Cohen & Steers, Inc. (CNS) relies on several key partnerships to succeed in the investment management industry. These partners play a critical role in helping CNS reach its target clients, manage investments effectively, remain compliant with regulations, and stay up-to-date with the latest technologies in the industry. Some of CNS's key partnerships include:

• Financial advisors and broker-dealers: CNS collaborates closely with financial advisors and broker-dealers to reach individual investors seeking professional guidance in managing their investments. These partnerships help CNS access a wider client base and provide personalized investment solutions tailored to each client's needs.
• Institutional investors: CNS forms partnerships with institutional investors, such as pension funds, endowments, and insurance companies, to manage large pools of capital efficiently. These partnerships enable CNS to deliver superior investment performance and innovative solutions that meet the specific requirements of institutional clients.
• Investment management technology providers: CNS partners with leading technology providers to leverage cutting-edge tools and platforms that enhance its investment management processes. By incorporating advanced technology solutions, CNS is able to improve efficiency, optimize decision-making, and gain a competitive edge in the market.
• Regulatory and compliance consultants: CNS works with regulatory and compliance consultants to ensure that its operations comply with the ever-changing regulatory landscape. These partnerships help CNS navigate complex regulatory requirements, mitigate risks, and uphold the highest standards of governance and transparency in its business practices.

Key Activities

Cohen & Steers, Inc. engages in several key activities to provide comprehensive asset management services to its clients. These activities include:

• Asset Management: This is the core activity of Cohen & Steers. The company manages various investment products such as real estate, infrastructure, commodities, and natural resource equities on behalf of its clients. The asset management process involves identifying investment opportunities, constructing portfolios, and actively managing assets to achieve the client's investment objectives.
• Portfolio Management: Cohen & Steers focuses on creating and managing diversified portfolios that offer attractive risk-adjusted returns. The portfolio management team conducts in-depth research and analysis to select the most suitable investment opportunities for their clients. They also monitor portfolio performance and make adjustments as necessary to optimize returns.
• Market Research and Analysis: To stay ahead of market trends and identify potential investment opportunities, Cohen & Steers conducts extensive market research and analysis. This includes staying abreast of economic indicators, global market developments, and industry trends that may impact the performance of client portfolios.
• Compliance and Risk Management: As a responsible asset manager, Cohen & Steers places a strong emphasis on compliance with industry regulations and risk management. The company has a dedicated team that ensures all investment activities are conducted in accordance with legal requirements and internal policies. Additionally, risk management practices are implemented to mitigate potential risks and protect client assets.

Key Resources

Investment professionals: One of the key resources of Cohen & Steers, Inc. (CNS) is its team of experienced investment professionals. These professionals are experts in various asset classes and investment strategies, allowing CNS to provide tailored investment solutions to its clients.

Client relationships database: CNS maintains a comprehensive database of client relationships, which includes information on client preferences, investment objectives, and risk tolerance. This database enables CNS to personalize its services and offerings to better meet the needs of its clients.

Financial and market data: Access to timely and accurate financial and market data is crucial for CNS to make informed investment decisions on behalf of its clients. CNS subscribes to various data services and has internal resources dedicated to analyzing market trends and economic indicators.

Proprietary trading algorithms: CNS utilizes proprietary trading algorithms to execute trades on behalf of its clients. These algorithms are designed to optimize execution quality and minimize market impact, ultimately enhancing the overall performance of CNS's investment strategies.

Value Propositions

Cohen & Steers, Inc. offers a range of value propositions that set it apart in the competitive landscape of investment management firms:

• Specialized in income-generating, real asset and alternative investment strategies: Cohen & Steers focuses on strategies that generate income for investors, particularly in real assets and alternative investments. This specialization allows the firm to offer unique opportunities to clients seeking income-generating investments.
• Expertise in global real estate, infrastructure, and listed commodities: With a team of seasoned investment professionals, Cohen & Steers has developed expertise in global real estate, infrastructure, and listed commodities. This depth of knowledge enables the firm to uncover investment opportunities that may be overlooked by other firms.
• Strong performance track record: Cohen & Steers has a history of delivering strong performance for its clients. The firm's consistent track record of outperformance is a key value proposition for investors seeking reliable returns over the long term.
• Tailored investment solutions: Cohen & Steers understands that each client has unique investment goals and risk tolerance. As a result, the firm offers tailored investment solutions to meet the specific needs of individual clients. This personalized approach sets Cohen & Steers apart in a crowded market.

Customer Relationships

Cohen & Steers, Inc. (CNS) prioritizes building strong customer relationships to ensure client satisfaction and loyalty. The following customer relationship strategies are implemented:

• Each client is assigned a dedicated account manager who serves as their primary point of contact.
• The account manager is responsible for addressing any client concerns, providing investment advice, and ensuring the client's needs are met.

• CNS has specialized client servicing teams that work closely with clients to address any issues or questions they may have.
• These teams provide timely and efficient support to ensure the client's investment objectives are achieved.

• Clients receive regular updates on the performance of their investments, allowing them to track their progress toward their financial goals.
• These updates are delivered through various channels, including email, phone calls, and in-person meetings.

• CNS offers personalized consultations to help clients develop tailored investment strategies that align with their financial objectives.
• These consultations are conducted by experienced investment professionals who provide expert guidance and recommendations.

Channels

Cohen & Steers, Inc. utilizes various channels to reach and engage with its clients and potential investors. These channels are crucial for the company to deliver its value proposition and maintain strong relationships with its stakeholders.

Direct sales team: Cohen & Steers has a dedicated sales team that actively engages with institutional investors, financial advisors, and individual clients. The team provides personalized service and guidance to clients, helping them navigate through the company's investment offerings and solutions.

Company website and client portal: The company's website serves as a central hub for information on its products, services, performance, and market insights. Clients can access their accounts and portfolios through the client portal, where they can monitor their investments and communicate with their advisors.

Financial seminars and webinars: Cohen & Steers organizes educational seminars and webinars to educate clients and prospects on various investment topics, market trends, and industry developments. These events help the company showcase its expertise and thought leadership in the investment space.

Industry conferences and networking events: Cohen & Steers actively participates in industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events to connect with industry professionals, potential partners, and clients. These events provide the company with opportunities to showcase its products and services, as well as stay updated on market trends and competitor activities.

Customer Segments

The customer segments for Cohen & Steers, Inc. (CNS) can be categorized into three main groups:

• Institutional investors: This segment includes pension funds, endowments, and foundations looking for professional asset management services. These clients typically have large pools of investable assets and require specialized investment strategies to meet their long-term financial goals.
• Financial advisors and wealth managers: CNS also caters to financial professionals who work with individual clients. These advisors seek out CNS for its expertise in real estate and infrastructure investments, as well as other specialized asset classes. By partnering with CNS, financial advisors can offer their clients access to unique investment opportunities.
• Individual investors: Lastly, CNS serves individual investors who are seeking customized asset management solutions. These clients may have specific preferences or constraints that require a tailored investment approach. CNS offers a range of funds and products to meet the diverse needs of individual investors.

Value Proposition

The value proposition of CNS lies in its expertise in specialized asset classes, particularly real estate and infrastructure investments. By focusing on these sectors, CNS is able to deliver unique investment opportunities to its clients, helping them achieve their financial objectives.

• Professional asset management: CNS offers institutional-quality asset management services to its clients, providing access to top-tier investment professionals and research capabilities.
• Diversified investment options: CNS offers a range of funds and products across different asset classes, allowing clients to diversify their portfolios and manage risk effectively.
• Customized solutions: CNS works closely with clients to understand their specific investment goals and constraints, offering tailored solutions to meet their needs.

Channels

CNS leverages multiple channels to reach its target customer segments and deliver its value proposition:

• Direct sales: CNS has a dedicated sales team that works directly with institutional investors, financial advisors, and individual clients to promote its products and services.
• Intermediaries: CNS also partners with financial intermediaries, such as broker-dealers and wealth management firms, to distribute its products to a broader audience.
• Online platforms: CNS utilizes online platforms and digital marketing strategies to engage with clients and provide information about its investment offerings.

Cost Structure

The cost structure of Cohen & Steers, Inc. (CNS) is designed to support the various operations of the company and ensure its continued success in the investment management industry. Key components of the cost structure include:

• Employee salaries and benefits: CNS invests in hiring and retaining top talent in the industry to drive its investment strategies and deliver value to clients. This includes competitive salaries, bonuses, healthcare benefits, and retirement plans for employees.
• Marketing and client acquisition costs: To attract new clients and expand its client base, CNS incurs costs related to marketing and business development activities. This may include advertising, sponsorships, events, and other promotional efforts.
• Technology development and maintenance: As a financial services firm, CNS relies on technology to facilitate its operations and manage investments effectively. This includes the development, implementation, and maintenance of software, systems, and tools used in portfolio management, trading, and client services.
• Compliance and licensing fees: CNS operates in a heavily regulated industry and must comply with various laws, regulations, and licensing requirements. This entails costs related to legal counsel, compliance staff, regulatory filings, and licensing fees to ensure the firm operates within the boundaries of the law.
• Operational and administrative expenses: The day-to-day operations of CNS incur costs related to rent, utilities, office supplies, professional services, insurance, travel, and other administrative expenses. These costs are necessary to support the overall functioning of the firm and ensure smooth operations.

Revenue Streams

Cohen & Steers, Inc. generates revenue through several key streams:

• Management fees based on assets under management (AUM): The primary source of revenue for CNS is the management fees charged to clients based on the total assets under management. These fees are typically calculated as a percentage of AUM and are a recurring source of income for the company.
• Performance-based fees: In addition to management fees, CNS also earns revenue through performance-based fees. These fees are contingent on the investment performance of the funds managed by CNS, giving the company a direct financial incentive to deliver strong returns to clients.
• Consultancy and advisory fees: CNS also offers consultancy and advisory services to clients, providing them with expert guidance on investment strategies, asset allocation, and risk management. These services generate additional revenue for the company and further solidify its position as a trusted partner in the financial industry.

Overall, these revenue streams work together to create a diversified income base for Cohen & Steers, Inc., allowing the company to weather market fluctuations and continue to deliver value to its clients.