Birch Gold Group vs Swiss America: The Ultimate Guide
Are you trying to decide whether Birch Gold Group or Swiss America is the right gold IRA provider for you? You’re not alone. Many investors seek clarity on which company offers the better combination of reliability, customer service, and investment options. In this guide, we cut through the noise to directly compare Birch Gold Group vs Swiss America, focusing on what really matters to you: costs, services, and customer experiences. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of which provider may best match your retirement investment needs.
Key Takeaways
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Birch Gold Group offers extensive experience in the gold IRA industry with a strong commitment to exceptional customer service, diverse investment options, and a minimum investment threshold of $10,000, with an ‘A+’ BBB rating reflecting their reputable service.
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Swiss America stands out for its dedication to investor education, providing extensive resources and a focus on ethical service as mirrored in positive customer testimonials and a high industry rating, despite some pressure in numismatic coin sales.
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Comparing gold IRA providers, both Birch Gold Group and Swiss America offer comprehensive services including roll-over support and secure storage options, but differ in their fee structures and the range of educational materials provided to customers.
Birch Gold Group Overview
If you’re exploring gold IRA providers, you’ll likely come across Birch Gold Group. Renowned for its exceptional customer service and diverse investment options, this company has made a name for itself in the world of physical precious metals. Birch Gold Group’s unparalleled expertise in the field ensures that clients receive top-notch service and guidance during their investment journey, making it one of the best gold IRA companies around.
Founded in 2003, Birch Gold Group has been operating for almost two decades. Over the years, the company has accumulated extensive industry knowledge and expertise, enabling it to deliver excellent service to its clients. Its dedication to customer service, paired with its diverse investment options, has earned the company a reputation as a leader in the field.
Key Features of Birch Gold Group
A distinguishing feature of Birch Gold Group is the constant access to account executives, who offer insightful advice. These insights focus on the potential of Precious Metals IRAs, such as gold IRA accounts, to enhance portfolio diversification, hedge against inflation, and demonstrate robust growth potential. This is a clear indication of Birch Gold Group’s commitment to helping its clients maximize their investments and achieve their financial goals.
Moreover, Birch Gold Group’s commitment to quality service extends beyond just the provision of diverse investment options. The company has a reputation for offering comprehensive customer support, providing clients with the guidance they need to navigate the complexities of precious metals investments. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or new to the world of gold IRAs, Birch Gold Group’s team of experts is there to guide you every step of the way.
Birch Gold Group’s Gold IRA Services
Birch Gold Group offers comprehensive gold IRA services without compromise. The company focuses on:
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The establishment and management of self-directed IRAs, particularly gold IRAs
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Guiding clients through the process of acquiring, safeguarding, and liquidating gold investments
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Overseeing the transfer of funds from conventional IRAs, 401(k)s, and other qualifying retirement accounts into a gold IRA.
To establish an account with Birch Gold Group, a minimum investment of $10,000 is necessary. This investment threshold ensures that all clients are serious about their precious metals investments. Furthermore, Birch Gold Group offers a buyback policy that allows clients to sell back their precious metals at a fair market price when they are ready to liquidate their holdings, either by receiving the physical metals or by using the company’s buyback program. This makes Birch Gold Group one of the best gold IRA companies for those who value flexibility in their investments.
Customer Feedback and BBB Rating
Naturally, a company’s reputation isn’t solely based on its offerings and services, but also on customer perception. Birch Gold Group has received a 4.9-star rating from customers, reflecting a high level of satisfaction with their services. Furthermore, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), a reliable source for evaluating the credibility of businesses, has awarded Birch Gold Group an ‘A+’ rating, indicating their strong standing within the industry.
The positive feedback doesn’t stop there. Customer reviews consistently commend Birch Gold Group for the patience and politeness of their advisors, particularly with new investors. This positions Birch Gold Group as a favorable option for those who are just starting their journey in establishing gold IRAs. The company’s commitment to providing exceptional service has clearly paid off, with a strong reputation in the industry and high levels of customer satisfaction.
Swiss America Profile
Conversely, Swiss America is a company with a deep-rooted history and a steadfast dedication to investor education. Established in 1982, Swiss America is currently under the leadership of Dean Heskin, who holds the position of President and CEO at Swiss America Trading Corporation. Over the years, the company has grown and evolved, but its core values and dedication to providing quality service have remained constant.
Swiss America provides a diverse range of educational resources, including:
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Specialized reports and educational materials that discuss gold, silver, and precious metals trends
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Insights into coins, bullion, and numismatics
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Strategies for safeguarding against fraud and scams in the investment sector
By providing these resources, Swiss America shows its commitment to empowering investors with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their precious metals investments.
Distinctive Offerings from Swiss America
Swiss America differentiates itself with a unique portfolio diversification strategy, solid financial alternatives, competitive precious metals pricing, and reasonable gold IRA set-up costs. Additionally, they offer special promotions such as the delivery of $13.50 Walking Liberty Half Dollars, as well as attractive prices on gold, silver, and platinum.
Swiss America offers a unique gold IRA investment process that allows investors to include physical gold, silver, platinum, and palladium in their self-directed IRAs. Furthermore, Swiss America provides a wide array of services to facilitate the conversion of traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, and 401(k) plans into Precious Metals IRAs. This comprehensive suite of services includes:
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Assisting with the paperwork and logistics of transferring funds from existing retirement accounts to a Precious Metals IRA
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Providing guidance on selecting the right mix of precious metals for your investment goals
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Offering secure storage options for your physical metals
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Providing regular updates and market insights to help you make informed investment decisions
These services meet the needs of various investors interested in incorporating gold and other metals into their retirement portfolios.
Swiss America’s Precious Metals IRAs
Swiss America’s precious metals IRA services are comprehensive and tailored to the needs of their customers. The IRS stipulates that gold must have a purity of 99.5% and silver 99.9%, while platinum and palladium must have a purity of 99.95%. Gold bullion is permissible, while collectibles are not, except for American Gold Eagle coins which only require a purity of 91.67% gold.
Swiss America allows the incorporation of U.S. Gold, Silver, and Platinum American Eagle coins, along with specific other bullion coins, including gold coins, in its Precious Metals IRAs. They also comply with IRS regulations for storage, requiring that gold and other precious metals acquired for a gold IRA be stored at a reputable storage facility approved by the IRS. These offerings ensure that Swiss America’s customers can invest in a diverse range of precious metals, secure in the knowledge that their investments are in safe hands.
Client Testimonials and Industry Ratings
Swiss America’s reputation in the industry is further enhanced by its positive ratings and customer testimonials. The company has received the following accolades:
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Accredited by BBB with a positive rating on the Better Business Bureau
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Awarded a AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance
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Acknowledged for their exceptional customer service quality
Swiss America also has a presence on Trust Pilot and has received a variety of client testimonials. Positive feedback often emphasizes the company’s honesty, integrity, and positive interactions. However, there are also negative reviews where clients have expressed feeling pressured into purchasing numismatic coins at high spreads, suggesting a need for some clients to approach their interactions with caution.
Despite these few negative reviews, Swiss America’s overall reputation in the industry remains strong, and their commitment to customer service and investor education sets them apart from many other gold IRA providers.
Comparing Gold IRA Investment Options
Having individually reviewed both Birch Gold Group and Swiss America, let’s now directly compare their offerings. Both companies provide comprehensive gold IRA investment options, but there are some key differences between the two that investors should be aware of.
A precious metals IRA is a favorable choice for those seeking to broaden their retirement portfolio and safeguard their savings, providing a more varied investment opportunity compared to conventional IRA investments. Precious metals IRAs offer tax advantages similar to those of a traditional IRA, while also allowing investors to benefit from the stability that precious metal investments, such as silver and gold, bring to a diversified portfolio.
Variety and Quality of Precious Metals
In terms of variety and quality of precious metals, both Birch Gold Group and Swiss America offer strong selections. The leading gold IRA companies are expected to provide a comprehensive selection of precious metals, encompassing gold, silver, platinum, and palladium for your account. However, investors also need to take into account the established purity standards for self-directed IRAs. The standards require platinum or palladium to be 99.95% pure, gold must be 99.5% pure, and silver must be 99.9% pure.
Coins such as the Australia Koala bullion coins, Canadian Maple Leaf coins, and PAMP Suisse bars satisfy the purity requirements for a self-directed IRA, while collectible or rare coins like German Marks, British sovereigns, or Swiss Francs are prohibited.
Prior to choosing a company for investment in platinum or palladium, investors are advised to carry out comprehensive research to confirm that the company they select provides the desired precious metals and fulfills the purity standards.
Investment Flexibility and Portfolio Diversification
When selecting a gold IRA provider, factors such as investment flexibility and portfolio diversification are paramount. Certain gold IRA companies label their products as ‘diverse’ due to the ability to hold multiple types of precious metals. However, from an investment standpoint, this does not constitute a well-diversified portfolio. Precious metals, even of different types, belong to the same asset class and do not produce income, unlike assets that generate dividends.
Portfolio diversification is important because it can help mitigate the risk of investment failure. The appreciation in the value of gold can act as a hedge against potential losses in other investment vehicles. Incorporating a range of assets, including gold, is crucial for establishing diversified portfolios that enhance investment security.
Fees and Charges: Birch Gold Group vs Swiss America
Understanding the associated fees and charges is a crucial aspect of choosing a gold IRA provider. The fees associated with establishing and maintaining a gold IRA, along with the expenses of metals, encompass setup fees varying from $50 to $250 and an average transaction fee of approximately $40. The fees offered by the top gold IRA companies prioritize transparency and cost-effectiveness. In this section, we’ll break down the fees and charges associated with Birch Gold Group and Swiss America to give you a clearer picture of the costs you can expect with each provider.
Birch Gold Group imposes a $50 fee for account setup, an $80 annual maintenance fee, and a $30 charge per wire transfer. They have the option to waive fees for the initial year if a client transfers an existing account valued at a minimum of $50,000. Fee transparency plays a crucial role in ensuring that investors have a comprehensive understanding of the expenses linked to their gold IRA, thereby enhancing the overall affordability and credibility of the investment service.
Understand Birch Gold Group’s Fee Schedule
To gain a deeper understanding of Birch Gold Group’s fee structure, we’ll delve into the details. Birch Gold Group imposes a $50 initial setup fee for initiating a gold IRA. Furthermore, there is a fixed annual maintenance fee of $200, encompassing essential services essential for the upkeep of the gold IRA.
When it comes to transaction fees, Birch Gold Group imposes various charges, including:
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A processing and logistics fee for selling metals
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A $50 initial account set-up fee
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A $30 wire transfer fee if applicable
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Fees ranging from $30 to $50 negotiated with custodians for each transaction
Additionally, a minimum purchase amount of $10,000 is mandated for transactions within the IRA.
By disclosing these fees upfront, Birch Gold Group exemplifies its commitment to transparency and customer service.
Swiss America’s Cost Transparency
On the other hand, Swiss America does not offer a breakdown of their fee structure for gold IRAs on their website. However, they ensure transparency and clarity in their fee structure, with no hidden costs, to facilitate easy understanding for their clients.
The precise charges linked with Swiss America’s gold IRA investments consist of:
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An average establishment fee of $250
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An initial account opening fee of $50
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$30 fee for each wire transfer
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$100 per year for fund storage
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$80 per year for account maintenance.
Storage and Security Solutions
The storage and security options offered for your precious metals is another important consideration when choosing a gold IRA provider. Both Birch Gold Group and Swiss America provide ample storage solutions and ensure that their customers’ investments are stored securely and in compliance with IRS regulations.
The main storage options for gold IRA investments are allocated and segregated storage. Allocated storage involves storing your metals alongside those of other investors, while segregated storage ensures that your investments are kept separate from assets of other investors in an individual storage box or vault. Gold acquired for a gold IRA must be stored at a reputable storage facility approved by the IRS, such as the Delaware Depository Service Company, JP Morgan Chase, HSBC, or CNT Depository.
Birch Gold Group’s Depository Partnerships
To ensure the secure storage of precious metals, Birch Gold Group has established depository partnerships with Brink’s Global and Delaware Depository Services. These partnerships provide peace of mind for investors. These depositories implement robust security measures including access controls, alarm systems, and comprehensive security monitoring. Additionally, they conduct audits to ensure compliance with U.S. law and IRA regulations, providing customers with a high level of security and assurance.
Birch Gold Group offers a variety of storage options for precious metals through its partnerships with Brink’s Global and Delaware Depository Services, along with insurance coverage of up to $1 billion, highlighting the emphasis on safeguarding and securing clients’ investments. By partnering with these reputable depositories, Birch Gold Group ensures that their customers’ investments are stored securely and in compliance with all necessary regulations.
Swiss America’s Storage Facilities
Swiss America provides allocated and segregated storage options for gold IRAs, ensuring compliance with IRS-approved facility requirements. When you opt for allocated storage with Swiss America, your precious metals are stored in a vault alongside holdings from other clients. On the other hand, segregated storage guarantees a dedicated space for your metals, ensuring they are not mixed with other clients’ holdings.
Swiss America’s storage facilities are furnished with strong security features to guarantee the protection of clients’ valuable metals, providing reassurance to investors. The company’s commitment to security is evident in the stringent measures it takes to protect its clients’ precious metals, further enhancing its reputation as a reliable and trustworthy gold IRA provider.
Customer Service and Support
Like any other business, customer service is a crucial aspect for gold IRA providers. Both Birch Gold Group and Swiss America are known for their excellent customer service and support. While Birch Gold Group provides customer service support from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday, Swiss America’s customer service operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
Both companies provide customer support through telephone and email. This ensures that customers can reach out to them through their preferred mode of communication, and get the support they need in a timely manner.
Personalized Assistance from Birch Gold Group
One of the key strengths of Birch Gold Group is its personalized customer service. The company distinguishes itself from other precious metal investment companies by:
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Providing personalized service and tailored investment strategies
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Offering expert guidance tailored to individual investment goals
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Customizing the client experience by fostering relationships, building trust, and assigning a Precious Metals specialist to each client
This ensures a distinctive and tailored advisory process.
Customers have expressed appreciation for Birch Gold Group’s:
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Promptness
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Professionalism
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Knowledge
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Outstanding customer service efforts
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Consistency in addressing inquiries
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Availability for assistance
They have highlighted the personalized service as a significant positive aspect.
Birch Gold Group, along with Augusta Precious Metals, offers personalized consultations and comprehensive resources to aid clients in their precious metals investments, thereby enriching the customized support each investor receives.
Swiss America’s Commitment to Investor Education
Swiss America sets itself apart through its commitment to investor education. The company offers a comprehensive range of educational resources, such as:
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Special reports
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Instructional materials
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Guides
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Detailed content on gold and silver coins, numismatics, and investing in precious metals
By providing these resources, Swiss America empowers its clients with the knowledge they need to make informed investment decisions.
Customer testimonials regarding Swiss America’s educational tools and resources are predominantly favorable. Clients have praised the company for its exceptional service and comprehensive educational materials, emphasizing the value these resources offer to investors navigating the gold IRA landscape. The extensive range of educational materials, encompassing diverse facets of gold and silver investment, has garnered praise, demonstrating its value in enabling individuals to make well-informed investment choices within the gold IRA market.
Gold IRA Rollover Process
When choosing a gold IRA provider, considering the process of rolling over a traditional IRA or 401(k) into a gold IRA is crucial. A Gold IRA rollover involves the transfer of funds from a retirement account, such as a 401(k), to a Gold IRA without facing tax liability or penalties. The recommended approach for this transfer is an institution-to-institution transfer. In this section, we’ll compare the rollover processes provided by Birch Gold Group and Swiss America.
A gold IRA is most suitable for experienced investors with a background in precious metals investing. Prior to investing in a gold IRA account, it is important to carefully assess one’s investment timeline, objectives, and risk tolerance. Thorough research is recommended, especially to comprehend the distinctions between an IRA and a 401(k).
Birch Gold Group’s Rollover Ease
With Birch Gold Group, the rollover process is straightforward and easy to understand. The company provides assistance and guidance throughout the process, including the completion of essential paperwork. A specialist is assigned to guide each client through the process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free rollover.
The procedure for Birch Gold Group’s IRA rollover process includes a direct rollover, where the old account’s custodian sends the funds directly to the new plan, and transferring an old 401k to gold and silver to move to a Self-Directed IRA. By offering these options and providing personalized support, Birch Gold Group makes the rollover process as easy and stress-free as possible for its clients.
Swiss America’s Rollover Support
Swiss America provides comprehensive support for the rollover process, including:
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A wealth of information and guidance to help customers navigate the Gold IRA rollover process
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Tools and resources specifically crafted to streamline the Gold IRA rollover process
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The goal of aiding investors in safeguarding their retirement portfolios with precious metals
Swiss America can manage the tax implications of a Gold IRA rollover by providing options for tax-free withdrawals within specific guidelines for Gold IRAs. Additionally, contributions to a Roth IRA involve after-tax funds and do not offer immediate tax advantages. By providing these options and clear guidance, Swiss America ensures a smooth rollover process for its clients.
Company Reputation and Trustworthiness
The reputation and trustworthiness of the company are essential considerations when choosing a gold IRA provider. Investors have the option to assess a gold investment company’s credibility by examining its:
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Accreditation
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Reviews and ratings from reputable sources
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Experience and history in the industry
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Track record of success in assisting investors
In this section, we’ll compare the reputations and trustworthiness of Birch Gold Group and Swiss America.
Investors should seek a gold investment company that provides outstanding customer service, transparent fees, and a diverse selection of investment options. In the search for the optimal gold IRA company, investors should prioritize consumer ratings, customer service, and the company’s reputation.
Birch Gold Group’s Industry Standing
Birch Gold Group has been an established participant in the gold IRA market for close to two decades, showcasing a substantial level of expertise in the industry. Its reputation is backed not only by its years of experience but also by its commitment to providing high-quality service and diverse investment options. Birch Gold Group maintains a commendable position in the gold IRA industry, frequently achieving high rankings among its peers and garnering favorable feedback from customers.
In addition to its positive customer reviews, Birch Gold Group’s strong industry standing is further evidenced by its ‘A+’ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB’s rating is a testament to Birch Gold Group’s commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical business practices.
Swiss America’s Market Position
Swiss America, on the other hand, has built a solid reputation over its 40 years in the industry. Widely regarded as a credible and trusted Gold IRA provider, Swiss America holds a distinctive position in the industry. The company positions itself as a comprehensive gateway to investments in gold, silver, and other precious metals.
Swiss America distinguishes itself from competitors by providing solutions for converting regular IRAs, Roth IRAs, and 401(k) plans into Precious Metals IRAs, drawing on 40 years of experience in offering tangible financial alternatives and a proven portfolio diversification formula. This unique strategy, coupled with its commitment to customer service and investor education, sets Swiss America apart in the gold IRA industry.
Summary
In conclusion, both Birch Gold Group and Swiss America are reputable gold IRA providers with their own unique strengths. Birch Gold Group stands out for its personalized customer service, comprehensive gold IRA services, and strong industry standing. On the other hand, Swiss America is known for its commitment to investor education, diverse offerings, and robust storage solutions.
Choosing the right gold IRA provider ultimately depends on your individual needs and investment goals. Both Birch Gold Group and Swiss America offer comprehensive services and support to help you navigate the gold IRA investment process. By comparing these two providers, we hope that you’re now equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision about your gold IRA investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Birch Gold Group a reputable company?
Yes, Birch Gold Group is a reputable company with consistently high ratings and positive customer reviews from the Better Business Bureau. They have been accredited since 2011 and have an A+ rating.
What is the number one gold investment company?
Goldco is considered the number one gold investment company due to its outstanding track record, ratings, and robust educational content. It is rated A+ by the Better Business Bureau, AAA by Business Consumer Alliance, and has an excellent 4.8 rating on Trustpilot.
What is the best gold IRA?
Goldco is considered the best overall gold IRA company due to its outstanding track record, high ratings from BBB and Trustpilot, and robust educational content.
What is the minimum purchase for birch gold group?
The minimum purchase for Birch Gold Group is $10,000, which may be a drawback for clients with lower funds.
What are the key features of Birch Gold Group?
The key features of Birch Gold Group include continuous access to account executives providing valuable insights into Precious Metals IRAs, such as gold IRA accounts, for portfolio diversification and growth potential.
