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Atlanta Capital Management Company, LLC
1075 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2100
Atlanta, Georgia 30309
Telephone: (404) 876‐9411
Facsimile: (404) 872‐1672
www.atlcap.com
Form ADV Part 2A
June 18, 2025
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Atlanta
Capital Management Company, LLC (“Atlanta Capital,” “us” or “we”). If you have any questions
about the contents of this brochure, please contact Atlanta Capital at 404‐876‐9411.
Atlanta Capital is a registered investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940
(the “Advisers Act”). The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the
United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state securities authority.
Additional Information about Atlanta Capital also is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
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Item 2 ‐ Summary of Material Changes
This Brochure is dated June 18, 2025 and represents our other‐than‐annual updating Brochure.
The following update has been made:
Item 17 Voting Client Securities – Atlanta Capital clarified that generally it will not make
shareholder class action filings involving securities held in separate accounts.
The following is a summary of material updates to this Brochure since the annual amendment,
dated March 27, 2024:
Item 4 Advisory Business – Atlanta Capital updated the description of the advisory
services it provides.
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss – Atlanta Capital
updated risk factor disclosures.
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations – Atlanta Capital updated the
description of its relationship with affiliates.
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions & Personal
Trading – Atlanta Capital updated information concerning its affiliates and potential
conflicts of interest.
In addition to the material changes listed above, other enhancements have been made
throughout this Brochure.
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Item 3 ‐ Table of Contents
Item 2 ‐ Summary of Material Changes ......................................................................................... 2
Item 3 ‐ Table of Contents ............................................................................................................. 3
Item 4 ‐ Advisory Business ............................................................................................................ 4
Item 5 ‐ Fees and Compensation ................................................................................................... 7
Item 6 ‐ Performance‐Based Fees and Side‐By‐Side Management ............................................. 11
Item 7 ‐ Types of Clients .............................................................................................................. 12
Item 8 ‐ Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ........................................ 13
Item 9 ‐ Disciplinary Information ................................................................................................ 45
Item 10 ‐ Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ...................................................... 46
Item 11 ‐ Code of Ethics, Participation in Client Transactions & Personal Trading ...................... 49
Item 12 ‐ Brokerage Practices ..................................................................................................... 61
Item 13 ‐ Review of Accounts ...................................................................................................... 69
Item 14 ‐ Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................................... 70
Item 15 ‐ Custody ........................................................................................................................ 71
Item 16 ‐ Investment Discretion .................................................................................................. 72
Item 17 ‐ Voting Client Securities ................................................................................................ 73
Item 18 ‐ Financial Information ................................................................................................... 77
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Item 4 ‐ Advisory Business
Atlanta Capital Management Company, LLC (“Atlanta Capital”) is an Atlanta, Georgia based
Registered Investment Advisor offering professional investment advisory services to a broad
range of institutional and retail clients since 1969. Atlanta Capital and its advisory affiliates
represent the investment management division of Morgan Stanley, a publicly held company
(“Morgan Stanley”). Atlanta Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, a publicly
held company that is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol
“MS”. Morgan Stanley is a leading global financial services firm providing investment banking,
securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in more
than 41 countries, the Firm’s employees serve clients worldwide including corporations,
governments, institutions, and individuals.
Atlanta Capital offers investment advisory services in a variety of equity, fixed income and
mixed‐asset strategies. In‐depth fundamental analysis is the primary basis for Atlanta Capital’s
investment decision making process.
We provide investment advisory services through separately managed accounts to a variety of
institutional clients (“Institutional Accounts”), including business organizations, public and
private pensions, trusts, foundations, charitable organizations and other entities. Atlanta
Capital’s advisory services are tailored based on the investment objectives and guidelines
provided by our clients. Before establishing an Institutional Account, Atlanta Capital and the
client discuss the available investment strategies and the client’s investment objectives.
Investment in certain securities or types of securities can be restricted at the request of the
client.
Our investment advisory services are available through various bundled “wrap fee” programs
(“Wrap Fee Programs”) sponsored by certain broker‐dealers and/or investment advisers
(“Sponsor(s)”), including an affiliate of Atlanta Capital, to individual investors, including high net
worth and other retail investors. As used herein, the term Sponsor includes overlay managers
to the extent a Wrap Fee Program utilizes an overlay manager.
Clients that participate in these Wrap Fee Programs enter into a single agreement with the
applicable Sponsor for our advisory services, as well as other bundled services. For a single
“wrap” fee (which is paid to the Sponsor and the Sponsor then pays a portion to us) the
Sponsors offer our investment advisory services to their separately managed account clients
and are generally, depending on the program, primarily responsible for:
i. Monitoring and evaluating our performance;
ii. Executing client portfolio transactions typically without additional commission charge
(except that the client can be charged an added commission charge if we use a broker
other than the Sponsor to execute trades, unless a step‐out arrangement is used by
Atlanta Capital as discussed in more detail in Item 12 – Brokerage Practices);
Providing custodial services for clients’ assets;
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iii. Ensuring adherence to client guidelines, restrictions and/or client instructions; and/or
iv. Providing tax management services.
We participate in certain Wrap Fee Programs pursuant to which we provide the Sponsors with a
model portfolio that represents the securities we recommend in accordance with a particular
investment strategy (the “Model Portfolio”). In most instances, we will communicate our
recommendations comprising the Model Portfolio, and any changes thereto, to the Sponsors,
who serve as investment advisers to the Wrap Fee Program clients and are responsible for
implementation of any client‐specific investment restrictions and for determining the suitability
of our investment strategy for the client. In most instances, unless otherwise agreed, the
Sponsor will exercise investment discretion with respect to securities that are purchased or sold
for clients of such Model Portfolio Wrap Fee Programs and will be responsible for executing
trades and seeking best execution for such Wrap Fee Program accounts.
In addition to offering our advisory services through Wrap Fee Programs in the manner
described above, certain separately managed accounts are offered to retail investors through
what’s known as “dual contract arrangements” (a client will pay the Sponsor a fee and will also
pay Atlanta Capital an advisory fee) in which a Sponsor and its client enter into an agreement
with regard to the Sponsor’s overall management of the client’s assets pursuant to which the
Sponsor identifies managers that offer particular strategies or products that the Sponsor
believes are suitable for each client. Either the Sponsor or the client then selects the particular
strategy or product and the applicable manager to manage portions of the client’s portfolio.
In a “dual contract” arrangement, Atlanta Capital generally has separate agreements with the
Sponsor and each applicable client, the latter of which outlines the scope and limitations of the
advisory relationship between Atlanta Capital and the client. In such arrangements, the
Sponsor, who itself has a client relationship with the client, and/or the client are generally
responsible for determining whether a strategy offered by Atlanta Capital is suitable and
appropriate for the client based on its investment objectives, risk tolerance and financial
situation. Under these arrangements, the client can impose restrictions on investing in certain
securities through the Sponsor or Atlanta Capital, if applicable. Wrap Fee Program accounts
might not be managed identically to Institutional Accounts. Purchases that are implemented
for Institutional Accounts will not always be reflected or fully reflected in a Wrap Fee Program
account that follows the same or a substantially similar strategy. For example, certain Wrap Fee
Program accounts are constructed and managed with position thresholds and parameters
around new positions and changes to weightings in existing positions. These guidelines are
specific to Wrap Fee Programs and will generally not apply to Institutional Accounts.
For further discussion on the impacts of restrictions on trading, see Item 12 – Brokerage
Practices, “Directed, Restricted or Constrained Brokerage Arrangements; Wrap Fee Programs”.
Atlanta Capital also serves as investment sub‐advisor to a number of registered investment
companies or mutual funds sponsored by Eaton Vance Management and other affiliates
including Calvert Research and Management and by unaffiliated parties who serve as the
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primary investment adviser (each a “Fund” and collectively the “Funds”). Each Fund is
managed in accordance with its respective investment objectives, strategies and restrictions as
approved by the Fund’s Board of Trustees or other governing body, as applicable. Retail
investors primarily access Atlanta Capital’s advisory services indirectly by investing in Funds
sub‐advised by Atlanta Capital.
Further Information
For additional information regarding the specific investment strategies we employ please refer
to Item 8 ‐ Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss.
Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, we had approximately $36,284,382,111 in assets under
management, all on a discretionary basis.
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Item 5 ‐ Fees and Compensation
Atlanta Capital generally receives a fee from separately managed accounts based upon a
percentage of the assets under management, calculated according to a schedule agreed upon
in writing between Atlanta Capital and the client and included in the client’s investment
advisory agreement. All fees charged by Atlanta Capital are documented in writing in the
client’s investment management agreement with Atlanta Capital, as such agreement can be
amended from time to time. All advisory fee schedules are negotiable and vary by investment
strategy, product type, account size, customization requirements and required service levels.
Management fees are generally invoiced quarterly in arrears, based upon the calendar quarter‐
end market value. Atlanta Capital will consider other methods of payment and/or fee
calculation at the client’s request, including billing in advance. Management fees are typically
prorated to take account of contributions and withdrawals during a quarter and where Atlanta
Capital does not manage the account for the entire calendar quarter. If an advance billed client
account is terminated during the service period, fees paid in advance are refunded promptly,
without further request by the client on a pro‐rata basis (determined based upon the number
of days the account is managed by Atlanta Capital).
Clients can choose to pay fee invoices from the assets of the accounts managed by Atlanta
Capital or from another source including billing directly to the custodian. Atlanta Capital’s fees
are exclusive of brokerage commissions, transaction fees, and other related costs and
expenses. Such expenses will be assessed to the client. Clients are responsible for certain
charges imposed by custodians, broker‐dealers and other third parties, including but not limited
to: fees charged by third‐party managers, custodial fees, deferred sales charges, odd‐lot
differentials, transfer taxes, withholding fees, country tax or delivery fees, wire transfer and
electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities
transactions. Atlanta Capital can, from time to time invest client assets in mutual funds, closed‐
end funds, exchange‐traded notes and ETFs which charge shareholders with management fees
in addition to Atlanta Capital’s management fee. These fees are disclosed in the fund’s or ETF’s
prospectus or offering memorandum. For more information about Atlanta Capital’s brokerage
practices, see Item 12 ‐ Brokerage Practices.
The investment advisory services provided by Atlanta Capital to Funds and the fee schedules for
such services generally are described in each Fund’s current disclosure documents filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission. Below are the standard fee schedules for Institutional
Separate Account clients of Atlanta Capital. Existing clients could have different fee
arrangements from those stated below.
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Institutional Separate Account Fee Schedules and Account Minimums
High Quality Growth Plus, Focused Growth
First $10 million 0.70%
Next $90 million 0.50%
Next $150 million 0.40%
Next $250 million 0.35%
Minimum Separate Account Initial Balance is Generally $10 million
High Quality Small Cap, High Quality SMID Cap
First $50 million 0.80%
Next $50 million 0.70%
Next $150 million 0.60%
Minimum Separate Account Initial Balance is Generally $10 million
High Quality Calvert Equity (Formerly High Quality Socially Responsible)
First $10 million 0.80%
Next $90 million 0.60%
Over $100 million Negotiable
Minimum Separate Account Initial Balance is Generally $10 million
High Quality Select Equity
First $50 million 0.60%
Next $100 million 0.50%
Next $350 million 0.40%
Minimum Separate Account Initial Balance is Generally $10 million
High Quality Fixed Income (Short Duration, Intermediate & Premier)
First $30 million 0.35%
Over $30 million 0.30%
Minimum Separate Account Initial Balance is generally $20 million
Exceptions to the account minimums above could be accepted and could be subject to a
minimum annual fee. Special requirements or circumstances can result in different fee
arrangements than those stated above for certain clients. For examples, additional reporting,
investment policy or risk management consulting, legal research, or additional investment
administrative services required or requested by some Separate Account clients could lead to
higher fees. Similarly, wrap fee clients could pay higher or lower fees depending on the level of
services provided under their wrap program. Individual fee arrangements are negotiated with
each client separately (including board review and approval, if applicable). Subject to
applicable laws and regulations, Atlanta Capital retains complete discretion over the fees that it
charges to clients and can change the foregoing fee schedules at any time.
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Unless otherwise provided in an investment advisory contract, Atlanta Capital is frequently
responsible for calculating the fees owed by a client. Atlanta Capital will calculate the billable
assets for which Atlanta Capital has investment discretion according to its internal accounting
system. Atlanta Capital frequently utilizes unaffiliated third‐party pricing vendors to value
securities held by clients. However, from time to time, Atlanta Capital could fair value a
security, such as situations where current market prices are not available, or when Atlanta
Capital elects to override a price provided by a third‐party vendor. Atlanta Capital factors in
pending portfolio transactions when calculating an account’s value. Due to fair valued securities
and pending portfolio activities, a client account’s value calculated by Atlanta Capital might not
match the account’s value reported by the client’s custodian. When this occurs over a billing
period end, and Atlanta Capital is responsible for calculating account value, Atlanta Capital will
calculate fees based on the value reflected in its accounting systems. A conflict of interest exists
when Atlanta Capital calculates fees based on securities it has set a fair value for, as Atlanta
Capital is incentivized to apply a higher valuation. Atlanta Capital has adopted valuation policies
and procedures which are designed to value securities fairly, mitigating this conflict of interest.
Fees can be negotiated or modified in light of a client’s special circumstances, asset levels,
service requirements or other factors in Atlanta Capital’s sole discretion. Atlanta Capital could
agree to offer certain clients a fee schedule that is lower than that of comparable clients in the
same investment style. Atlanta Capital reserves the right to change its standard fee schedules
and is not required to change the fee schedules of existing clients to match such updated fee
schedules, even if such updated fee schedules would be more advantageous to existing clients.
Atlanta Capital can also choose to waive all or a portion of negotiated fees for a given period.
Also, for fee calculation purposes, Atlanta Capital can agree to aggregate the assets of related
client accounts and such accounts could receive the benefit of a lower effective fee rate due to
such aggregation.
The fees described herein do not include information about fees for advisory services we
provide through Wrap Fee Programs, and we would direct the client to the documents specific
to their Wrap Fee Program. The terms of each client’s separately managed account in a Wrap
Fee Program are governed by the client’s agreement with the Sponsor and disclosure document
for each Wrap Fee Program. Wrap Fee Program clients are urged to refer to the appropriate
disclosure document and client agreement for more information about the Wrap Fee Program
and advisory services. Similarly, dual‐contract clients should refer to their agreement with their
program Sponsor, as applicable, the disclosure document for the applicable program, and the
client's agreement with us, which will vary depending on the strategy selected. The fees for a
Wrap Fee Program can result in higher costs than a client would otherwise realize by paying
standard fees and negotiating separate arrangements for trade execution, custodial and
consulting services. Our advisory services are offered through Wrap Fee Programs that are
sponsored by Atlanta Capital affiliates, as well as through unaffiliated Wrap Fee Programs.
Atlanta Capital and its affiliates will generally earn more compensation for advisory services
offered through an affiliated Wrap Fee Program than offering the same services through a
Wrap Fee Program with an unaffiliated Sponsor.
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Clients or Atlanta Capital can terminate a contract for any reason. Normally, clients can cancel
Atlanta Capital’s services upon such specified period provided for in the investment
management agreement between the client and Atlanta Capital (e.g., 30 days). Atlanta Capital
reserves the right to waive any applicable notice period or agree to different notice periods.
During the period specified, Atlanta Capital’s normal management fees are earned and payable
(unless waived pursuant to the preceding sentence). Atlanta Capital can terminate a contract
by giving the specified written notice to the client. Accounts opened or closed during a billing
period are charged a prorated fee. If a client has paid any advisory fees in advance for the
period in which the investment advisory agreement is terminated, Atlanta Capital will pro rate
the advisory fees for the period and return any unearned portion to the client by check or wire
transfer.
The fees and expenses borne by clients and investors will generally reduce returns.
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Item 6 ‐ Performance‐Based Fees and Side‐By‐Side Management
In some cases, we have entered into performance fee arrangements with qualified clients.
Such fees are subject to individualized negotiation with each such client and are disclosed to
the client.
Because portfolio managers often manage assets for other investment companies, pooled
investment vehicles and/or other accounts (including accounts of institutional clients and
pension plans) with different fee schedules, the portfolio manager has an incentive to favor
higher paying clients or other accounts where we or an affiliate receive a performance‐based
fee over other accounts. In addition, a conflict exists in situations where we have proprietary
investments in certain accounts, where portfolio managers have personal investments in
certain accounts or when certain accounts are investment options in our employee benefits
and/or deferred compensation plans. Although this does not impact individual compensation,
in such instances, the portfolio manager has an incentive to favor these accounts over others. A
conflict of interest also exists with regard to the allocation of investment opportunities across
accounts that pay performance‐based fees as opposed to accounts that do not pay
performance‐based fees.
To address these and other conflicts of interest, Atlanta Capital has adopted various policies
and procedures designed to assure that allocation decisions are not influenced by fee
arrangements, favoritism, or other incentives and that we allocate investment opportunities in
a manner that treats clients fairly and equitably over time. Pursuant to applicable policies,
investment opportunities will be allocated in a manner that we believe to be consistent with
our obligations as an investment adviser. To further manage these types of conflicts, we have
implemented Side‐by‐Side Management guidelines, which are designed to set out specific
requirements regarding the side‐by‐side management of traditional investment portfolios (e.g.,
long‐only portfolios) and alternative investment portfolios (e.g., hedge fund portfolios) in order
to manage conflicts of interest, including without limitation, those conflicts associated with:
any differences in fee structures; investments in the alternative investment portfolios by
Atlanta Capital or its employees; and trading‐related conflicts (including conflicts of interest
that could also be raised when Atlanta Capital investment teams take conflicting (i.e., opposite
direction) positions in the same or related securities for different accounts). In addition, we
have established a Side‐by‐Side Management Subcommittee to help ensure that conflicts are
reviewed and managed appropriately. The Side‐by‐Side Management Subcommittee meets on
a regular basis and is comprised of representatives from business areas and control functions.
The responsibilities and duties of the Side‐by‐Side Management Subcommittee include, among
other things, establishing and reviewing appropriate reporting to monitor and review
investment and related activities.
For more information about how Atlanta Capital addresses certain conflicts of interest, see Item
11 ‐ Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading below.
See also Item 12 ‐ Brokerage Practices below for more information about conflicts of interest
related to portfolio transactions and trade allocation.
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Item 7 ‐ Types of Clients
Atlanta Capital provides investment management services to a wide range of institutional and
individual clients including high net worth individuals, corporate pension and profit sharing
plans, banking and or thrift institutions, insurance companies, hospitals, Taft‐Hartley funds,
charitable institutions, foundations, endowments, professional and religious organizations,
state or municipal government entities, registered mutual funds, private investment funds,
trust programs and other U.S. and international institutions. In addition, Atlanta Capital
provides investment advice to individual retail investors through wrap fee accounts sponsored
by an affiliate and by unaffiliated investment advisors, banks and broker‐dealers.
Certain advisory accounts impose minimum investment requirements, which are described in
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation above or in the relevant governing or disclosure documents.
We generally will have discretion to waive or reduce such minimums for certain clients or
investors. We generally will not, unless required by agreement with a client or investor or by
applicable law, disclose any particular waiver or reduction that is offered to a client or investor,
or offer comparable waivers or reductions, to other clients or investors.
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Item 8 ‐ Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis
Atlanta Capital invests principally in traditional equity (common stocks and equivalents) and
debt securities. Atlanta Capital’s evaluation of investment candidates places primary emphasis
and reliance upon fundamental analysis of issuers of equity and debt securities; political,
economic, and industry developments; money and capital market conditions, with attention to
interest rate patterns; and any other factors that, in Atlanta Capital’s judgment, could have an
impact on the value of an investment.
In developing information for use in making investment decisions and recommendations for
clients, Atlanta Capital places considerable importance on primary fundamental research.
Atlanta Capital also uses various standard databases available to institutional investors. Atlanta
Capital can utilize other sources of information, such as on‐line services and financial database
services. Ultimately, primary attention and reliance is placed upon evaluations and
recommendations generated internally by the Atlanta Capital investment professionals.
Subject to and consistent with the individual investment objectives of clients, Atlanta Capital
seeks to achieve above‐average long‐term risk adjusted returns through emphasis on high
quality equity or debt instruments judged by Atlanta Capital to have unrecognized value or
investment potential. For equities, high quality is generally measured by a company’s
demonstrated history of consistent growth and stability in earnings. For debt instruments, high
quality typically relates to the probability of repayment (credit risk) and the predictability of
when principal repayment will occur (stability of cash flow).
Although Atlanta Capital considers ratings issued by rating agencies, it also can perform its own
credit and investment analysis and might not rely primarily on the ratings assigned by the rating
services. Credit ratings are based largely on the issuer’s historical financial condition and the
rating agency’s investment analysis at the time of rating, and the rating assigned to any
particular security is not necessarily a reflection of the issuer’s current financial condition. The
rating assigned to a security by a rating agency does not reflect assessment of the volatility of
the security’s market value or of the liquidity of an investment in the security.
Atlanta Capital does not generally engage in short‐term trading for accounts, although the
length of time a security has been held in a client’s account will not be a limiting factor if
Atlanta Capital determines that the holding should no longer be retained by the account.
Investment Strategies
Atlanta Capital operates with three distinct investment teams, Growth Equity, Core Equity and
Fixed Income, each leveraging a central investment philosophy.
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Atlanta Capital recognizes that no single type of investment strategy will ensure rewarding
investment results in every political, economic and market environment. Investing in securities
and other financial instruments involves a risk of loss (which can be substantial) that clients
should be prepared to bear. The investment approaches and material risks described below for
each investment strategy are not comprehensive. A particular investment strategy could
involve additional investment selection criteria and be subject to additional risks not described
below. The principal investment strategies and associated risks for the sub‐advised Funds are
described in the prospectus and SAI for each Fund. The investment strategies and associated
risks for wrap fee accounts are described in the offering materials provided by the wrap
program sponsor. Institutional account clients should contact their Atlanta Capital account
representative for additional information about the specific investment strategies they have
selected and the risks associated with those strategies.
The investment strategies offered by each investment team are summarized below.
Growth Equity
Atlanta Capital’s Growth team believes investing in companies with a demonstrated history of
consistent growth and stability in earnings can deliver outperformance over the long term, with
less risk, by participating in rising markets and minimizing participation in declining markets.
These companies generally have dominant franchises that provide competitive advantages and
are priced below intrinsic value. All three strategies use the same process but differ in portfolio
construction.
High Quality Growth Plus – A broadly diversified conservative large cap growth strategy.
High Quality Focused Growth – A focused large cap growth strategy.
High Quality Calvert Equity– A broadly diversified conservative large cap growth strategy with
an ESG mandate. A fundamental, bottom‐up process integrates Calvert Research and
Management’s research on financially material ESG factors into Atlanta Capital’s traditional
financial analysis to identify high quality growth businesses.
Core Equity
Atlanta Capital’s Core team is focused on producing an above‐average compound rate of return
while also protecting capital in down markets. The investment process seeks to own high
quality businesses that dominate a niche, maintain high barriers to entry, and have consistent
demand across an economic cycle. With this dedication to quality, this process looks at stocks
as if we were a potential acquirer of the entire business. Strategies include:
High Quality Small Cap – A fundamental core strategy that invests primarily in small cap
companies with a market capitalization generally within the Russell 2000™ index.
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High Quality SMID Cap – A fundamental core approach that invests in small‐to‐mid cap
companies or “SMID Cap” companies with a market capitalization generally within the Russell
2500™ index.
High Quality Select Equity – A focused portfolio of mid‐to‐large cap companies with a market
capitalization generally of $3 billion and above. This strategy has the flexibility to capitalize on
the best potential risk‐reward opportunities regardless of a company’s size or sector
classification.
Fixed Income
Atlanta Capital’s fixed income team focuses on securities with high credit quality and stable
cash flow. The investment process emphasizes government issued mortgage‐backed securities
(MBS), including collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), and ‘AAA’ asset‐backed securities
(ABS). Atlanta Capital believes that these securities can deliver attractive yields while limiting
credit and event risk. Our fixed income team seeks to add value from security selection, sector
allocation and yield curve positioning. Strategies include:
High Quality Premier – This strategy takes a risk‐controlled approach that seeks to add value
through security selection and yield curve management. We favor traditional low‐volatility
mortgage and asset‐backed securities because of their historical substantial yield premium
versus Treasury and agency notes. Credit quality is limited to “A” or better.
High Quality Intermediate – An intermediate domestic fixed income strategy that takes a risk‐
controlled approach and seeks to add value through security selection and yield curve
management. We favor traditional low‐volatility mortgage and asset‐backed securities because
of their historical substantial yield premium versus Treasury and agency notes. Credit quality is
limited to “A” or better. Securities are primarily acquired with maturities from 1 to 10 years.
High Quality Short Duration – Short duration domestic fixed income strategies which are
structured to serve as a short‐term, defensive alternative to money market or cash
instruments. The investment process emphasizes fixed rate mortgage and asset‐backed
securities. Portfolios are generally invested in securities that are ‘AAA’ rated mortgage‐backed
and asset‐backed security sectors or government issued. Separate strategies with a maturity
range of 0 to 2 years, 1 to 3 years, 1 to 5 years are available. Securitized Only portfolios,
including portfolios invested in ‘A’ to ‘AAA’ rated securities are also available.
Mixed‐Asset Strategies – Mixed‐asset strategies typically have broad discretion to invest in
many of the equity or income strategies described above. A mixed‐asset strategy can change
its allocation between equity and debt securities, or among particular equity or income
approaches, depending on the economic and market conditions.
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Risk Considerations
All investing and trading activities risk the loss of capital. Although we will attempt to moderate
these risks, no assurance can be given that the investment activities of an account or fund we
advise will achieve the investment objectives of such account or fund or avoid losses. Direct and
indirect investing in securities involves risk of loss that you should be prepared to bear.
Set forth below are some of the material risk factors that are often associated with the types of
investment strategies and techniques and types of securities relevant to many of our clients.
The information included in this Brochure does not include every potential risk associated with
an investment strategy, technique or type of security applicable to a particular client account.
Clients are urged to ask questions regarding risks applicable to a particular strategy or
investment product, read all product‐specific risk disclosures and consult with their own legal,
tax and financial advisors to determine whether a particular investment strategy or type of
security is suitable for their account in light of their specific circumstances, investment
objectives and financial situation.
Risk Considerations Associated with Investing ‐ In General. The following is a non‐exhaustive
description of risks associated with investments generally and/or could apply to one or more
type of security or investment technique.
General Economic, Geopolitical, and Market Risks. The success of our investment
strategies, processes, and methods of analysis, as well as any account’s activities, can be
affected by general economic, geopolitical, and market conditions, such as inflation (or
expectations for inflation), deflation (or expectations for deflation), interest rates (or
changes in interest rates), availability of credit, market or financial system instability or
uncertainty, embargoes, tariffs, sanctions and other trade barriers, health emergencies
(such as epidemics and pandemics), terrorism, global demand for particular products or
resources, natural disasters and extreme weather events, supply chain disruptions,
cybersecurity events, terrorism, social and political discord, war (including regional
armed conflict), debt crises and downgrades, regulatory events, governmental or quasi‐
governmental actions, changes in laws, and national and international political
circumstances.
These factors create uncertainty, and can ultimately result in, among other things:
increased volatility in the financial markets for securities, derivatives, loans, credit and
currency; a decrease in the reliability of market prices and difficulty in valuing assets,
greater fluctuations in spreads on debt investments and currency exchange rates;
increased risk of default (by both government and private obligors and issuers); further
social, economic, and political instability; nationalization of private enterprise; greater
governmental involvement in the economy or in social factors that impact the economy;
changes to governmental regulation and supervision of the securities, loan, derivatives
and currency markets and market participants, and decreased or revised monitoring of
such markets by governments or self‐regulatory organizations and reduced enforcement
of regulations; limitations on the activities of investors in such markets; controls or
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restrictions on foreign investment, capital controls and limitations on repatriation of
invested capital; the significant loss of liquidity and the inability to purchase, sell and
otherwise fund investments or settle transactions (including, but not limited to, a
market freeze); unavailability of currency hedging techniques; substantial, and in some
periods extremely high, rates of inflation, which can last many years and have
substantial negative effects on credit and securities markets as well as the economy as a
whole; recessions; and difficulties in obtaining and/or enforcing legal judgments. These
conditions can adversely affect the level and volatility of prices and liquidity of an
account’s investments. Unexpected volatility or lack of liquidity could impair an
account’s profitability or result in losses.
The interconnectivity between global economies and markets increases the likelihood
that events or conditions in one region, sector, industry, market or with respect to one
company will adversely impact markets or issuers in other countries or regions.
However, the interconnectedness of economies and/or markets could be diminishing,
which might impact such economies and markets in ways that cannot be foreseen at
this time. Some countries, including the United States, have adopted more protectionist
trade policies. Slowing global economic growth, the rise in protectionist trade policies,
changes to some major international trade agreements, risks associated with the trade
agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union, and the risks
associated with trade negotiations between the United States and China, could affect
the economies of many nations in ways that cannot necessarily be foreseen at the
present time. In addition, the current strength of the U.S. dollar could decrease foreign
demand for U.S. assets, which could have a negative impact on certain issuers and/or
industries.
Tensions, war, or open conflict between nations, such as between Russia and Ukraine, in
the Middle East, or in eastern Asia could affect the economies of many nations,
including the United States. Although these types of events have occurred and could
also occur in the future, it is difficult to predict when similar events or conditions
affecting the U.S. or global financial markets and economies might occur, the effects of
such events or conditions, potential retaliations in response to sanctions or similar
actions and the duration or ultimate impact of those events. Any such events or
conditions could have a significant adverse impact on the value and risk profile of client
portfolios and the liquidity of an account’s investments, even for clients without direct
exposure to the specific geographies, markets, countries or persons involved in an
armed conflict or subject to sanctions.
Public Health Emergencies. Many countries have experienced outbreaks of infectious
illnesses in recent decades, including swine flu, avian influenza, SARS and the
Coronavirus, and could experience similar outbreaks in the future. For example, the
Coronavirus outbreak resulted in numerous deaths and the imposition of both local and
more widespread “work from home” and other quarantine measures, border closures
and other travel restrictions, causing social unrest and commercial disruption on a
global scale and significant volatility in financial markets. In addition to the impact on
companies and the value of investments, the operations of Atlanta Capital (including
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those relating to a portfolio) could be impacted adversely by another outbreak of an
infectious disease, including through quarantine measures and travel restrictions
imposed on Atlanta Capital or service providers’ personnel located in affected countries,
regions or local areas, or any related health issues of such personnel. Any of the
foregoing events could materially and adversely affect Atlanta Capital’s ability to source,
manage and divest investments on behalf of a portfolio and pursue a portfolio’s
investment objectives and strategies.
Volatility Risk. The prices of commodities contracts and all derivatives, including futures
and options, can be highly volatile. Accounts that trade in commodities contracts and
derivatives are subject to the risk that trading activity in such securities could be
dramatically reduced or cease at any time, whether due to general market turmoil,
problems experienced by a single issuer or a market sector or other factors. If trading in
particular securities or classes of securities is impaired, it might be difficult for an
account to properly value any of its assets represented by such securities.
Inadequate Return Risk. No assurance can be given that the returns will be
commensurate with the risk of your investment. You should not commit money to an
account unless you have the resources to sustain the loss of your entire investment. Any
losses are borne solely by you and not by us or our affiliates.
Inside Information Risk. From time to time, we could come into possession of material,
non‐public information (“MNPI”) concerning an entity in which an account has invested
or proposes to invest. Possession of that information could limit our ability to buy or sell
securities of the entity on your behalf. For example, if we come into possession of
information (i) that out of an abundance of caution, Atlanta Capital can restrict on the
basis of nonpublic information without first determining that it is material, (ii) that
certain types of Atlanta Capital might not become public, and could restrict trading for
extended periods of time, and (iii) that Atlanta Capital seeks to establish information
barriers among certain affiliates to mitigate this risk, but those barriers might not be
ineffective.
Cyber Security‐Related Risk. We are susceptible to cybersecurity‐related risks that
include, among other things, unauthorized access attacks; mishandling, loss, theft or
misuse of information; computer viruses or malware; cyberattacks designed to obtain
confidential information, destroy data, disrupt or degrade service, sabotage systems or
networks, impede our ability to execute or confirm settlement transactions or cause
other damage; ransomware; denial of service attacks; data breaches; social engineering
attacks; phishing attacks; and other events. A cyberattack, information or security
breach or a technology failure of ours or a third party could adversely affect our ability
to conduct our business or manage our exposure to risk, or result in disclosure or misuse
of personal, confidential or proprietary information and otherwise adversely impact our
results of operations, liquidity and financial condition, as well as cause reputational
harm. In addition, cybersecurity risks can also impact issuers of securities in which we
invest on behalf of our clients, which could cause our clients’ investment in such issuers
to lose value.
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We are subject to cybersecurity legal, regulatory and disclosure requirements enacted
by U.S. federal and state governments and other non‐U.S. jurisdictions. These
requirements impose mandatory privacy and data protection obligations, including
providing for individual rights, enhanced governance and accountability requirements,
and significant fines and litigation risk for noncompliance. We have adopted measures
designed to comply with these and related applicable requirements in all relevant
jurisdictions.
We benefit from our affiliation with Morgan Stanley which has made and continues to
make substantial investments in cybersecurity and fraud prevention technology. As part
of its enterprise risk management framework, Morgan Stanley has implemented and
maintains a program to assess, identify and manage risks arising from the cybersecurity
threats confronting the Firm (“Cybersecurity Program”). The Cybersecurity Program
helps protect our clients, customers, employees, property, products, services and
reputation by seeking to preserve the confidentiality, integrity and availability of
information, enable the secure delivery of financial services, and protect the business
and the safe operation of our technology systems. Morgan Stanley continually adjusts
the Cybersecurity Program to address the evolving cybersecurity threat landscape and
comply with extensive legal and regulatory expectations.
There can be no assurance that our business contingency and security response plans
fully mitigate all potential risks to us and that we or our service providers, if applicable,
will not suffer losses relating to cyber‐attacks or other information security breaches in
the future.
Business Continuity Risk. Our critical processes and businesses could be disrupted by
events including cyber attacks, failure or loss of access to technology and/or associated
data, military conflicts, acts of terror, natural disasters, severe weather events and
infectious disease. We maintain a resilience program designed to provide for
operational resilience and enable it to respond to and recover critical processes and
supporting assets in the event of a disruption impacting our people, technology,
facilities and third parties. The key elements of the resilience program include business
continuity and technical recovery planning and testing both internally and with critical
third parties to validate recovery capability in accordance with business requirements.
The resilience program is applied consistently firmwide and is aligned with regulatory
requirements. In the occurrence of a business continuity event at Atlanta Capital or a
vendor/service provider that does not adequately address all contingencies, client
portfolios could be negatively affected as there might be an inability to process
transactions, calculate net asset values, value client investments, or disruptions to
trading in client accounts. A client’s ability to recover any losses or expenses it incurs as
a result of a disruption of business operations could be limited by the liability, standard
of care, and related provisions in its contractual agreements with Atlanta Capital and
other service providers.
Data Source Risk. Atlanta Capital subscribes to a variety of third‐party data sources that
are used to evaluate, analyze and formulate investment decisions. If a third party
provides inaccurate data, client accounts could be negatively affected. While Atlanta
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Capital believes the third‐party data sources are reliable, there are no guarantees that
data will be accurate, that errors will be detected, or that erroneous data will be timely
updated.
Artificial Intelligence Technology Risk. To the extent Atlanta Capital and/or its third‐
party vendors, clients or counterparties use or rely on proprietary and/or third‐party
technology (including artificial intelligence solutions), such uses are subject to
operational risks associated with processing or human errors, systems or technology
failures, cyber attacks, and errors caused by third‐party service providers and data
sources. Additionally, the legal and regulatory environment relating to artificial
intelligence is uncertain and evolving and future changes, such as those related to
information privacy and data protection, could have an impact on the use of existing or
emerging technologies, and could impact Atlanta Capital and/or its third‐party vendors,
clients or counterparties. It is possible that future changes in applicable legal and
regulatory requirements could increase compliance costs. Any of these risks could
adversely affect Atlanta Capital or a client’s account.
Legal and Regulatory Risks
U.S. and non‐U.S. governmental agencies and other regulators regularly implement
additional regulations and legislators pass new laws that affect the investments held by
Atlanta Capital’s clients, the strategies used by Atlanta Capital, or the level of regulation
or taxation applying to a portfolio or client (such as regulations related to investments in
derivatives and other transactions). These regulations and laws impact the investment
strategies, performance costs, operations or taxation of Atlanta Capital and its clients.
The regulation of the U.S. and non‐U.S. securities and futures markets has undergone
substantial change over the past decade and such change could continue. In particular,
in light of market turmoil there have been numerous proposals, including bills that have
been introduced in the U.S. Congress, for substantial revisions to the regulation of
financial institutions generally. In addition, regulatory change in the past few years has
significantly altered the regulation of commodity interests and comprehensively
regulated the OTC derivatives markets for the first time in the United States. Further,
the practice of short selling has been the subject of numerous temporary restrictions,
and similar restrictions could be promulgated at any time. Such restrictions could
adversely affect the returns of accounts that utilize short selling. The effect of such
regulatory change on the accounts, while impossible to predict, could be substantial and
adverse.
Section 13 of the Bank Holding Company Act (commonly referred to as the “Volcker
Rule”), along with regulations issued by the Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller
of the Currency, Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation, and Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“Implementing Regulations”)
generally prohibit “banking entities” (which term includes bank holding companies and
their affiliates and subsidiaries) from investing in, sponsoring, or having certain types of
relationships with, certain private investment funds (referred to in the Implementing
Regulations as “covered funds”).
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The Volcker Rule and the Implementing Regulations impose a number of restrictions on
Morgan Stanley and its affiliates and subsidiaries that affect us, a covered fund offered
by us, the general partner of those funds, and the limited partners of such funds. For
example, to sponsor and invest in certain covered funds, Morgan Stanley must comply
with the Implementing Regulations’ “asset management” exemption to the Volcker
Rule’s prohibition on sponsoring and investing in covered funds. Under this exemption,
the investments made by Morgan Stanley (aggregated with certain affiliate and
employee investments) in a covered fund must not exceed 3% of the covered fund’s
outstanding ownership interests and Morgan Stanley’s aggregate investment in covered
funds must not exceed 3% of Morgan Stanley’s Tier I capital. In addition, the Volcker
Rule and the Implementing Regulations generally prohibit Morgan Stanley and its
affiliates from entering in certain other transactions (including “covered transactions” as
defined in Section 23A of the U.S. Federal Reserve Act, as amended) with, or for the
benefit of, covered funds that it sponsors and/or advises. For example, Morgan Stanley
cannot provide loans, hedging transactions with extensions of credit or other credit
support to covered funds it sponsors and/or advises. While we endeavor to minimize the
impact on our covered funds and the assets held by them, Morgan Stanley’s interests in
determining what actions to take in complying with the Volcker Rule and the
Implementing Regulations could conflict with our interests and the interests of the
private funds, the general partner and the limited partners of the private funds, all of
which could be adversely affected by such actions. The foregoing is not an exhaustive
discussion of the potential risks the Volcker Rule poses for us.
Referendum on the UK’s EU Membership. The United Kingdom (“UK”) left the European
Union (“EU”) on January 31, 2020 (commonly known as “Brexit”). Market uncertainty
remains regarding Brexit’s ramifications, and the range and potential implications of the
possible political, regulatory, economic, and market outcomes in the UK, EU and beyond
are not yet fully known. If one or more additional countries leave the EU or the EU
dissolves, the world’s securities markets likely will be significantly disrupted.
Low or high interest rates can magnify the risks associated with rising interest rates.
During periods of low interest rates, a client’s susceptibility to interest rate risk (i.e., the
risks associated with changes in interest rates) could be magnified, its yield and income
could be diminished and its performance could be adversely affected (e.g., during
periods of very low or negative interest rates, a client might be unable to maintain
positive returns). Changing interest rates, including rates that fall below zero, can have
unpredictable effects on markets, including market volatility and reduced liquidity, and
could adversely affect a portfolio’s yield, income and performance. In addition,
government actions (such as changes to interest rates) could have unintended economic
and market consequences that adversely affect a client’s investments.
Investments in certain debt securities will be especially subject to the risk that, during
certain periods, the liquidity of particular issuers or industries, or all securities within a
particular investment category, could shrink or disappear suddenly and without warning
as a result of adverse economic, market or political events, or adverse investor
perceptions, whether or not accurate. Government and other public debt can be
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adversely affected by large and sudden changes in local and global economic conditions
that result in increased debt levels. Although high levels of government and other public
debt do not necessarily indicate or cause economic problems, high levels of debt could
create certain systemic risks if sound debt management practices are not implemented.
A high debt level could increase market pressures to meet an issuer’s funding needs,
which can increase borrowing costs and cause a government or public or municipal
entity to issue additional debt, thereby increasing the risk of refinancing. A high debt
level also raises concerns that the issuer could be unable or unwilling to repay the
principal or interest on its debt, which can adversely impact instruments held by the
clients that rely on such payments. Governmental and quasi‐governmental responses to
certain economic or other conditions could lead to increasing government and other
public debt, particularly when such responses are unprecedented, which heighten these
risks. Unsustainable debt levels can lead to declines in the value of currency and can
prevent a government from implementing effective counter‐cyclical fiscal policy during
economic downturns, can generate or contribute to an economic downturn or cause
other adverse economic or market developments, such as increases in inflation or
volatility. Increasing government and other public debt could adversely affect issuers,
obligors, guarantors or instruments across a variety of asset classes.
Recently proposed rules by the SEC related to investment advisers, to the extent
adopted substantially as proposed, could impose significant burdens, requirements, and
expenses on Atlanta Capital and the funds and accounts that we manage. The SEC and
other US regulators might also adopt additional rules in the future that could have an
impact on us and client portfolios.
Risk Considerations Associated with Equity Securities–In General. In general, prices of equity
securities are more volatile than those of fixed income securities. U.S. and foreign stock
markets, and equity securities of individual issuers, have experienced periods of substantial
price volatility in the past and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. The prices
of equity securities fluctuate, sometimes rapidly or widely, in response to activities specific to
the issuer of the security as well as factors unrelated to the fundamental condition of the
issuer, including general market, economic, political and public health conditions. During
periods when equity securities experience heightened volatility, such as during periods of
market, economic or financial uncertainty or distress, investments in equity securities are
subject to heightened risks. The value of equity securities and related instruments can decline
in response to perceived or actual adverse changes in the economy, economic outlook or
financial markets; deterioration in investor sentiment; interest rate, currency, and commodity
price fluctuations; adverse geopolitical, social or environmental developments; issuer and
sector‐specific considerations; unexpected trading activity among retail investors; and other
factors. Market conditions can affect certain types of equity securities to a greater extent than
other types of equity securities. If the stock market declines in value, the value of a client
portfolio’s equity securities will also likely decline. Although prices can rebound, there is no
assurance that values will return to previous levels.
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Risk Considerations Associated with Fixed Income Securities–In General. Fixed income
securities are subject to the risk of the issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payments
on its obligations (i.e., credit risk) and are subject to price volatility resulting from, among other
things, interest rate sensitivity (i.e., interest rate risk), market perception of the
creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity (i.e., market risk). A client could face
heightened level of interest rate risk in times of monetary policy change and/or uncertainty,
such as when the Federal Reserve Board adjusts its quantitative easing program and/or changes
rates. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the potential for
periods of volatility, increased redemptions, shortened durations (i.e., prepayment risk) and
extended durations (i.e., extension risk). Clients might or might not be limited as to the
maturities (when a debt security provides its final payment) or durations (measure of interest
rate sensitivity) of the securities in which they invest. Securities with longer durations are likely
to be more sensitive to changes in interest rates, generally making them more volatile than
securities with shorter durations. Lower‐rated fixed income securities have greater volatility
because there is less certainty that principal and interest payments will be made as scheduled.
In addition, an account might or might not invest in securities that are rated below investment
grade, commonly known as “junk bonds,” and have speculative risk characteristics. Changes in
economic conditions or other circumstances typically have a greater effect on the ability of
issuers of lower rated investments to make principal and interest payments than they do on
issuers of higher rated investments. An economic downturn generally leads to a higher non‐
payment rate, and a lower rated investment can lose significant value before a default occurs.
Lower rated investments typically are subject to greater price volatility and illiquidity than
higher rated investments. An account might be subject to certain liquidity risks that can result
from, among other things, the lack of an active market and the reduced number and capacity of
traditional market participants to make a market in fixed income securities.
Credit Risk. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the issuer or guarantor of a security,
or counterparty to a transaction, will be unable or unwilling or perceived to be unable or
unwilling to make interest payments and/or repay the principal on its debt or otherwise
honor its obligation, including the risk of default. In such instances, an account’s value
could decline and an investor could lose money. If an issuer’s, guarantor’s or
counterparty’s financial condition worsens, the credit quality of the issuer, guarantor or
counterparty can deteriorate. Credit ratings might not be an accurate assessment of
financial condition, liquidity or credit risk. Although credit ratings might not accurately
reflect the true credit risk of an instrument, a change in the credit rating of an
instrument or an issuer, guarantor or counterparty, or the market’s perception of the
creditworthiness of an instrument or issuer, guarantor or counterparty can have a rapid,
adverse effect on the instrument’s value and liquidity and make it more difficult for an
account to sell at an advantageous price or time.
Interest Rate Risk. Interest rate risk refers to the decline in the value of a fixed income
security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. A wide variety of
market and economic factors can cause interest rates to rise or fall, including central
bank monetary policy, rising inflation, disinflation or deflation, and changes in general
economic conditions. When the general level of interest rates goes up, the prices of
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most fixed income securities go down. When the general level of interest rates
goes down, the prices of most fixed‐income securities go up but the yield or income
from new issuances of fixed income securities generally decreases. Securities with
longer durations will generally be more sensitive to changes in interest rates than
securities with shorter durations. Fluctuations in interest rates can also affect the
liquidity of and income generated by fixed income instruments. Certain accounts invest
in variable and floating rate loans and other variable and floating rate securities.
Although these instruments are generally less sensitive to interest rate changes than
fixed rate instruments, the value of variable and floating rate loans and other securities
can decline if their interest rates do not rise as quickly, or as much, as general interest
rates. An account could face a heightened level of interest rate risk in times of
monetary policy change and/or uncertainty, such as when the Federal Reserve Board
adjusts a quantitative easing program and/or changes rates. Changing interest rates can
have unpredictable effects on the markets and can detract from investment
performance. A changing interest rate environment increases certain risks, including the
potential for periods of market volatility, increased redemptions, shortened durations
(i.e., prepayment risk) and extended durations (i.e., extension risk).
Monetary policies, and market interest rates, are subject to change at any time and
potentially frequently based on a variety of market and economic conditions. It is
difficult to accurately predict the pace at which the Federal Reserve Board will change
interest rates, or the timing, frequency or magnitude of such changes.
Inflation Risk. Certain investments are subject to inflation risk, which is the risk that the
value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation
decreases the value of money (i.e., as inflation increases, the values of assets can
decline). Inflation rates can change frequently and significantly as a result of various
factors, including unexpected shifts in the domestic or global economy and changes in
economic policies, and a client’s investments might not keep pace with inflation, which
can result in losses to investors. Fixed income securities with longer maturities will
therefore be more volatile than other fixed income securities with shorter maturities.
Duration Risk. Duration measures the expected life of a fixed‐income security, which
can determine its sensitivity to changes in the general level of interest rates. Securities
with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes than securities
with shorter durations. A portfolio with a longer dollar‐weighted average duration can
be expected to be more sensitive to interest rate changes than a portfolio with a shorter
dollar‐weighted average duration. Duration differs from maturity in that it considers a
security’s coupon payments in addition to the amount of time until the security
matures. As the value of a security changes over time, so will its duration.
Benchmark Reference Rates Risk. Many debt securities, derivatives, and other financial
instruments utilize benchmark or reference rates for variable interest rate calculations,
including the Euro Interbank Offer Rate, Sterling Overnight Index Average Rate, and the
Secured Overnight Financing Rate (each a “Reference Rate”). Instruments in which an
account invests could pay interest at floating rates based on such Reference Rates or be
subject to interest caps or floors based on such Reference Rates. The issuers of
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instruments in which an account invests could also obtain financing at floating rates
based on such Reference Rates. The elimination of a Reference Rate or any other
changes to or reforms of the determination or supervision of Reference Rates could
have an adverse impact on the market for, or value of, any instruments or payments
linked to those Reference Rates.
For example, some Reference Rates, as well as other types of rates and indices, are
described as “benchmarks” and have been the subject of ongoing national and
international regulatory reform, including under the European Union regulation on
indices used as benchmarks in financial instruments and financial contracts. As a result,
the manner of administration of benchmarks has changed and could further change in
the future, with the result that relevant benchmarks might perform differently than in
the past, the use of benchmarks that are not compliant with the new standards by
certain supervised entities could be restricted, and certain benchmarks could be
eliminated entirely. Such changes could cause increased market volatility and
disruptions in liquidity for instruments that rely on or are impacted by such benchmarks.
Additionally, there could be other consequences which cannot be predicted.
Additional Risk Considerations Associated with Particular Markets, Security Types,
Investment Techniques and Strategies. The following provides information on risks associated
with different types of securities and investment techniques that could be used by accounts
and pooled investment vehicles we advise. Additional information is available upon request.
Investors in pooled investment vehicles and funds‐of‐funds should review the prospectuses,
offering memoranda and constituent documents for additional information relating to the risk
associated with investments in those pooled investment vehicles and funds‐of‐funds,
respectively.
Active Management Risk. The success of a client’s account that is actively managed
depends upon the investment skills and analytical abilities of the portfolio manager to
develop and effectively implement strategies that achieve the client’s investment
objective. Subjective decisions made by the portfolio manager can cause a client
portfolio to incur losses or to miss profit opportunities on which it might have otherwise
capitalized.
Allocation and Position Limits Risk. A client account’s performance depends upon how
its assets are allocated and reallocated, and an investor could lose money as a result of
these allocation decisions and related constraints. Atlanta Capital could be subject, by
applicable regulation or issuer limitations, to restrictions on the percentage of an issuer
that can be held. For purposes of calculating positions, Atlanta Capital normally
aggregates its positions with those of its affiliates. In such situations, Atlanta Capital
might be limited in its ability to purchase further securities for its clients, even if the
applicable position limits are not exceeded by positions Atlanta Capital has purchased
on behalf of its clients. In addition, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
(“CFTC”) and the exchanges on which commodity interests (futures, options on futures
and swaps) are traded can impose limitations governing the maximum number of
positions on the same side of the market and involving the same underlying instrument
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held by a single investor or group of related investors, whether acting alone or in
concert with others (regardless of whether such contracts are held on the same or
different exchanges or held or written in one or more accounts or through one or more
brokers). When a portfolio manager trades for multiple accounts, the commodity
interest positions of all such accounts will generally be required to be aggregated for
purposes of determining compliance with position limits, position reporting and position
“accountability” rules imposed by the CFTC or the various exchanges. Swaps positions in
physical commodity swaps that are “economically equivalent” to futures and options on
futures held by an account and similar accounts could also in the future be included in
determining compliance with federal position rules, and the exchanges can impose their
own rules covering these and other types of swaps. These trading and position limits,
and any aggregation requirement, could materially limit the commodity interest
positions the portfolio manager takes for an account and could cause the portfolio
manager to close out an account’s positions earlier than it might otherwise choose to do
so.
Bank Obligation Risk. The activities of U.S. banks, including Morgan Stanley, and most
foreign banks, are subject to comprehensive regulations. The enactment of new
legislation or regulations, as well as changes in interpretation and enforcement of
current laws, could affect the manner of operations and profitability of domestic and
foreign banks. In addition, banks, including Morgan Stanley, could be particularly
susceptible to certain economic factors.
Call Risk. Fixed income securities are subject to the risk that an issuer exercises its right
to redeem a fixed income security earlier than expected (a call). Issuers can call
outstanding securities prior to their maturity for a number of reasons (e.g., declining
interest rates, changes in credit spreads and improvements in the issuer’s credit
quality). If an issuer calls a security that a client holds, the client might not recoup the
full amount of its initial investment or not realize the full anticipated earnings from the
investment, and could be forced to reinvest in lower‐yielding securities, securities with
greater credit risks, or securities with other, less favorable features.
China Risk. Investments in securities of Chinese issuers, including A shares, involve risks
associated with investments in foreign markets as well as special considerations not
typically associated with investments in the U.S. securities markets. For example,
the Chinese government has historically exercised substantial control over virtually
every sector of the Chinese economy through administrative regulation and/or state
ownership and actions of the Chinese central and local government authorities continue
to have a substantial effect on economic conditions in China. In addition, the Chinese
government has taken actions that influenced the prices at which certain goods can be
sold, encouraged companies to invest or concentrate in particular industries,
induced mergers between companies in certain industries and induced private
companies to publicly offer their securities. Investments in China involve risk of a total
loss due to government action or inaction or other adverse circumstances. Additionally,
the Chinese economy is export‐driven and highly reliant on trade. Adverse changes to
the economic conditions, trading policies and taxation of imports of its primary trading
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partners, such as the United States, Japan and South Korea, would adversely impact the
Chinese economy and the Fund’s investments. Moreover, a slowdown in other
significant economies of the world, such as the United States, the European Union and
certain Asian countries, could adversely affect economic growth or the value of
investments in China. An economic downturn in China would adversely impact an
account’s investments. In addition, certain securities are, or could in the future, become
restricted, and/or sanctioned by the U.S. government or other governments and an
account could be forced to sell or unable to purchase or sell such restricted securities
and incur a loss as a result.
Recent developments in relations between the U.S., other trading partners and China
have heightened concerns of increased tariffs and restrictions on trade between the two
countries. An increase in tariffs or trade restrictions (and threats thereof) could lead to a
significant reduction in international trade, which could have a negative impact on
China’s export industry, Chinese issuers, the liquidity or price of direct or indirect
investments in China.
These and other developments, including government actions, could result in significant
illiquidity risk or forced disposition for Chinese investments. The Chinese securities
markets are emerging markets characterized by a relatively small number of equity
issues and relatively low trading volume, resulting in decreased liquidity, greater price
volatility (caused by, among other things, military, diplomatic, or trade conflicts), and
potentially fewer investment opportunities. An account’s investments in Chinese
securities are also subject to additional risks associated with differing regulatory and
audit requirements across the Chinese and U.S. securities markets.
Events in any one country within Asia can impact other countries in the region as a
whole. For example, the actual or potential escalation of hostility between China and
Taiwan would likely have a significant adverse impact on the value or liquidity of
investments in China. In addition, ongoing political tension between the People’s
Republic of China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region could have impacts
on the economy of Hong Kong, and these impacts remain uncertain.
Collateralized Loan Obligations (“CLOs”) Risk. Structured finance securities such as
CLOs entail a variety of unique risks. The performance of a CLO is affected by a variety of
factors, including its priority in the capital structure of the issuer thereof, the availability
of any credit enhancement, the level and timing of payments and recoveries on and the
characteristics of the underlying receivables, loans or other assets that are being
securitized, remoteness of those assets from the originator or transferor, the adequacy
of and ability to realize upon any related collateral and the capability of the servicer of the
securitized assets. The value of CLOs can be difficult to determine and generally will
fluctuate with, among other things, the financial condition of the obligors or issuers of
the underlying portfolio of assets of the related CLO, general economic conditions, the
condition of certain financial markets, political events, developments or trends in any
particular industry and changes in prevailing interest rates. CLOs are also subject to,
among others, operational, credit, liquidity, legal, regulatory, tax, risk retention and
interest rate risks.
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Collateralized Mortgage Obligations (“CMOs”) Risk. CMOs are comprised of various
tranches, the expected cash flows on which have varying degrees of predictability as
compared with the underlying mortgage assets. Generally, the less predictable the cash
flow, the higher the yield and the greater the risk. In addition, if the collateral securing
CMOs or any third‐party guarantees are insufficient to make payments, an account
could sustain a loss.
Concentration Risk. A strategy that concentrates its investments in a particular sector of
the market (such as the utilities or financial services sectors) or a specific geographic
area (such as a country or state) could be impacted by events that adversely affect that
sector or area, and the value of a portfolio using such a strategy might fluctuate more
than a less concentrated portfolio.
Control Position Risk. Certain accounts can directly, or indirectly through investment
funds, take control positions in companies. The exercise of control over a company
imposes additional risks of liability for environmental damage, product defects, failure
to supervise and other types of related liability. If such liabilities were to arise, such
accounts and investment funds would likely suffer a loss, which could be complete, on
their investments.
Corporate Debt Risk. Corporate debt securities are subject to the risk of the issuer’s
inability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligation and can also be
subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market
perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity. When
interest rates rise, the value of corporate debt securities can be expected to decline.
Debt securities with longer maturities tend to be more sensitive to interest rate
movements than those with shorter maturities. Company defaults can impact the level
of returns generated by corporate debt securities. An unexpected default can reduce
income and the capital value of a corporate debt security. Furthermore, market
expectations regarding economic conditions and the likely number of corporate defaults
could impact the value of corporate debt securities.
Counterparty Risk. A financial institution or other counterparty with whom an investor
does business (such as trading or securities lending), or that underwrites, distributes or
guarantees any investments or contracts that an investor owns or is otherwise exposed
to, might decline in financial condition and become unable to honor its commitments.
This could cause the value of an investor’s portfolio to decline or could delay the return
or delivery of collateral or other assets to the investor. Although there can be no
assurance that an investor will be able to do so, the investor might be able to reduce or
eliminate its exposure under a swap agreement either by assignment or other
disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or
another creditworthy party. The investor could have limited ability to eliminate its
exposure under a credit default swap if the credit of the referenced entity or underlying
asset has declined.
Currency Risk. In general, the value of investments in, or denominated in, foreign
currencies increases when the U.S. dollar is weak (i.e., is losing value relative to foreign
currencies) or when foreign currencies are strong (i.e., are gaining value relative to the
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U.S. dollar). When foreign currencies are weak or the U.S. dollar is strong, such
investments generally will decrease in value. The value of foreign currencies as
measured in U.S. dollars can be unpredictably affected by changes in foreign currency
rates and exchange control regulations, application of foreign tax laws (including
withholding tax), governmental administration of economic or monetary policies (in the
U.S. or abroad), intervention (or the failure to intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments
or central banks, and relations between nations. A devaluation of a currency by a
country’s government or banking authority will have a significant impact on the value of
any investments denominated in that currency. Currency markets generally are not as
regulated as securities markets and currency transactions are subject to settlement,
custodial and other operational risks. Exposure to foreign currencies through derivative
instruments will also be subject to the Derivatives Risks described below
Derivatives Risk Generally. Certain accounts can use derivative instruments for a
variety of purposes, including hedging, risk management, portfolio management or to
earn income. A derivative is a financial instrument whose value is based, in part, on the
value of an underlying asset, interest rate, index or financial instrument (“reference
instrument” or “underlying asset”). In this context, derivatives include but are not
limited to: futures, forwards, options, participatory notes, warrants, and other similar
instruments that are normally valued based upon another or related asset. The use of
derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the
reference instrument, including due to failure of the counterparty or tax or regulatory
constraints. Prevailing interest rates and volatility levels, among other things, also affect
the value of derivative instruments. A derivative instrument often has risks similar to its
underlying asset and can have additional risks, including imperfect correlation between
the value of the derivative and the underlying asset, risks of default by the counterparty
to certain transactions, magnification of losses incurred due to changes in the market
value of the securities, instruments, indices or interest rates to which the derivative
instrument relates, risks that the transactions might not be liquid and risks arising from
margin requirements. The use of derivatives involves risks that are different from, and
possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. Derivatives
can involve the use of highly specialized instruments that require investment techniques
and risk analyses different from those associated with other portfolio investments.
Certain derivative transactions give rise to a form of leverage, which magnifies the
portfolio’s exposure to the underlying asset. Leverage associated with derivative
transactions could cause an account to liquidate portfolio positions when it might not be
advantageous to do so or could cause an account’s value to be more volatile than might
have been the case absent such leverage. Derivatives risk could be more significant
when derivatives are used to enhance return or as a substitute for a position or security,
rather than solely to hedge the risk of a position or security held by a client portfolio.
Derivatives for hedging purposes might not reduce risk if they are not sufficiently
correlated to the position being hedged. A decision as to whether, when and how to use
derivatives involves the exercise of specialized skill and judgment, and a transaction
could be unsuccessful in whole or in part because of market behavior or unexpected
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events. Derivative instruments can be difficult to value, can be illiquid, and can be
subject to wide swings in valuation caused by changes in the value of the underlying
instrument. If a derivative counterparty is unable to honor its commitments, the value
of a client portfolio could decline and/or the portfolio could experience delays in the
return of collateral or other assets held by the counterparty. The loss on derivative
transactions can substantially exceed the initial investment. Certain strategies use
derivatives extensively. Derivative investments also involve the risks relating to the
reference instrument. Although certain strategies seek to use derivatives to further a
client’s investment objectives, there is no assurance that the use of derivatives will
achieve this result.
Futures. A futures contract is a standardized, exchange‐traded agreement to buy or sell
a specific quantity of an underlying asset, reference rate or index at a specific price at a
specific future time. While the value of a futures contract tends to increase or decrease
in tandem with the value of the underlying instrument, differences between the futures
market and the market for the underlying asset can result in an imperfect correlation.
Depending on the terms of the particular contract, futures contracts are settled through
either physical delivery of the underlying instrument on the settlement date or by
payment of a cash settlement amount on the settlement date. A decision as to whether,
when and how to use futures contracts involves the exercise of skill and judgment and
even a well‐conceived futures transaction could be unsuccessful because of market
behavior or unexpected events. In addition to the derivatives risks discussed above, the
prices of futures contracts can be highly volatile, using futures contracts can lower total
return, and the potential loss from futures contracts can exceed an account’s initial
investment in such contracts. No assurance can be given that a liquid market will exist
for any particular futures contract at any particular time. There is also the risk of loss by
an account of margin deposits in the event of bankruptcy of a broker with which an
account has open positions in the futures contract.
Options. Certain client portfolios employ an options strategy. If an account buys an
option, it buys a legal contract giving it the right to buy or sell a specific amount of the
underlying instrument, foreign currency or contract, such as a swap agreement or
futures contract, on the underlying instrument or foreign currency at an agreed‐upon
price typically in exchange for a premium paid by the account. If an account sells an
option, it sells to another person the right to buy from or sell to an account a specific
amount of the underlying instrument, swap, foreign currency, or futures contract on the
underlying instrument or foreign currency at an agreed‐upon price during a period of
time or on a specific date typically in exchange for a premium received by a client. The
use of options by accounts can entail additional risks. When options are purchased OTC,
the buyer bears the risk that the counterparty that wrote the option will be unable or
unwilling to perform its obligations under the option contract. Options can also be
illiquid and a holder could have difficulty closing out its position. A decision as to
whether, when and how to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment and
even a well‐conceived option transaction could be unsuccessful because of market
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behavior or unexpected events. The prices of options can be highly volatile and the use
of options can lower total returns.
Certain options strategies seek to take advantage of a general excess of option price‐
implied volatilities for a specified stock or index over the stock or index’s subsequent
realized volatility. This market observation is often attributed to the unknown risk to
which an option seller is exposed to in comparison to the fixed risk to which an option
buyer is exposed. There can be no assurance that this imbalance will apply in the future
over specific periods or generally. It is possible that the imbalance could decrease or be
eliminated by actions of investors that employ strategies seeking to take advantage of
the imbalance, which would have an adverse effect on the client portfolio’s ability to
achieve its investment objective. Further, directional movements of the underlying
index or stock can overwhelm the volatility differential for any given option resulting in
a loss, regardless of the volatility relationship during that specific option’s term. Call
spread and put spread selling strategies employed by certain strategies are based on a
specified index or on exchange‐traded funds that replicate the performance of certain
indexes. If the index or an ETF appreciates or depreciates sufficiently over the period to
offset the net premium received, the client portfolio will incur a net loss. The amount of
potential loss in the event of a sharp market movement is subject to a cap defined by
the difference in strike prices between written and purchased call and put options. The
value of the specified exchange‐traded fund is subject to change as the values of the
component securities fluctuate. Also, it might not exactly match the performance of the
specified index.
Investments in foreign currency options can substantially change an account’s exposure
to currency exchange rates and could result in losses if currencies do not perform as
expected. There is a risk that such transactions could reduce or preclude the
opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in the direction opposite
to the position taken. The value of a foreign currency option is dependent upon the
value of the underlying foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar or other applicable
foreign currency. The price of the option could vary with changes in the value of either
or both currencies and has no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign
security. Options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors that influence
foreign exchange rates and foreign investment generally. Unanticipated changes in
currency prices can result in losses to a client and poorer overall performance for the
client than if it had not entered into such contracts. Options on foreign currencies are
traded primarily in the OTC market but can also be traded on U.S. and foreign
exchanges.
Foreign currency options contracts can be used for hedging purposes or non‐hedging
purposes in pursuing a client’s investment objective, such as when Atlanta Capital
anticipates that particular non‐U.S. currencies will appreciate or depreciate in value,
even though securities denominated in those currencies are not then held in the client’s
investment portfolio. Investing in foreign currencies for purposes of gaining from
projected changes in exchange rates, as opposed to only hedging currency risks
applicable to an account holding, further increases the account’s exposure to foreign
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securities losses. There is no assurance that Atlanta Capital’s use of currency derivatives
will benefit the related accounts or that they will be, or can be, used at appropriate
times.
Swaps. A client could enter into OTC swap contracts or cleared swap transactions. An
OTC swap contract is an agreement between two parties pursuant to which the parties
exchange payments at specified dates on the basis of a specified notional amount, with
the payments calculated by reference to specified securities, indices, reference rates,
currencies or other instruments. Typically swap agreements provide that when the
period payment dates for both parties are the same, the payments are made on a net
basis (i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with only the net amount paid by
one party to the other). A party’s obligations or rights under a swap contract entered
into on a net basis will generally be equal only to the net amount to be paid or received
under the agreement, based on the relative values of the positions held by each party.
Cleared swap transactions can help reduce counterparty credit risk. In a cleared swap,
the ultimate counterparty is a clearinghouse rather than a swap dealer, bank or other
financial institution. OTC swap agreements are not entered into or traded on exchanges
and often there is no central clearing or guaranty function for swaps. These OTC swaps
are often subject to credit risk or the risk of default or non‐performance by the
counterparty. Certain swaps have begun trading on exchanges called swap execution
facilities. Exchange trading is expected to increase liquidity of swaps trading. Both OTC
and cleared swaps could result in losses if interest rates, foreign currency exchange
rates or other factors are not correctly anticipated by a client or if the reference index,
security or investments do not perform as expected. The Dodd‐Frank Wall Street
Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related regulatory developments require the
clearing and exchange trading of certain standardized swap transactions. Mandatory
exchange‐trading and clearing is occurring on a phased‐in basis.
The client’s use of swaps could include those based on the credit of an underlying
security, commonly referred to as “credit default swaps.” Where a client is the buyer of
a credit default swap contract, it would typically be entitled to receive the par (or other
agreed‐upon) value of a referenced debt obligation from the counterparty to the
contract only in the event of a default or similar event by a third‐party on the debt
obligation. If no default occurs, the client would have paid to the counterparty a
periodic stream of payments over the term of the contract and received no benefit from
the contract. When a client is the seller of a credit default swap contract, it typically
receives the stream of payments but is obligated to pay an amount equal to the par (or
other agreed‐upon) value of a referenced debt obligation upon the default or similar
event of the issuer of the referenced debt obligation.
Differing Classes of Securities Risk. Different classes of securities have different rights as
creditor if the issuer files for bankruptcy or reorganization. For example, bondholders’
rights generally are more favorable than shareholders’ rights in a bankruptcy or
reorganization. In some circumstances, the interests of clients that invest in a company
might not be aligned with the interests of other clients that invest in a different loan
investment or security issued by the same company, which could create conflicts of
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interest. The interests of clients investing in different parts of the capital structure of a
company are particularly likely to conflict in the case of financial distress of the
company, such as enforcement of credit rights or bankruptcy proceedings. This can
result in a loss or substantial dilution of one client’s investment, while another client
receives a full or partial recovery on its investment. For these reasons, Atlanta Capital
might take certain actions on behalf of one client that are adverse to others.
General ESG Risk. Strategies that seek to incorporate financially material ESG factors
could lose value or otherwise underperform for a variety of reasons. ESG considerations
tend to prioritize the longer‐term prospects of issuers, which are not necessarily
predictive of short‐term fluctuations in security prices or overall market dynamics in the
shorter term. Incorporation of ESG factors into the investment process can cause an
investment strategy to underweight or exclude certain sectors, industries or
geographies relative to benchmarks or competitors, which can result in
underperformance during periods when those sectors, industries or geographies are
being more broadly favored by the overall market. Assessment of ESG factors is
subjective by nature, and there is no assurance that an investment team will correctly or
consistently identify the financially material ESG attributes of individual investments.
Furthermore, Atlanta Capital is dependent on the quality and completeness of ESG‐
related information and data obtained through voluntary reporting by issuers, as well as
on analysis provided by third parties, including from Atlanta Capital affiliates, in seeking
to incorporate financially material ESG factors into the selection process for
investments. The risk associated with this dependency is especially pronounced for
markets, geographies and asset classes where the quality and extent of available
information and reporting are lower. All of the risks described above are present both
where Atlanta Capital incorporates ESG factors into its research process for individual
security selection and where it applies formal exclusionary screens as part of its
investment process.
ESG Focused Strategy Risks. Atlanta Capital can manage certain accounts and strategies
for which, in addition to incorporating financially material ESG factors into the
investment process, Atlanta Capital adopts an explicit emphasis on ESG and/or
sustainability attributes of the portfolio. This type of strategy tends to augment the risks
associated with incorporated ESG investing and can expose client accounts to additional
risks over and above the General ESG Risk described above. In certain situations,
environmental and social factors can outweigh financial considerations. For example,
Atlanta Capital could choose to make an investment that has a lower expected financial
return when compared to other possible investments due to ESG considerations, such
as where the investment has the potential to have a greater environmental and/or
social impact. In addition, Atlanta Capital could reject an opportunity to increase the
financial return of an existing investment in order to preserve the environmental and/or
social impact of such investment. Further, Atlanta Capital could refrain from disposing of
an underperforming investment for a period of time in order to minimize the negative
environmental and/or social impact of such disposition. As a result of the foregoing,
these portfolios or accounts are subject to the risk that they achieve lower returns than
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if Atlanta Capital did not adopt an explicit focus on ESG and/or sustainability
considerations, including the environmental and/or social impact of investments and
investment‐related decisions. Clients should also be aware that their perception of the
ESG attributes, or the social and environmental impact, of their investment portfolio
could differ from Atlanta Capital’s or a third party’s assessment of how that portfolio
adheres to ESG principles.
ETF Risk. Shares of ETFs have many of the same risks as direct investments in common
stocks or bonds and their market value is expected to rise and fall as the value of the
underlying securities or index rises and falls. As a shareholder in an ETF, a portfolio would
bear its ratable share of that entity’s expenses while continuing to pay its own
investment management fees and other expenses. As a result, the account or the fund
and its shareholders will, in effect, be absorbing duplicate levels of fees. There can be a
lack of liquidity in certain ETFs which can lead to a large difference between the bid‐ask
prices (increasing the costs of buying or selling the ETF). A lack of liquidity also could
cause an ETF to trade at a large premium or discount to its net asset value. Additionally,
an ETF might suspend issuing new shares, which could result in an adverse difference
between the ETF’s publicly available share price and the actual value of its underlying
investment holdings. At times when underlying holdings are traded less frequently, or
not at all, an ETF’s returns also could diverge from the benchmark it is designed to track.
In addition, certain ETFs in which an account could invest are leveraged. While
leveraged ETFs can offer the potential for greater return, the potential for loss and the
speed at which losses can be realized also are greater. Leveraged ETFs can deviate
substantially from the performance of their underlying benchmark over longer periods
of time, particularly in volatile periods.
Foreign and Emerging Markets Risk. Investments in foreign markets entail special risks
such as currency, political (including geopolitical), economic and market risks and
heightened risks, that can result in losses to an account. There also could be greater
market volatility, less reliable financial information, less stringent investor protections
and disclosure standards, higher transaction and custody costs, decreased market
liquidity and less government and exchange regulation associated with investments in
foreign markets. In addition, investments in certain foreign markets that have
historically been considered stable could become more volatile and subject to increased
risk due to developments and changing conditions in such markets. Moreover, the
interconnectivity of global economies and financial markets has increased the
probability that adverse developments and conditions in one country or region will
affect the stability of economies and financial markets in other countries or regions.
Certain foreign markets rely heavily on particular industries or foreign capital and are
more vulnerable to diplomatic developments (including regional and global, military or
other conflicts), the imposition of economic sanctions against a particular country
or countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals, changes in
international trading patterns, trade barriers (including tariffs) and other protectionist
or retaliatory measures. Investments in foreign markets could also be adversely
affected by governmental interventions or other actions such as the imposition of
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capital controls, tariffs, sanctions, nationalization of companies or industries,
expropriation of assets, the imposition of punitive taxes or threatened or active armed
conflict. The governments of certain countries could prohibit or impose substantial
restrictions on foreign investing in their capital markets or in certain sectors or
industries. Also, as a result of economic sanctions, we could be forced to sell or
otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or prices, which could result in
losses to clients and increased transaction costs. In addition, a foreign government could
limit or cause delay in the convertibility or repatriation of its currency which would
adversely affect the U.S. dollar value and/or liquidity of investments denominated in
that currency. Certain foreign investments might become less liquid and decline in value
in response to market developments or adverse investor perceptions or become illiquid
after purchase by an investor, particularly during periods of market, economic, political
and social turmoil. When an investor holds illiquid investments, its portfolio could be
harder to value.
The risks of investing in emerging market countries are greater than risks associated
with investments in foreign developed countries. Emerging market or developing
countries can be more likely to experience political turmoil or rapid changes in economic
conditions than more developed countries, and the financial condition of issuers in
emerging market or developing countries could be more precarious than in other
countries. Certain emerging market countries are subject to less stringent requirements
regarding accounting, auditing, financial reporting and record keeping and therefore,
material information related to an investment might not be available or reliable. Such
emerging market countries can also subject an account to greater risk associated with
the custody of its securities than developed markets, which could adversely affect an
investment. In addition, investments in emerging market or developing countries could
be subject to expropriation, nationalization and confiscation of assets and property. An
account is limited in its ability to exercise its legal rights or enforce a counterparty’s legal
obligations in certain jurisdictions outside of the United States, in particular, in emerging
markets countries.
In addition, investments in foreign issuers could be denominated in foreign currencies
and therefore, to the extent unhedged, the value of those investments will fluctuate
with U.S. dollar exchange rates. To the extent hedged by the use of foreign currency
forward exchange contracts, the precise matching of the foreign currency forward
exchange contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not generally be
possible because the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will change as
a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities between the date
on which the contract is entered into and the date it matures. There is additional risk
that such transactions could reduce or preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of
the currency should move in the direction opposite to the position taken and that
foreign currency forward exchange contracts create exposure to currencies in which an
account’s securities are not denominated. The use of foreign currency forward exchange
contracts involves the risk of loss from the insolvency or bankruptcy of the counterparty
to the contract or the failure of the counterparty to make payments or otherwise
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comply with the terms of the contract. As discussed above, economic sanctions could
be, and have been, imposed against certain countries, organizations, companies,
entities and/or individuals. Economic sanctions and other similar governmental actions
could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate an account’s ability to
purchase or sell securities or groups of securities, and thus could make an account’s
investments in such securities less liquid or more difficult to value. Settlement and
clearance procedures in certain foreign markets differ significantly from those in the
United States. Pursuant to regulatory changes effective in May 2024, many U.S.,
Canadian, and Mexican securities transitioned to a “T+1” (trade date plus one day)
settlement cycle, while securities trading in most other markets typically have longer
settlement cycles. As a result, there can be potential operational, settlement and other
risks associated with differences in settlement cycles between markets.
Economic sanctions or other similar measures could be, and have been, imposed against
certain countries, organizations, companies, entities and/or individuals. Investments in
foreign securities are subject to economic sanctions and trade laws in the United States
and other jurisdictions. These laws and related governmental actions, including counter‐
sanctions and other retaliatory measures, can, from time to time, prevent or prohibit an
investor from investing in certain foreign securities. In addition, economic sanctions
could prohibit an investor from transacting with particular countries, organizations,
companies, entities and/or individuals by banning them from global payment systems
that facilitate cross‐border payments, restricting their ability to settle securities
transactions, and freezing their assets. The imposition of sanctions and other similar
measures could, among other things, cause a decline in the value of securities issued by
the sanctioned country or companies located in or economically linked to the
sanctioned country, downgrades in the credit ratings of the sanctioned country or
companies located in or economically linked to the sanctioned country, devaluation of
the sanctioned country’s currency, and increased market volatility and disruption in the
sanctioned country and throughout the world. Economic sanctions or other similar
measures could, among other things, effectively restrict or eliminate an investor’s ability
to purchase or sell securities, negatively impact the value or liquidity of a portfolio of
investments, significantly delay or prevent the settlement of securities transactions,
force an investor to sell or otherwise dispose of investments at inopportune times or
prices, or impair our ability to meet a client’s investment objective or invest in
accordance with a client’s investment strategy. These conditions could be in place for a
substantial period of time and enacted with limited advanced notice.
Growth Investing Risk. Growth investing attempts to identify companies that will
experience rapid earnings growth relative to value or other types of stocks. Growth
stocks could trade at higher multiples of current earnings compared to other types of
stock or styles of investing (e.g., value), leading to inflated prices and thus potentially
greater declines in value. The performance of growth strategies could be better or
worse than the performance of equity strategies that focus on value stocks or that have
a broader investment style.
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Hedging Strategy Risks. Certain client accounts, portfolios, and pooled investment
vehicles could, but are not required, to engage in transactions designed to reduce the
risk or to protect the value of their investments, including securities and currency
hedging transactions. These hedging strategies could involve a variety of derivative
transactions, including transactions in forward, swap and option contracts or other
financial instruments with similar characteristics, including, without limitation, forward
foreign currency exchange contracts, currency and interest rate swaps, options and short
sales (collectively “Hedging Instruments”). Certain risks associated with Hedging
Instruments are further detailed under “Derivative Risks.” Hedging against a decline in
the value of a portfolio position does not eliminate fluctuations in the values of portfolio
positions or prevent losses if the values of those positions decline, but establishes other
positions designed to gain from those same developments, thus offsetting the decline in
the portfolio positions’ value. While these transactions can reduce the risks associated
with an investment, the transactions themselves entail risks that are different from and
possibly greater than, the risks associated with other portfolio investments. The use of
Hedging Instruments could require investment techniques and risks analyses different
from those associated with other portfolio investments. The risks posed by these
transactions include, but are not limited to, interest rate risk, market risk, the risk that
these complex instruments and techniques will not be successfully evaluated, monitored
or priced, the risk that counterparties will default on their obligations, liquidity risk and
leverage risk. Changes in liquidity can result in significant, rapid and unpredictable
changes in the prices for derivatives. Thus, while the accounts might benefit from the
use of Hedging Instruments, unanticipated changes in interest rates, securities prices or
currency exchange rates could result in a poorer overall performance for the accounts
than if they had not used such Hedging Instruments.
Inflation‐Linked Security Risk. Inflation‐linked debt securities are subject to the effects
of changes in market interest rates caused by factors other than inflation (real interest
rates). In general, the price of an inflation‐linked security tends to decrease when real
interest rates increase and can increase when real interest rates decrease. Interest
payments on inflation‐linked securities can vary widely and will fluctuate as the principal
and interest are adjusted for inflation. Any increase in the principal amount of an
inflation‐linked debt security will likely be considered taxable ordinary income, even
though the portfolio will not receive the principal until maturity. There can be no
assurance that the inflation index used will accurately measure the real rate of inflation
in the prices of goods and services. A portfolio’s investments in inflation‐linked
securities could lose value in the event that the actual rate of inflation is different than
the rate of the inflation index.
Issuer Diversification Risk. A Fund or strategy could be “non‐diversified,” which means
it invests a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer than a fund
that is “diversified.” Non‐diversified Funds and strategies focus their investments in a
small number of issuers, making them more susceptible to risks affecting such issuers
than a more diversified fund might be.
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Lending Portfolio Securities Risk. Certain clients are permitted to lend their securities to
brokers, dealers and other financial institutions needing to borrow securities to
complete certain transactions. The client continues to be entitled to payments in
amounts equal to the interest, dividends or other distributions payable in respect of the
loaned securities, which affords the client an opportunity to earn interest on the
amount of the loan and on the loaned securities’ collateral. In connection with any such
transaction, the client will receive collateral consisting of liquid, unencumbered assets,
U.S. Government securities or irrevocable letters of credit that will be maintained at all
times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current market value of the loaned
securities. The client might experience loss if the institution with which the client has
engaged in a portfolio loan transaction breaches its agreement with the client.
Loans of securities involve a risk that the borrower fails to return the securities or to
maintain the proper amount of collateral, which could result in losses. There can be risks
of delay and costs involved in recovery of securities or even loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower of the securities fail financially. These delays and costs
could be greater for foreign securities. However, loans will be made only to borrowers
deemed to be creditworthy and when the income that can be earned from such
securities loans justifies the attendant risk. The account also bears the risk that the
reinvestment of collateral will result in a principal loss. Finally, there is the risk that the
price of the securities will increase while they are on loan and the collateral will not be
adequate to cover their value. The account might also experience loss if the institution
with which the account has engaged in a portfolio loan transaction breaches its
agreement with the account.
Leverage Risk. Certain accounts, such as pooled investment vehicles, are permitted to
borrow money (and/or establish a line of credit) to provide for opportunistic asset
allocation, facilitate payments on withdrawal and to remain fully invested in anticipation
of future contributions. Additionally, these accounts can enter into various derivatives
(such as options, futures and swaps) that have implicit or internal leverage in that the
notional value of the derivative instrument is much larger than the cash needed to
establish and maintain the derivative instrument. Although leverage will increase the
account’s investment return if the investment purchased with borrowed funds earns a
greater return than the interest expense the pooled investment vehicle pays for the use
of those funds, the use of leverage will decrease the return on the pooled investment
vehicle if the pooled investment vehicle fails to earn as much on its investment
purchased with borrowed funds as it pays for the use of those funds. Leverage and
borrowing can cause the value of a client portfolio to be more volatile than if it had not
been leveraged, as certain types of leverage exaggerate the effect of any increase or
decrease in the value of securities in a client portfolio. The use of leverage will in this
way magnify the volatility of changes in the value of an investment in the pooled
investment vehicle, especially in times of a “credit crunch” or during general market
turmoil. An account might be required to segregate liquid assets or otherwise cover the
obligation created by a transaction that gives rise to leverage. To satisfy the account’s
obligations or to meet segregation requirements, an account could be forced to
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liquidate portfolio positions when it is not advantageous to do so. Leverage and
borrowing can lead to additional costs to clients, including interest and fees. Losses on
leveraged transactions can substantially exceed the initial investment.
Liquidity Risk. A client portfolio is exposed to liquidity risk when trading volume, lack of
a market maker or trading partner, large position size, market conditions, or legal
restrictions impair its ability to sell particular investments or to sell them at
advantageous market prices. Consequently, the client portfolio might have to accept a
lower price to sell an investment or continue to hold it or keep the position open, sell
other investments to raise cash or abandon an investment opportunity, any of which
could have a negative effect on the portfolio’s performance. These effects can be
exacerbated during times of financial or political stress.
Maturity Risk. Interest rate risk will generally affect the price of a fixed income security
more if the security has a longer maturity. Fixed income securities with longer
maturities will therefore be more volatile than other fixed income securities with
shorter maturities. Conversely, fixed income securities with shorter maturities will be
less volatile but generally provide lower returns than fixed income securities with longer
maturities. The average maturity of a client portfolio’s investments will affect the
volatility of the portfolio’s rate of return.
Money Market Funds Risk. An investment in a money market fund is neither insured nor
guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) or any other
government agency. Money market funds could lose money. Although many money
market funds classified as government funds (i.e., money market funds that invest
99.5% of total assets in cash and/or securities backed by the U.S. government) and
retail funds (i.e., money market funds open to natural person investors only) seek to
maintain a stable $1.00 per share, they cannot guarantee they will do so. The price of
other money market funds will fluctuate and when an account sells shares, they could be
worth more or less than originally paid. Some money market funds impose, or are
permitted to impose, a fee upon sale or temporarily suspend sales if liquidity falls below
required minimums. During suspensions, shares would not be available for withdrawals.
Moreover, in some circumstances, money market funds could cease operations when
the value of a fund drops below $1.00 per share. In that event, the fund’s holdings could
be liquidated and distributed to the fund’s shareholders. This liquidation process can be
prolonged in nature and last for months. During this time, these funds would not be
available for withdrawal.
Mortgage‐ and Asset‐Backed Securities Risk. Mortgage‐backed and asset‐backed
securities represent interests in “pools” of commercial or residential mortgages or other
assets, including consumer loans or receivables. The purchase of mortgage‐ and asset‐
backed securities issued by non‐government entities can entail greater risk than such
securities that are issued or guaranteed by a government entity. Mortgage‐ and asset‐
backed securities issued by non‐government entities might offer higher yields than
those issued by government entities but can be subject to greater volatility than
government issues and can also be subject to greater credit risk and the risk of default
on the underlying mortgages or other assets. Investments in mortgage‐ and asset‐
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backed securities are subject to both extension risk, where borrowers pay off their debt
obligations more slowly in times of rising interest rates, and prepayment risk, where
borrowers pay off their debt obligations sooner than expected in times of declining
interest rates. Movements in interest rates (both increases and decreases) can quickly
and significantly reduce the value of certain types of mortgage‐ and asset‐backed
securities. Although certain mortgage‐ and asset‐backed securities are guaranteed as to
timely payment of interest and principal by a government entity, the market price for
such securities is not guaranteed and will fluctuate. Asset‐backed securities are subject
to the risk that various federal and state consumer laws and other legal and economic
factors could result in the collateral backing the securities being insufficient to support
payment on the securities. In addition, an unexpectedly high rate of defaults on the
mortgages and assets held by a pool or mortgages or other assets could adversely affect
the value of a mortgage‐ or asset‐backed security and could result in losses to the
account. The risk of such defaults is generally higher in the case of mortgage pools that
include subprime mortgages. Leverage can cause an account to be more volatile than if
an account had not been leveraged. The risks associated with mortgage‐ and asset‐
backed securities typically become elevated during periods of distressed economic,
market, health and labor conditions. In particular, increased levels of unemployment,
delays and delinquencies in payments of loan, mortgage, and rent obligations, and
uncertainty regarding the effects and extent of government intervention with respect to
debt payments and other economic matters can adversely affect investments in
mortgage‐ and asset‐backed securities.
Municipal Securities Risk. The income of municipal securities is generally exempt from
federal income tax at the time of issuance, however, a client could purchase municipal
securities that pay interest that is subject to the federal alternative minimum tax, and
municipal securities on which the interest payments are taxable. These securities
typically are “general obligation” or “revenue” bonds, notes or commercial paper
including participation in lease obligations and installment purchase contracts of
municipalities. General obligation bonds are secured by the issuer’s full faith and credit
as well as its taxing power for payment of principal or interest. Thus, these bonds can be
vulnerable to limits on a government’s power or ability to raise revenue or increase
taxes and its ability to maintain a fiscally sound budget. The timely payments could also
be influenced by any unfunded pension liabilities or other post‐employee benefit plan
liabilities. These bonds could also depend on legislative appropriation and/or funding or
other support from other governmental bodies in order to make payments. Revenue
bonds, however, are generally payable from a specific revenue source, and therefore
involve the risk that the tax or other revenues so derived will not be sufficient to meet
interest and or principal payment obligations. These obligations could have fixed,
variable or floating rates. As a result, these bonds historically have been subject to a
greater risk of default than general obligation bonds because investors can look only to
the revenue generated by the project or other revenue source backing the project,
rather than to the general taxing authority of the state or local government issuer of the
obligations. Municipal securities involve the risk that an issuer calls securities for
redemption, which could force the account to reinvest the proceeds at a lower rate of
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interest. The amount of public information available about municipal bonds is generally
less than for corporate equities or bonds, meaning that the investment performance of
municipal bonds could depend more on the analytical abilities of the investment adviser
than stock or corporate bond investments. The secondary market for municipal bonds
also tends to be less well‐developed and less liquid than many other securities markets,
which can limit a client portfolio’s ability to sell its municipal bonds at attractive prices.
The differences between the price at which a bond can be purchased and the price at
which it can be sold could widen during periods of market distress. Less liquid bonds can
become more difficult to value and be subject to erratic price movements. The
increased presence of nontraditional participants (such as proprietary trading desks of
investment banks and hedge funds) or the absence of traditional participants (such as
individuals, insurance companies, banks and life insurance companies) in the municipal
markets could lead to greater volatility in the markets because non‐traditional
participants might trade more frequently or in greater volume.
Pooled Investment Vehicles Risk. Pooled investment vehicles include open‐ and closed‐
end investment companies, ETFs, and private funds. Pooled investment vehicles are
subject to the risks of investing in the underlying securities or other investments. Shares
of closed‐end investment companies and ETFs can trade at a premium or discount to net
asset value and are subject to secondary market trading risks. In addition, except as
otherwise noted in this Form ADV Part 2A, the client portfolio will bear a pro rata
portion of the operating expenses of a pooled investment vehicle in which it invests.
Portfolio Turnover Risk. The annual portfolio turnover rate of certain strategies or
investment funds can exceed 100%. High turnover rates could generate more capital
gains and involve greater expenses (which would reduce return) than a trading strategy
with a lower turnover rate. Capital gains distributions will be made to investors even if
offsetting capital loss carry forwards do not exist.
Preferred Stock Risk. Although preferred stocks represent an ownership interest in an
issuer, preferred stocks generally do not have voting rights or have limited voting rights
and have economic characteristics similar to fixed‐income securities. Preferred stocks
are subject to issuer‐specific risks generally applicable to equity securities and credit and
interest rate risks generally applicable to fixed‐income securities. The value of preferred
stock generally declines when interest rates rise and can react more significantly than
bonds and other debt instruments to actual or perceived changes in the company’s
financial condition or prospects.
Privately Placed and Restricted Securities Risks. An account’s investments could include
privately placed securities, which are subject to resale restrictions. It is likely that such
securities will not be listed on a stock exchange or traded in the OTC market. These
securities will have the effect of increasing the level of an account’s illiquidity to the
extent the account is unable to sell or transfer these securities due to restrictions on
transfers or on the ability to find buyers interested in purchasing the securities. The
illiquidity of the market, as well as the lack of publicly available information regarding
these securities, can also adversely affect the ability to arrive at a fair value for certain
securities at certain times and could make it difficult for the account to sell certain
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securities (or to sell such securities at the prices at which they are currently held).
Furthermore, companies whose securities are not publicly traded are often not subject
to the same or comparable disclosure and other investor protection requirements that
might be applicable if their securities were publicly traded and/or listed on a stock
exchange. An account could be obligated to pay all or part of the legal and/or other fees
incurred in negotiating the purchase and or sale of a private placement security. When
registration is required to sell a security, an account could be obligated to pay all or part
of the registration expenses, and a considerable period might elapse between the
decision to sell and the time the account is permitted to sell a security under an
effective registration statement. If adverse market conditions developed during this
period, an account might obtain a less favorable price than the price that prevailed
when the account decided to sell.
Real Estate Risk. Real estate investments are subject to risks associated with owning
real estate, including declines in real estate values, increases in property taxes,
fluctuations in interest rates, limited availability of mortgage financing, decreases in
revenues from underlying real estate assets, declines in occupancy rates, changes in
government regulations affecting zoning, land use, and rents, environmental liabilities,
and risks related to the management skill and creditworthiness of the issuer. Companies
in the real estate industry could also be subject to liabilities under environmental and
hazardous waste laws, among others.
REITs, Real Estate Operating Companies (“REOCs”) and Foreign Real Estate Company
Risks. Investing in REITs, REOCs and foreign real estate companies exposes investors to
the risks of owning real estate directly, as well as to risks that relate specifically to the way
in which REITs, REOCs and foreign real estate companies are organized and operated. In
addition, investments in REITs and similar non‐U.S. entities could involve duplication of
management fees and certain other expenses. REITs are also subject to certain
provisions under federal tax law and the failure of a company to qualify as a REIT could
have adverse consequences for a portfolio. In addition, foreign real estate companies
could be subject to the laws, rules and regulations governing those entities and their
failure to comply with those laws, rules and regulations could negatively impact the
performance of those entities. Operating REITs and foreign real estate companies
requires specialized management skills, and an account indirectly bears management
expenses along with the direct expenses of an account. Changes in underlying real
estate values can have an exaggerated effect to the extent that investments of an
individual REIT or foreign real estate company are concentrated in particular regions or
property types and changes in underlying real estate values can have an exaggerated
effect to the extent that investments are concentrated in particular geographic regions
or property types. Funds are generally not eligible for a deduction from dividends
received from REITs that is available to individuals who invest directly in REITs.
Repurchase Agreements Risk. Repurchase agreements are subject to risks associated
with the possibility of default by the seller at a time when the collateral has declined in
value, or insolvency of the seller, which could affect an account’s right to control the
collateral. In the event of a default or bankruptcy by a selling financial institution, an
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account will seek to liquidate such collateral. However, the exercising of an
account’s right to liquidate such collateral could involve certain costs or delays and, to
the extent that proceeds from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase
were less than the repurchase price, an account could suffer a loss. Repurchase
agreements involving obligations other than U.S. government securities could be subject
to special risks.
Sector and Geographic Risk. A client portfolio could invest significantly in one or more
sectors or geographic regions. As such, the value of the client portfolio could be affected
by events that adversely affect such sectors or geographic regions and fluctuate more
than that of a portfolio that invests more broadly.
Small‐ and Mid‐Capitalization Companies Risk. Investments in small‐ and mid‐
capitalization companies can involve greater risks than investments in larger, more
established companies. The securities issued by small‐ and mid‐cap companies could
be less liquid, and such companies could have more limited markets, financial resources
and product lines, and could lack the depth of management of larger companies. Small‐
and mid‐capitalization companies are generally subject to greater price fluctuations, less
liquidity, higher transaction costs and higher investment risk than larger, more
established companies. Such companies often have limited product lines, markets or
financial resources, are dependent on a limited management group, and lack substantial
capital reserves or an established performance record. There is generally less publicly
available information about such companies than for larger, more established
companies. Stocks of these companies frequently have lower trading volumes, making
them more volatile and potentially more difficult to value.
Social Media Risk. The dissemination of negative or inaccurate information via social
media about issuers in which an account invests could harm their business, reputation,
financial condition, and results of operations, which could adversely affect the account
and, due to reputational considerations, influence our decision as to whether to remain
invested in such issuers.
Special Situations Investment Risks. Certain of the companies in whose securities an
account invests could be involved in (or are the target of) acquisition attempts or tender
offers, in transition, out of favor, financially leveraged or troubled, or potentially
troubled, and could be or have recently been involved in major strategic actions,
restructurings, bankruptcy, reorganization or liquidation. These characteristics of these
companies can cause their securities to be particularly risky, although they also can offer
the potential for high returns. Additionally, these types of transactions present the risk
that the transaction could be unsuccessful, take considerable time or result in a
distribution of cash or a new security, the value of which is less than the purchase price.
These companies’ securities could be considered speculative, and the ability of the
companies to pay their debts on schedule could be affected by adverse interest rate
movements, changes in the general economic climate, economic factors affecting a
particular industry or specific developments within the companies. An investment by an
account in any instrument is subject to no minimum credit standard and a significant
portion of the obligations and preferred stock in which an account could invest might be
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less than investment grade (commonly referred to as junk bonds), which can result in
greater risks experienced by the account, as applicable, than it would if investing in
higher rated instruments.
Tax Risk. The tax treatment of investments held in a client portfolio could be adversely
affected by future tax legislation, Treasury Regulations and/or guidance issued by the
Internal Revenue Service regarding the character, timing, and/or amount of taxable
income or gains attributable to an account. Income from tax‐exempt municipal
obligations could be declared taxable because of unfavorable changes in tax laws,
adverse interpretations by the Internal Revenue Service or non‐compliant conduct of a
bond issuer.
Tracking Error Risk. Tracking error risk refers to the risk that the performance of a client
portfolio does not match or correlate to that of the index it attempts to track, either on
a daily or aggregate basis. Factors such as fees and trading expenses, client‐imposed
restrictions, imperfect correlation between the portfolio’s investments and the index,
changes to the composition of the index, regulatory policies, high portfolio turnover and
the use of leverage all contribute to tracking error. Tracking error risk can cause the
performance of a client portfolio to be less or more than expected.
U.S. Government Securities Risk. With respect to U.S. government securities that are
not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, there is the risk that the
U.S. Government will not provide financial support to such U.S. government agencies,
instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises if it is not obligated to do so by law. For
example, a U.S. government‐sponsored entity, such as Federal National Mortgage
Association or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, although chartered or
sponsored by an Act of Congress, could issue securities that are neither insured nor
guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury and, therefore, are not backed by the full faith and
credit of the United States. U.S. Treasury securities generally have a lower return than
other obligations because of their higher credit quality and market liquidity. U.S.
government securities are also subject to interest rate risks and can exhibit price
fluctuations resulting from increases or decreases in interest rates.
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Item 9 ‐ Disciplinary Information
During the past ten years, Atlanta Capital has not been subject to any material disciplinary or
legal events requiring disclosure under this Item 9.
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Item 10 ‐ Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Atlanta Capital is a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley, a corporation whose shares are
publicly held and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MS”. Morgan
Stanley is a financial holding company under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956, as
amended, and has numerous domestic and international subsidiaries. Atlanta Capital is part of
a large global financial services and banking group and you could have relationships with our
affiliates beyond your relationship with us. In addition, Atlanta Capital participates in a Wrap
Fee Program sponsored by an affiliate. These relationships can cause conflicts of interest.
The business activities of Morgan Stanley can give rise to occasions when Atlanta Capital, as
investment adviser or sub‐adviser, will have the opportunity to pursue or participate in a legal
action against Morgan Stanley or its clients; in that event, Atlanta Capital could decide in its
discretion to pursue or forgo participation in such legal action in whole or in part due to the
other activities of Morgan Stanley.
Broker‐Dealer Affiliates
Atlanta Capital is affiliated with Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (EVD) and Morgan Stanley
Distribution, Inc. (MSDI), both broker‐dealers registered under the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 (34 Act) and member firms of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
Atlanta Capital is affiliated with Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
LLC (MSSB), each a registered broker‐dealer under the 34 Act and FINRA member firm. Atlanta
Capital is also affiliated with other intermediaries, foreign broker‐dealers and financial services
companies, including, among others, Morgan Stanley Bank National Association, Morgan
Stanley & Co. International PLC, Morgan Stanley Capital Group Inc., Morgan Stanley Senior
Funding Inc., and Morgan Stanley Capital Services LLC, and Morgan Stanley Saudi Arabia
(hereinafter, together with affiliated broker‐dealers registered under the 34 Act, collectively
referred to as “Affiliated Broker‐Dealers”).
When permitted by applicable law and subject to the considerations set forth in Item 12 –
Brokerage Practices, Atlanta Capital utilizes Affiliated Broker‐Dealers to effect portfolio
securities, currency exchange, futures, and other transactions for Atlanta Capital client
accounts. The Participation or Interest in Client Transactions subsection in Item 11 ‐ Code of
Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading, describes in greater
detail the manner in which Atlanta Capital utilizes Affiliated Broker‐Dealers to effect client
transactions and the conflicts of interest that can arise.
EVD is the principal underwriter and distributor of certain funds sponsored by Atlanta Capital
affiliates for which Atlanta Capital serves as sub‐adviser and, in certain instances, receives
distribution fees from the funds pursuant to Rule 12b‐1 under the 1940 Act or placement agent
fees. Where applicable, EVD pays fees, in whole or in part, to MSSB and to any other selected
dealer, including any other Affiliated Broker‐Dealer, with whom EVD has entered into a selected
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dealer or placement agent agreement. In addition, any sales charges derived from the purchase
or redemption of an investment company sponsored by an Atlanta Capital affiliate are paid
directly to MSSB, or to any of those other selected dealers, including any other Affiliated
Broker‐Dealer, from which such dealer pays its sales representatives and other costs of
distribution.
Material Arrangements or Relationships with Affiliates
Atlanta Capital is part of a group of investment advisers within the Morgan Stanley Investment
Management business, including: (1) Boston Management and Research (BMR); (2) Parametric
Portfolio Associates LLC (Parametric) (3) Calvert Research and Management (Calvert); (4) Eaton
Vance Management (EVM) (5) Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. (EVAIL); (6) Morgan
Stanley Investment Management, Inc.; (7) Mesa West Capital, LLC; (8) Morgan Stanley
Investment Management Company; (9) Morgan Stanley Investment Management Limited; (10)
Morgan Stanley AIP GP LP; (11) Morgan Stanley Infrastructure, Inc.; (12) Morgan Stanley Private
Equity Asia, Inc.; (13) MS Capital Partners Adviser, Inc.; (14) Morgan Stanley Real Estate Advisor,
Inc.; (15) MSREF Real Estate Advisor, Inc.; (16) MSRESS III Manager, LLC; (17) Morgan Stanley
Eaton Vance CLO Manager LLC; and (18) Morgan Stanley Eaton Vance CLO CM LLC (collectively,
“Affiliated Advisers”).
Atlanta Capital provides services to its affiliates for which Atlanta Capital is compensated by
such affiliates. These services include: sub‐advisory services to registered funds sponsored by
affiliates including EVM, BMR and Calvert and the provisions of model portfolios to affiliates,
including Parametric. Atlanta Capital has entered into arrangements with affiliates to receive
certain services such as accounting, finance, human resources, information technology and
legal.
Investment strategies and products of Atlanta Capital and its affiliates are cross‐marketed and
jointly marketed. Atlanta Capital works closely with its affiliates to jointly market advisory
services and strategic investment strategies to institutional investors and high‐net‐worth
individuals and refers clients to its affiliates when appropriate. These shared marketing efforts
and sales referrals will in certain cases result in intercompany transfers and cost‐sharing
payments between Atlanta Capital and its affiliates.
Banking Affiliates
As mentioned above, we are a wholly owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley. We are also
affiliated with Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A., an insured depository institution headquartered in
Salt Lake City, Utah, which has businesses concentrated in institutional lending and securities‐
based lending for clients of its affiliated broker‐dealers. In addition, we are affiliated with
Morgan Stanley Private Bank, N.A., a U.S. insured depository institution and a federally
chartered national association whose activities are subject to regulation and examination by
the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
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Atlanta Capital is also affiliated with Eaton Vance Trust Company, a limited purpose non‐
depository trust company, organized and operating under the laws of Maine, which serves as
trustee to common trust funds and collective investment trusts.
Electronic Communication Networks and Alternative Trading Systems
Atlanta Capital’s affiliates have ownership interests in and/or board seats on electronic
communication networks (ECNs) or other alternative trading systems (ATSs). In certain
instances Atlanta Capital’s affiliates could be deemed to control one or more of such ECNs or
ATSs based on the level of such ownership interests and whether such affiliates are represented
on the board of such ECNs or ATSs. Consistent with its fiduciary obligation to seek best
execution, Atlanta Capital will, from time to time, directly or indirectly, effect client trades
through ECNs or other ATSs in which the firm’s affiliates have or could acquire an interest or
board seat. These affiliates might receive an indirect economic benefit based upon their
ownership in the ECNs or other ATSs. Atlanta Capital will, directly or indirectly, execute through
an ECN or other ATSs in which an affiliate has an interest only in situations where the firm or
the broker dealer through whom it is accessing the ECN or ATS reasonably believes such
transaction will be in the best interest of its clients and the requirements of applicable law have
been satisfied. Atlanta Capital’s affiliates own over 5% of the outstanding voting securities
and/or have a member on the board of certain trading systems (or their parent companies),
including i) Copeland Markets LLC, (ii) MEMX Holdings LLC, (iii) OTCderiv Limited, (iv)
Creditderiv Limited, (v) Fenics Markets Xchange, LLC, (vi) FXglobalclear, (vii) EOS Precious
Metals Limited, (viii) Yensai.com Co., Ltd, and (ix) Octaura Holdings LLC.
Atlanta Capital’s affiliates could acquire interests in and/or take board seats on other ECNs or
other ATSs (or increase ownership in the ATSs listed above) in the future.
Atlanta Capital’s affiliates receive cash credits from certain ECNs and ATSs for certain orders
that provide liquidity to their books. In certain circumstances, such ECNs and ATSs also charge
explicit fees for orders that extract liquidity from their books. From time to time, the amount of
credits that the firm’s affiliates receive from one or more ECN or ATS exceed the amount that is
charged. Under these limited circumstances, such payments would constitute payment for
order flow.
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Item 11 ‐ Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions & Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
Atlanta Capital has adopted the MSIM Code of Ethics and Personal Trading Policy (the “Code”)
pursuant to Rule 204A‐1 under the Advisers Act. Each of Atlanta Capital’s employees is required
to acknowledge the Code at the inception of his/her employment and annually thereafter. The
Code is designed to make certain that all acts, practices and courses of business engaged in by
Atlanta Capital’s employees are conducted in accordance with the highest possible standards
and to prevent abuse, or even the appearance of abuse, by employees with respect to their
personal trading and other business activities.
Additionally, all Atlanta Capital employees are subject to firm‐wide policies and procedures
found in the Morgan Stanley Code of Conduct (the “Code of Conduct”) that sets forth, among
other things, restrictions regarding confidential and proprietary information, information
barriers, information security, privacy and data protection, private investments, outside
business interests and personal trading. All Morgan Stanley employees, including Atlanta
Capital employees, are required to acknowledge that they have read, understand, are in
compliance with and agree to abide by the Code of Conduct’s terms as a condition of continued
employment.
The Code requires all employees to pre‐clear trades for covered securities, as defined under the
Code, in a personal securities account. A pre‐clearance request generally will be denied if there
is an open order for a client in the same security. The Code also imposes holding periods and
reporting requirements for covered securities, which includes affiliated and sub‐advised U.S.
mutual funds. Atlanta Capital employees and their immediate family are prohibited from
acquiring any security in an initial public offering or any other public underwriting. Investments
in private placements or an employee’s participation in an outside business activity must be
pre‐approved by Compliance and the employee’s manager. Certain of Atlanta Capital’s
employees who, in connection with job functions, make or participate in making
recommendations regarding the purchase or sale of securities or who have real‐time
knowledge of such recommendations, are held to more stringent standards when placing
trades in personal securities accounts. Violations of the Code are subject to sanction, including
reprimand, restricting trading privileges, reducing employees’ discretionary bonus, if any,
potential reversal of a trade made in violation of the Code or other applicable policies,
suspension or termination of employment.
Atlanta Capital will provide you with a copy of the Code upon request.
Investment Restrictions Arising from Possession of Material Non‐Public Information
Atlanta Capital is not permitted to use material non‐public information (“MNPI”) in effecting
purchase and sales in public securities transactions. In the ordinary course of its operations,
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Atlanta Capital and its affiliates will periodically obtain access to MNPI. At times, the
acquisition of MNPI prohibits Atlanta Capital from rendering investment advice to clients
regarding the securities of an issuer for which Atlanta Capital or its affiliates has MNPI, and
thereby limits the universe of securities Atlanta Capital can purchase or sell. Similarly, where
Atlanta Capital declines access to or otherwise does not receive or share MNPI regarding an
issuer, Atlanta Capital will base its investment decisions with respect to securities of such issuer
solely on public information, thereby limiting the amount of information available to Atlanta
Capital in connection with such investment decision. The occurrence of either situation could
disadvantage some client accounts if we are unable to make an intended purchase or sale, or if
we decline information that might have benefited our management. For additional discussion
related to MNPI, please see “Services to Issuers Activities” and “Investment Banking Activities”
in this Item.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
The following sections address our trading activities, the various conflicts of interest that can
arise, and how such conflicts have been addressed.
Morgan Stanley Securities
Atlanta Capital will generally prohibit transactions in securities, including equity and debt,
issued by Morgan Stanley and certain of its affiliates.
Broker‐Dealer Affiliations
Atlanta Capital does not act as principal or broker in connection with client transactions.
However, when exercising its discretion under an investment management agreement with a
client, Atlanta Capital will, in certain instances, effect transactions in securities or other
instruments for a client through Affiliated Broker‐Dealers , including where such Affiliated
Broker‐Dealer acts as a principal in connection with the client transaction where there is a
material financial interest, which perform all of the activities set forth below.
Atlanta Capital rarely seeks to enter into securities transactions on behalf of a client in which an
Affiliated Broker‐Dealer will act as principal. In the event this occurs, Atlanta Capital will
disclose to the client that the trade will be conducted on a principal basis and obtain the client’s
consent in accordance with the provisions of and rules under the Advisers Act or other
applicable law and as additionally agreed by contract. Atlanta Capital will recommend that a
client engage in such a transaction only when it believe that the net price for the security is at
least as favorable as could have been obtained from another established dealer in such
security.
Atlanta Capital’s recommendations to clients could involve securities in which its Affiliated
Broker‐Dealers, or their officers, employees or other affiliates, have a financial interest.
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Affiliated Broker‐Dealers and their officers, employees and other affiliates, can purchase or sell
for their own accounts securities that Atlanta Capital recommends to its clients.
If permitted by a client’s investment objectives and guidelines, applicable law, and our policies
and procedures concerning conflicts of interest, Atlanta Capital will, from time to time,
recommend that the client purchase, or use its discretion to effect a purchase of, securities
during the existence of an underwriting or other public or private offering of such securities
involving an Affiliated Broker‐Dealer as a manager, underwriter, initial purchaser, or placement
agent. Among other things, Atlanta Capital must disclose to the client that the transaction
involves an affiliate and obtain client consent to execute transactions with an affiliate on behalf
of the client’s account. Purchases can be from underwriters or placement agents other than an
Affiliated Broker‐Dealer in distributions in which an Affiliated Broker‐Dealer is a manager
and/or member of a syndicate or selling group, as a result of which an Affiliated Broker‐Dealer
will likely benefit from the purchase through receipt of a fee or otherwise. In situations in which
a client has not permitted, or where it is prohibited by law, rule or regulation, Atlanta Capital
could be unable to purchase securities for the client account in an initial or other public or
private offering of securities involving an Affiliated Broker‐Dealer.
With client consent, and subject to the restrictions imposed on such transactions by applicable
law, Atlanta Capital will effect portfolio transactions through an Affiliated Broker‐Dealer on an
agency basis, including transactions in over‐the‐counter (OTC) securities, where the Affiliated
Broker‐Dealer will act as agent in connection with the purchase and sale of OTC securities from
market participants and will charge our clients a commission on the transactions, provided that
such commission is fair and reasonable. Since these are agency transactions, there is no mark‐
up or mark‐down on the price of the security.
Atlanta Capital will effect securities transactions through an Affiliated Broker‐Dealer when, in
its judgment, the client will obtain the best execution of the transaction. Subject to its duty to
seek best execution, Atlanta Capital will, from time to time, effect such transactions through an
Affiliated Broker‐Dealer even though the total brokerage commission for the transaction is
higher than that which might have been charged by another broker for the same transaction.
Agency Cross Transactions
From time to time, and where permitted by applicable law and the relevant client agreements,
Atlanta Capital will effect “agency cross transactions” in which an Affiliated Broker‐Dealer acts
as agent for both the buyer and seller in the transaction. Atlanta Capital will only trade with an
Affiliated Broker‐Dealer on behalf of a client on an agency cross basis when the client has
consented to Atlanta Capital effecting such transactions. Any agency cross transaction will be
effected in compliance with applicable law, as well as policies and procedures Atlanta Capital
has designed to prevent and disclose potential conflicts of interest. The Affiliated Broker‐Dealer
can receive a commission from the seller and the buyer when it executes transactions on an
agency cross basis under certain conditions. In effecting an agency cross transaction, Atlanta
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Capital has potentially conflicting divisions of loyalties and responsibilities regarding the parties
to the transaction.
From time to time, Atlanta Capital effects internal “cross” transactions between client accounts
in which one client will purchase securities held by another client. Such transactions are
entered into generally only when we deem the transaction to be in the best interests of both
clients and at a price we have determined by reference to independent market indicators and
which we believe to constitute "best execution" for both parties.
Atlanta Capital will not engage in cross‐trade transactions for an advisory client whose
investment management agreement does not explicitly permit the account to engage in cross
trades and, as a result, such clients will generally pay higher transaction costs and might not
receive the most favorable execution than had a cross‐trade been effected for a particular
portfolio trade.
While we will seek to ensure that the terms of cross trades are fair and reasonable, and the
transactions are executed in a manner that is in the best interest of the clients involved in the
cross trade, clients should be aware that the price of a security bought or sold through a cross
trade, in some cases, will not be as favorable as it might have been had the trade been
executed on the open market. Neither we nor any related party receives any compensation in
connection with such “cross” transactions.
Atlanta Capital, along with related persons of Atlanta Capital, will effect portfolio transactions
through an Affiliated Broker‐Dealer on behalf of clients in respect of which Atlanta Capital is a
“fiduciary” as defined in the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended
(ERISA) only on an agency basis and with prior written approval from an independent fiduciary
in accordance with the terms of exemptions available from the Department of Labor, as well as
in accordance with the restrictions imposed on such transactions by applicable law.
Fixed income instruments typically trade at a bid/ask spread and without an explicit brokerage
charge. While there is not a formal trading expense or commission, clients (including wrap fee
program clients) will bear the implicit trading costs reflected in these spreads.
Atlanta Capital is generally permitted to purchase securities on behalf of its ERISA clients from
an underwriting or selling syndicate where an Affiliated Broker‐Dealer participates as manager,
or syndicate members with prior written approval from an independent fiduciary in accordance
with the terms of exemptions available from the Department of Labor.
Atlanta Capital and Affiliated Advisers, from time to time, execute client transactions with
broker‐dealers that do not have their own clearing facilities and who clear such transactions
through an Affiliated Broker‐Dealer. In such instances, the Affiliated Broker‐Dealer will receive a
clearing fee for these transactions.
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Services to Issuers Activities
Along with its affiliates, Atlanta Capital provides a variety of services for, and render advice to,
various clients, including issuers of securities that it also recommends for purchase or sale by
clients. In the course of providing these services, Atlanta Capital and its affiliates could come
into possession of material, nonpublic information which might affect its ability to buy, sell, or
hold a security for a client account. Investment research materials disclose that related persons
can own, and can effect transactions in, securities of companies mentioned in such materials
and also can perform or seek to perform investment banking services for those companies. In
addition, directors, officers and employees of affiliates could have board seats and/or have
board observer rights with private and/or publicly traded companies in which Atlanta Capital
invests in on behalf of client accounts. Along with its affiliates, Atlanta Capital has adopted
policies and procedures and created information barriers that are reasonably designed to
prevent the flow of any material, nonpublic information regarding these companies between
the firm and its affiliates.
Morgan Stanley’s Trading and Principal Investing Activities
Morgan Stanley generally conducts its sales and trading businesses, publishes research and
analysis, and renders investment advice without regard for Atlanta Capital’s client accounts and
funds, although these activities could have an adverse impact on the value of one or more of
our client’s investments, or could cause Morgan Stanley to have an interest in one or more
investments that is different from and potentially adverse to that of our clients. Morgan
Stanley’s sales and trading, financing and principal investing businesses will not be required to
offer any investment opportunities to our clients. These businesses can encompass, among
other things, principal trading activities as well as principal investing.
Morgan Stanley’s sales and trading, financing and principal investing businesses have acquired
or invested in, and in the future could acquire or invest in, minority and/or majority control
positions in equity or debt instruments of diverse public and/or private companies. Such
activities could put Morgan Stanley in a position to exercise contractual, voting or creditor
rights, or management or other control with respect to securities or loans of portfolio
investments or other issuers, and in these instances Morgan Stanley could, in its discretion and
subject to applicable law, act to protect its own interests or interests of clients, and not the
interests of Atlanta Capital’s clients.
Subject to the limitations of applicable law, an account could purchase from or sell assets to, or
make investments in, companies in which Morgan Stanley has or will acquire an interest,
including as an owner, creditor or counterparty.
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Morgan Stanley’s Investment Banking Activities
Morgan Stanley advises its clients on a variety of mergers, acquisitions and financing
transactions. Morgan Stanley could act as an advisor to clients that could compete with Atlanta
Capital clients and with respect to clients’ investments. In certain instances, Morgan Stanley
gives advice and takes action with respect to its clients or proprietary accounts that can differ
from the advice Atlanta Capital provides, or involves an action of a different timing or nature
than the action taken or advised by Atlanta Capital. At times, Morgan Stanley will give advice
and provide recommendations to persons competing with Atlanta Capital clients and/or any of
their investments, contrary to the client’s best interests and/or the best interests of any of its
investments.
Morgan Stanley could be engaged in financial advising, whether on the buy‐side or sell‐side, or
in financing or lending assignments that could result in Morgan Stanley’s determining in its
discretion or being required to act exclusively on behalf of one or more third parties, which
could limit Atlanta Capital clients’ ability to transact with respect to one or more existing or
potential investments. Morgan Stanley could have relationships with third‐party funds,
companies or investors who have invested in or could look to invest in portfolio companies, and
there could be conflicts between Atlanta Capital’s clients’ best interests, on the one hand, and
the interests of a Morgan Stanley client or counterparty, on the other hand. To the extent that
Morgan Stanley advises companies in financial restructurings outside of, prior to or after filing
for protection under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code or similar laws in other
jurisdictions, Atlanta Capital’s flexibility in making investments in such restructurings on a
client’s behalf, or participating on steering committees and other committees in connection
with existing investments, could be limited.
From time to time, different areas of Morgan Stanley will come into possession of MNPI as a
result of providing investment banking services to issuers of securities. In an effort to prevent
the mishandling of MNPI, Morgan Stanley will, at times, restrict trading of these issuers’
securities by Atlanta Capital and its clients during the period such MNPI is held by Morgan
Stanley, which period could be substantial. In instances where trading of an investment is
restricted, clients might not be able to purchase or sell such investment, in whole or in part,
resulting in Atlanta Capital clients’ inability to participate in certain desirable transactions
and/or a lack of liquidity concerning clients’ existing portfolio investments. This inability to buy
or sell an investment could have an adverse effect on a client’s portfolio due to, among other
things, changes in an investment’s value during the period its trading is restricted. Atlanta
Capital has implemented information barriers with its affiliates in order to minimize the impact
of such restrictions on client portfolios.
Morgan Stanley could provide investment banking services to competitors of Atlanta Capital
clients’ portfolio companies, as well as to private equity and/or private credit funds, and such
activities could present Morgan Stanley with a conflict of interest vis‐a‐vis a client’s investment
and also result in a conflict in respect of the allocation of investment banking resources to
portfolio companies. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Morgan Stanley can provide a
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broad range of financial services to companies in which a client invests, including strategic and
financial advisory services, interim acquisition financing and other lending and underwriting or
placement of securities, and Morgan Stanley generally will be paid fees (that can include
warrants or other securities) for such services. Morgan Stanley will not share any of the
foregoing interest, fees and other compensation received by it (including, for the avoidance of
doubt, amounts received by Atlanta Capital) with the client, and any advisory fees payable will
not be reduced thereby.
Morgan Stanley could be engaged to act as a financial advisor to a company in connection with
the sale of such company, or subsidiaries or divisions thereof, could represent potential buyers
of businesses through its mergers and acquisition activities and could provide lending and other
related financing services in connection with such transactions. Morgan Stanley’s compensation
for such activities is usually based upon realized consideration and is usually contingent, in
substantial part, upon the closing of the transaction. Atlanta Capital’s clients might be
precluded from participating in a transaction with or relating to the company being sold under
these circumstances.
Atlanta Capital believes that the nature and range of clients to whom Affiliated Broker‐Dealers
render investment banking and other services is such that it would be inadvisable to exclude
these companies from a client’s portfolio. Accordingly, unless a client advises us to the
contrary, it is likely that a client’s holdings will include the securities of corporations for whom
an Affiliated Broker Dealers performs investment banking and other services. Moreover, client
portfolios could include the securities of companies in which Affiliated Broker‐Dealers make a
market or in which Atlanta Capital, its officers and employees and Affiliated Broker‐Dealers or
other related persons and their officers or employees have positions.
To meet applicable regulatory requirements, there are periods when Atlanta Capital will not
initiate or recommend certain types of transaction in the securities of companies for which an
Affiliated Broker‐Dealer is performing investment banking service. Atlanta Capital clients will
not be advised of that fact. In particular, when an Affiliated Broker‐Dealer is engaged in an
underwriting or other distribution of securities of a company, Atlanta Capital could be
prohibited from purchasing or recommending the purchase of certain securities of that
company for its clients. Atlanta Capital has implemented information barriers in order to
minimize the impact of such restrictions on client portfolios. Notwithstanding the
circumstances described above, clients, of their own initiative, can direct Atlanta Capital to
place orders for specific securities transactions in their accounts. In addition, Atlanta Capital
generally will not initiate or recommend transaction in the securities of companies with respect
to which Atlanta Capital affiliates have controlling interests or are affiliated.
In addition, in situations where Atlanta Capital is required to aggregate its positions with those
of other Morgan Stanley business units for position limit calculations, we might have to refrain
from making investments due to the positions held by other Morgan Stanley business units or
their clients. There could be other situations where we refrain from making an investment or
refrain from taking certain actions related to the management of such investment due to,
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among other reasons, additional disclosure obligations, regulatory requirements, policies, and
reputational risk, or Atlanta Capital could limit purchases or sales of securities in respect of
which Morgan Stanley is engaged in an underwriting or other distribution capacity.
Investment Limits
Various federal, state or foreign laws, rules and regulations, as well as certain corporate
charters adopted by issuers in which Atlanta Capital could invest, limit the percentage of an
issuer’s securities that can be owned by Atlanta Capital and its affiliates. Atlanta Capital is more
likely to run into these limitations than investment advisers with fewer assets under
management and/or that are not affiliated with a large financial institution or financial holding
company. In certain instances, for purposes of these ownership limitations, Atlanta Capital
holdings on behalf of its client accounts will be aggregated with the holdings of its affiliates.
These ownership limitations can be in the form of, among others: (i) a strict prohibition against
owning more than a certain percentage of an issuer’s securities (a “threshold”); (ii) a “poison
pill” that would have a material dilutive impact on our holdings in that issuer should Atlanta
Capital and its affiliates exceed the threshold; (iii) provisions that would cause Atlanta Capital
and its affiliates to be considered "interested stockholders" of an issuer if Atlanta Capital and its
affiliates exceed the threshold; and (iv) provisions that could cause Atlanta Capital and its
affiliates to be considered an “affiliate” or “control person” of the issuer. Atlanta Capital will
generally avoid exceeding the threshold in these situations. With respect to situations in which
Atlanta Capital and its affiliates can be considered “interested stockholders” (or a similar term),
the firm will generally avoid exceeding the threshold because if it were considered an
interested stockholder, Atlanta Capital and its affiliates would be prohibited (in some cases
absent board and/or shareholder approval) from entering into certain transactions or
performing certain services (including investment banking, financial advisory and securities
lending) with or for the issuer. The firm will also generally avoid exceeding a threshold in
situations in which Atlanta Capital could be considered an affiliate of the issuer for the reasons
set forth above, as well as the fact that should Atlanta Capital be considered an affiliate of an
issuer, the firm’s ability to trade in the issuer’s securities would become limited. For additional
information on certain regulatory risks, including the Volcker Rule, please see the “Legal and
Regulatory Risks” sub‐section in Item 8, Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of
Loss.
Investments in Affiliated Investment Funds
We can recommend, buy or sell for a client account, securities in which we or our related
persons have a material financial interest, including because we or our affiliates act as an
investment adviser to an investment company that is recommended to a client. When
permitted by applicable law and the investment guidelines applicable to individual client
accounts and considered by Atlanta Capital to be in the best interests of a client, the firm could
recommend to clients, and invest the assets of a client’s account in various closed‐end and
open‐end investment companies and other pooled investment vehicles for which Atlanta
Capital and its affiliates receive compensation for advisory, administrative, or other services.
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This presents a conflict of interest, for example, to the extent that a similar security is available
from another manager that is a better performer or available at a lower price. Certain
limitations are imposed on our ability to invest, on behalf of our clients, in products sponsored
or advised by an affiliate, including the MSIM Funds.
In certain circumstances, when required by applicable law or by agreement with the client
Atlanta Capital will waive its investment management fee with respect to assets invested in
pooled investment vehicles to the extent some or all of the compensation received by Atlanta
Capital and its affiliates for services rendered with respect to such pooled investment vehicles.
Atlanta Capital does not, in all instances, waive such investment management fees.
Investment Management Activities and Managing Advisory Client Accounts
It is possible that Atlanta Capital’s officers or employees will buy or sell the same securities or
other instruments that Atlanta Capital has purchased on behalf of or recommended to clients.
Moreover, from time to time Atlanta Capital will purchase and sell on behalf of or recommend
to clients the purchase or sale of securities in which the firm or its officers, employees or
related persons have a financial interest. Accordingly, if we or our related persons hold the
same security as a client account, then we and our related persons have a conflict in that we or
our related persons could seek to put our own interests ahead of the clients, however, we are
prohibited from doing so because we have a fiduciary duty to our clients. These transactions
are subject to firm policies and procedures regarding personal securities trading, as well as to
the requirements of the Advisers Act, the 1940 Act and other applicable laws. Firm policies and
procedures, the Advisers Act and the 1940 Act require that Atlanta Capital place the interests of
its clients before its own. To the extent our personnel seek to buy or sell a security at or about
the same time that Atlanta Capital is seeking to buy or sell that security for a client account, as
discussed in the “Code of Ethics” section above, a pre‐clearance request generally will be
denied if there is an open order for a client in the same security.
From time to time, various conflicts of interest arise from the overall advisory, investment and
other activities of Atlanta Capital and its affiliates, and personnel (each, an “Advisory Affiliate”
and, collectively, the “Advisory Affiliates”).
The Advisory Affiliates manage long and short portfolios. The simultaneous management of
long and short portfolios creates conflicts of interest in portfolio management and trading in
that opposite directional positions could be taken in client accounts managed by the same
investment team, and creates risks such as: (i) the risk that short sale activity could adversely
affect the market value of long positions in one or more portfolios (and vice versa) and (ii) the
risks associated with the trading desk receiving opposing orders in the same security
simultaneously. The Advisory Affiliates have adopted policies and procedures that are
reasonably designed to mitigate these conflicts.
In certain circumstances, Advisory Affiliates invest on behalf of themselves in securities and
other instruments that would be appropriate for, held by, or could fall within the investment
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guidelines of the funds and/or client accounts managed by them (collectively, the Advisory
Clients). At times, the Advisory Affiliates will give advice or take action for their own accounts
that differs from, conflicts with, or is adverse to advice given or action taken for any of the
Advisory Clients.
From time to time, conflicts also arise due to the fact that certain securities or instruments
could be held in some Advisory Clients but not in others, or the Advisory Clients could have
different levels of holdings in certain securities or instruments, and because the Advisory
Clients pay different levels of fees to us. In addition, at times an Advisory Affiliate will give
advice or take action with respect to the investments of one or more Advisory Clients that is not
given or taken with respect to other Advisory Clients with similar investment programs,
objectives, and strategies. Accordingly, Advisory Clients with similar strategies will not always
hold the same securities or instruments or achieve the same performance. Advisory Affiliates
also advise Advisory Clients with conflicting programs, objectives or strategies.
To the extent we utilize quantitative models or risk management or optimization investment
techniques, the decision on when to initiate a purchase or sale transaction could differ, and be
done for different reasons, than the decision made on the same securities when not utilizing
such techniques. This could create conflicts of interest, and it is possible that one or more
client accounts could achieve investment results that are substantially more or less favorable
than those results achieved by other accounts.
Any of the foregoing activities could adversely affect the prices and availability of other
securities or instruments held by or potentially considered for one or more Advisory Clients.
Finally, the Advisory Affiliates could have conflicts in allocating their time and services among
their Advisory Clients. Atlanta Capital will devote as much time to each of its Advisory Clients as
it deems appropriate to perform its duties in accordance with its respective management
agreements.
Different clients of Atlanta Capital and its affiliates, including funds advised by Atlanta Capital or
an affiliate, could invest in (1) different classes of securities of the same issuer (including,
without limitation, different parts of an issuer's capital structure), depending on their respective
clients’ investment objectives and policies and/or (2) the same class of securities of the same
issuer while seeking different investment objectives or executing different investment
strategies (such as long‐term v. short‐term investment horizons), and we could face conflicts
with respect to the interests involved. As a result, at times, Atlanta Capital will seek to satisfy our
fiduciary obligations to certain clients owning one class of securities of a particular issuer by
pursuing or enforcing rights on behalf of those clients with respect to such class of securities, and
those activities could have an adverse effect on another client, which owns a different class of
securities of such issuer. For example, if one client holds debt securities of an issuer and another
client holds equity securities of the same issuer, if the issuer experiences financial or operational
challenges, we could seek a liquidation of the issuer on behalf of the client that holds the debt
securities, whereas the client holding the equity securities might benefit from a reorganization
of the issuer. Thus, in such situations, the actions taken on behalf of one client can negatively
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impact securities held by another client. Alternatively, for example, if a client owns a security
while seeking short‐term capital appreciation, Atlanta Capital could vote proxies or engage with
the issuer (as applicable) in pursuit of that goal, which could negatively impact a client who
holds the same security but is seeking long‐term capital appreciation. We have adopted
procedures pursuant to which conflicts of interest, including those resulting from the receipt of
material, nonpublic information about an issuer, are managed by our employees through
information barriers and other practices.
Atlanta Capital and its affiliates, from time to time, will pursue acquisitions of assets and
businesses and identify an investment opportunity in connection with its existing businesses or
a new line of business without first offering the opportunity to clients. Such an opportunity
could include a business that competes with a client or an investment fund or a co‐investment
in which a client has invested or proposes to invest.
From time to time, Atlanta Capital will be retained to manage assets on behalf of a client that is
a public or private company in which it has invested or can invest on behalf of sub‐advised
mutual funds and other client accounts.
Valuation of Investments
Atlanta Capital performs certain valuation services related to securities and other assets held in
client accounts in accordance with its valuation policies. We will face a conflict with respect to
valuations generally because of the effect of such valuations on Atlanta Capital’s fees and other
compensation and the performance of a client’s account.
Investments by Separate Investment Departments
The entities and individuals that provide investment‐related services can differ by client,
investment function, or business line (each, an “Investment Department” and collectively, the
“Investment Departments”). Nonetheless, Investment Departments (with certain exceptions)
could engage in discussions and share information and resources with another Investment
Department (or a team within the other Investment Department) regarding investment‐related
matters. The sharing of information and resources between the Investment Departments is
designed to further increase the knowledge and effectiveness of each Investment Department.
However, an investment team’s decisions as to the use of shared research and participation in
discussions with another Investment Department could adversely impact a client. Certain
investment teams within one Investment Department could make investment decisions and
execute trades together with investment teams within other Investment Departments. Other
investment teams make investment decisions and execute trades independently. This could
cause the quality and price of execution, and the performance of investments and accounts, to
vary. Internal policies and procedures set forth the guidelines under which securities and
securities trades can be crossed, aggregated, and coordinated between accounts serviced by
different Investment Departments. Internal policies and procedures take into consideration a
variety of factors, including the primary market in which such security trades. If a security or
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securities trade is ineligible for crossing, aggregation, or other coordinated trading, then each
Investment Department will execute such trades independently of the other.
General Process to Address Conflicts
All of the transactions described above involve conflicts of interest between Atlanta Capital, its
related persons, and its clients. The Advisers Act, the 1940 Act and ERISA impose certain
requirements designed to decrease the possibility of conflicts of interest between an
investment adviser and its clients. In some cases, transactions could be permitted subject to
fulfillment of certain conditions. Certain other transactions could be prohibited. In addition,
Atlanta Capital has implemented policies and procedures designed to prevent conflicts of
interest from arising and, when they do arise, to ensure that we effect transactions for clients in
a manner that is consistent with our fiduciary duty to our clients and in accordance with
applicable law. Atlanta Capital seeks to ensure that conflicts of interest are appropriately
resolved taking into consideration the best interest of the client.
Atlanta Capital has adopted policies and procedures and established controls designed to
require review of transactions in which conflicts of interest could exist, including those
described above, to ensure that applicable policies and legal and regulatory requirements are
followed.
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Item 12 ‐ Brokerage Practices
Best Execution and Brokerage Selection Factors
When Atlanta Capital has the authority to select brokers for client accounts, we select broker‐
dealers consistent with our duty to seek “best execution” (i.e., to seek the most favorable
overall price and execution under the circumstances existing at the time of the transaction). In
seeking best execution, we are not obligated to choose the broker‐dealer offering the lowest
available commission rate if, in our reasonable judgment, (i) we believe that the total costs or
proceeds from the transaction might be less favorable than could be obtained elsewhere; (ii) a
higher commission is justified by the products and research services (soft dollar benefits) other
than execution provided by the broker‐dealer that fall within the safe harbor of Section 28(e) of
the 34 Act (“Section 28(e)”) or otherwise is permitted under applicable law, rules, and
regulations of the relevant jurisdictions in which we operate, and under applicable agreements;
or (iii) other considerations, such as the order size, the time required for execution, the depth
and breadth of the market for the security, minimum credit quality requirements to transact
business with a particular broker‐dealer, or the quality of the broker‐dealer’s back office or
other considerations support our decision to use a different broker‐dealer.
With certain exceptions, when effecting transactions on behalf of clients, Atlanta Capital can select
any broker‐dealer on our list of approved broker‐dealers. Approved broker‐dealers have met
criteria as established by our Trading and Research Governance team (“TRG”). TRG reviews and
approves broker‐dealers periodically to determine whether broker‐dealers on our approved list
continue to meet such criteria. Changes to the approved brokers list are reported quarterly to
the Counterparty Governance Committee (“CGC”), as well as other committees and forums,
where relevant.
When selecting an approved broker‐dealer (including an affiliate) to execute securities
transactions, the trading desk considers some or all of the following factors:
Best available price;
Reliability, integrity, financial responsibility, and reputation in the industry (which can
include a review of financial information and creditworthiness);
Trade limitation and/or execution capabilities, including block positioning, speed of
execution and quality and responsiveness of its trading desk;
Knowledge of and access to the relevant markets for the securities being traded;
Potential ability to obtain price improvement;
Ability to maintain confidentiality;
Ability to handle non‐traditional or complex trades;
Commission and commission‐equivalent rates;
Proprietary and third‐party research (but only to the extent permissible under applicable
law and under applicable agreements);
Technology infrastructure;
Clearance and settlement capabilities;
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Size of the trade relative to other trades in the same instrument;
Ability of the counterparty to commit its capital and its access to liquidity, including product
liquidity;
Counterparty restrictions associated with a portfolio, including regulatory trading,
documentation requirement, or any specific clearing broker‐dealer requirements;
Client directed execution;
Client specific restrictions;
Assignment fees;
Agent bank considerations (i.e., whether to trade with or away from the administrative
agent); and
Such other factors as we determine to be appropriate.
Research and Other Soft Dollar Benefits – Commission Sharing Arrangements
Subject to our duty to seek best execution, Atlanta Capital and certain of our Affiliated Advisers
use a portion of the commissions generated when executing client transactions to acquire
brokerage and research services that aid us in fulfilling our investment decision‐making
responsibilities in accordance with Section 28(e) and applicable law. This means we can cause a
client to pay commissions (or markups or markdowns) higher than those charged by other
broker‐dealers in return for soft dollar benefits (known as paying‐up). Commissions paid to
broker‐dealers providing us brokerage and research services at times will be higher than those
charged by other broker‐dealers. Atlanta Capital receives a benefit when we use client
commissions to obtain brokerage and research services because we do not have to produce or
pay for the brokerage research services ourselves. Therefore, Atlanta Capital has an incentive to
select or recommend a broker‐dealer based on our interest in receiving brokerage and research
services, rather than solely on our clients’ interest in the most favorable execution.
Atlanta Capital has adopted policies and procedures designed to help us track and evaluate the
benefits we receive from brokerage and research services, as well as to track how much our
clients pay above the amount that broker‐dealers from which we receive brokerage and research
services would have charged solely for execution of such trades. Atlanta Capital and the Affiliated
Advisers utilize a voting system to assist us in making a good faith determination of the value of
brokerage and research services we receive in accordance with Section 28(e) and applicable law.
In many cases, these involve subjective judgments or approximations. We and the Affiliated
Advisers have established a process for budgeting research costs and allocating such costs
across client accounts. Each of our portfolio management (“PM”) teams establishes a research
budget at the start of each calendar year that sets the expected cost to be spent by the team on
external research services for the same year. These research budgets are reviewed and approved
by our Research Committee, allocated across all accounts managed by the PM team in
accordance with our policies. We and certain of the Affiliated Advisers have entered into client
commission arrangements (“CCAs”) with executing brokers (“CCA Partners”) and a third‐party
vendor (“CCA Aggregator”) that assist us with administration of research payments and
commissions. Pursuant to these arrangements, and under our supervision, the CCA Partners
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and the CCA Aggregator track execution and research commissions separately and pool and
distribute research credits in accordance with the policies and procedures discussed above to
approved research providers (which include executing brokerage firms or independent research
providers (“Approved Research Providers”)) that provide us with brokerage and research
services. The CCA Aggregator also reconciles research credits from trades with CCA Partners
that are payable to Approved Research Providers and provides other related administrative
functions. In addition, from time to time a CCA Partner will provide us and the Affiliated
Advisers with proprietary research it has developed and, upon our instruction, retain research
commission credits as compensation for the provision of such proprietary research services.
Transactions that generate research credits include equity transactions executed on an agency
and riskless principal basis where the executing broker‐dealer receives a commission.
Where a product or service has a mixed use, Atlanta Capital will make a reasonable allocation
of its cost according to its use and will use client commissions to pay only for the portion of the
product or service that assists us in our investment decision‐ making process. We and the
Affiliated Advisers have an incentive to allocate the costs to uses that assist us in our
investment decision‐making process because, in such instances, we pay for such costs with
client commissions rather than our own resources. To the extent we receive “mixed use”
products and services, we and the Affiliated Advisers will allocate the anticipated costs of a
mixed use product or service in good faith and maintain records concerning our allocations in
order to mitigate such conflicts.
Client accounts that pay a greater amount of commissions relative to other accounts generally
bear a greater share of the cost of brokerage and research services than such other accounts.
Atlanta Capital, at times, will use brokerage and research services obtained with brokerage
commissions from some clients for the benefit of other clients whose brokerage commissions do
not pay for such brokerage and research services. Please see “Directed, Restricted or
Constrained Brokerage Arrangements; Wrap Fee Programs” below for additional disclosure
related to the impact of such arrangements on the remaining clients. For example, to the extent
that a client has such an arrangement, they might benefit from the products and research
services but not share in the costs of doing so. We also, from time to time, share brokerage and
research services with the Affiliated Advisers, and the clients of the Affiliated Advisers receive
the benefits of such brokerage and research services. These arrangements remain subject to
our overall obligation to seek best execution for our client trading.
MiFID II Affiliated Advisers
Certain of the Affiliated Advisers are subject to the European Union’s Markets in Financial
Instruments Directive II (“MiFID II” and such Affiliated Advisers, “MiFID II Affiliated Advisers”),
which is a European regulation governing conduct by investment advisers, among others. Under
MiFID II, our MiFID II Affiliated Advisers are permitted to receive research (other than research
that qualifies as a “Minor Non‐Monetary Benefit” under MiFID II (“MNB”)) without it
constituting an unlawful inducement if they pay for the research directly from their own
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resources or from research payment accounts funded by their clients. Our MiFID II Affiliated
Advisers engage us as sub‐adviser or otherwise delegate to us authority to manage their client
accounts (“MiFID II Accounts”). While we are not directly subject to the provisions of MiFID II, in
accordance with those arrangements, we make a reasonable valuation and allocation of the cost
of the research as between MiFID II Accounts and other accounts that participate in CCAs and
will pay for any research we receive with respect to MiFID II Accounts (other than research that
qualifies as a MNB) from our own resources. We and our MiFID II Affiliated Advisers could
separately pay for fixed income research from our own resources. As a result, MiFID II Accounts
at times will pay commission rates that are below the total commission rates paid by other
client accounts.
Fixed Income Trading
We and the Affiliated Advisers do not use CCAs or otherwise have arrangements to pay for
brokerage and research services with client commissions in connection with trading fixed
income securities. Consistent with long‐standing industry practice in the fixed income markets,
however, we and the Affiliated Advisers, subject to applicable law, receive brokerage and
research services and other information, including access to fixed income trading platforms that
dealers provide for no charge to their customers in the ordinary course of business. Fixed
income instruments typically trade at a bid/ask spread and without an explicit brokerage
charge. While there is not a formal trading expense or commission, clients will bear the implicit
trading costs reflected in these spreads.
Trade Aggregations
When permitted under applicable law, each PM team generally will aggregate orders of its
clients (and, in some cases, clients managed by other PM teams) for the same securities in a
single order so that such orders are executed simultaneously in order to facilitate best
execution and to reduce brokerage costs. We can aggregate client orders with the orders of
clients of the Affiliated Advisers and accounts in which we or our officers, employees or related
persons have a financial interest. However, we effect aggregated orders in a manner designed to
ensure that no participating client is favored over any other client.
In general, accounts that participate in an aggregated order will participate on a pro rata or
other objective basis. Pro rata allocation of securities and other instruments will generally
consist of allocation based on the order size of a participating client account in proportion to
the size of the orders placed for other accounts participating in the aggregated order. However,
we, at times and where we deem appropriate, allocate such securities and other instruments
using a method other than pro rata if their supply is limited, based on differing portfolio
characteristics among accounts, because of counterparty preferences or requirements, or to
avoid odd lots or small allocations, among other reasons. These allocations are made in our
good faith judgment with a goal of ensuring that fair and equitable allocation will occur over
time. There are times that we are not able to aggregate orders because of applicable law or
other considerations when doing so might otherwise be advantageous in which case a client
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might face higher costs. Please see “Directed, Restricted or Constrained Brokerage
Arrangements; Wrap Fee Programs” for additional disclosure related to the impact of such
arrangements on the remaining clients. For example, to the extent that a client has such an
arrangement, their account could be excluded from such aggregation unless Atlanta Capital
maintains trading discretion.
Atlanta Capital and the Affiliated Advisers are subject to differing requirements governing
aggregation of orders, including provisions of the 1940 Act that restrict joint transactions and
MiFID II that govern the circumstances under which MiFID II Accounts are permitted to pay for
research. As a result, MiFID II Accounts at times will pay commission rates that are below the
total commission rates paid by other client accounts included in the order.
When appropriate, we can rotate trades among client accounts in accordance with our policy to
treat all accounts fairly and equitably over time. Trade rotation processes can result in trading
for accounts occurring before, after, or simultaneously with trading for other accounts.
Accounts in a rotation could experience market impact costs with respect to certain
transactions relative to other accounts in the rotation. Approved rotation methodologies are in
place where appropriate to provide fair placement and execution to all client accounts over
time.
Directed, Restricted or Constrained Brokerage Arrangements; Wrap Fee Programs
Depending on the particular program selected or contractual arrangement, clients can limit our
authority to advise accounts or execute transactions in a number of ways, including by:
requiring that certain securities transactions be authorized by them in advance;
prohibiting or limiting the purchasing of certain securities or industry groups;
seeking to require a designated broker‐dealer (“Designated Broker”) to execute all or a
portion of their transactions (“Directed Trades”), which can be structured as “directed
brokerage” arrangements; and/or
restricting us from executing transactions through a particular broker‐dealer and/or
imposing restrictions, conditions or other constraints on the terms of a trade or broker
arrangement to which a particular broker‐dealer might not agree (“Restricted/Constrained
Trades”).
In addition, a Wrap Fee Program client is permitted to impose reasonable restrictions on the
management of their account. In most Wrap Fee Programs, the Sponsor or overlay manager is
responsible for implementing client restrictions and guidelines. In those Wrap Fee Programs in
which we are responsible for implementing client restrictions and guidelines, the client is
responsible for identifying any security or group of securities which are restricted within the
account. If a client identifies a category of restricted securities without identifying the underlying
companies of which the category is comprised or a source for identifying such underlying
companies, we can utilize outside service providers to identify the universe of companies that
will be considered in such category. When a security is required to be sold or is restricted from
being purchased for an account, this could adversely affect the account’s performance and
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cause it not to track the performance of the managers’ investment strategies. The change of
the classification of a company, the grouping of an industry or the credit rating of a security could
force us to sell securities in a client’s account at an inopportune time, possibly causing a taxable
event to the client. Clients will still be exposed to securities they restrict if they hold in their
account commingled vehicles that invest in such securities.
In certain instances, Wrap Fee Program accounts bear additional costs as compared to our
other client accounts. For example, Wrap Fee Program accounts that hold fixed income
instruments will bear the implicit costs of such instruments’ bid/ask spread that are in addition
to the “wrap” fee paid to the Sponsor. With respect to certain Wrap Fee Programs, rather than
“wrap” our fees for investment advisory services together with the Sponsor’s fees for
brokerage, custody and other services, we enter into an investment advisory contract directly
with the Wrap Fee Program Sponsor’s clients and receive our investment advisory fee directly
from those clients. Because the clients have also entered into an agreement with the Sponsor
to provide for brokerage and other services at a fixed cost or rate, we will typically send the
trades to the Sponsor for the Sponsor to execute but typically also retain the right to execute
trades for those clients through other broker‐dealers. We also enter into arrangements with
certain Wrap Fee Programs where we have discretion to select broker‐dealers to execute trades
for accounts. In instances where we are executing the trades directly for the accounts, if we
select a broker‐dealer other than the Sponsor to execute a trade, the Wrap Fee Program
accounts typically will bear any execution costs charged by that other broker‐dealer in addition
to the “wrap” fee paid to the Sponsor.
The restrictions imposed by Designated Broker arrangements and Wrap Fee Programs could
cause us to trade the securities held by these accounts differently from how we trade for client
accounts for which we are not so restricted in the instances where we retain the right to
execute. In these cases, Directed Trades, Restricted/Constrained Trades and Wrap Fee Program
trades are generally not aggregated for execution with transactions in the same securities for
other clients, and we might be unable to obtain the same quality of execution on Directed Trades,
Restricted/Constrained Trades, or Wrap Fee Program trades for a number of reasons, which
include, but are not limited to:
A client direction, restriction or constraint will frequently restrict our ability to obtain as
favorable a transaction price or commission rate as we might otherwise be able to obtain
on an unconstrained trade;
The account might forego benefits from savings on execution costs that could otherwise be
obtained, most notably commission savings and/or price improvement that derive from
aggregating orders for various client accounts;
If a Designated Broker or Wrap Fee Program Sponsor is not on our approved list of brokers,
there could be additional credit and/or settlement risk for such trades;
Atlanta Capital will not be obligated to, and in most cases will not, negotiate with a
Designated Broker or Wrap Fee Program Sponsor to obtain commission rates more
favorable or otherwise different from those to which the client has agreed;
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A Directed Trade, Restricted/Constrained Trade or Wrap Fee Program trade could result in a
client account paying higher or otherwise different commissions than other clients of ours for
transactions in the same security; and
Atlanta Capital could effect a Directed Trade or a Restricted/Constrained Trade or provide the
applicable models, recommendations or updates to one or more Wrap Fee Program
Sponsors after another broker has effected transactions in the same security for client
accounts for which we have discretion to select the broker and trading venue, which also
could negatively affect the prices received by clients that direct, restrict or otherwise
constrain trades or Wrap Fee Program clients.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, when a client has directed brokerage for its account and
maintains that we remain subject to best execution, if eligible, and we are executing trades on
behalf of those clients, Atlanta Capital can aggregate those Directed Trades, or Restricted/
Constrained Trades along with trades executed for other client accounts through the broker‐
dealer that we believe will offer the best execution for such transaction and, thereafter, in the
case of a directed brokerage arrangement, instruct such executing broker‐ dealer to “step‐out”
or allocate a portion of the trades to the client’s Designated Broker to perform other non‐
execution portions of the trade.
With respect to Wrap Fee Programs, the terms of each client’s account in a Wrap Fee Program
is governed by the client’s agreement with the Sponsor and the disclosure document for each
Wrap Fee Program. Wrap Fee Program clients are urged to refer to the appropriate disclosure
document and client agreement for more information about the Wrap Fee Program, Atlanta
Capital’s advisory services and fees. The fees for a Wrap Fee Program could result in higher
costs than a client would otherwise realize by paying our standard advisory fees and negotiating
separate arrangements for trade execution, custodial and consulting services.
Designated Brokers, including those participating in “step‐out” arrangements, and broker‐
dealers executing trades for our Wrap Fee Program clients generally do not provide us with
brokerage and research services other than trade execution for the client account. As a result,
soft dollar benefits obtained with brokerage commissions from our clients that do not
participate in Designated Brokerage arrangements or Wrap Fee Programs can be used for the
benefit of our clients who do so participate, which could result in such other client accounts
bearing a greater share of research costs than clients participating in Designated Broker
arrangements and Wrap Fee Programs. These arrangements remain subject to our overall
obligation to obtain best execution for our client trading.
Account Errors and Error Resolution
Atlanta Capital has policies and procedures to help it assess and determine, consistent with
applicable standards of care and client documentation, when a client will be reimbursed in
connection with a trading error. Pursuant to these policies, an error will generally be
reimbursable when Atlanta Capital has executed a transaction that is an error that, in Atlanta
Capital’s reasonable view, resulted from Atlanta Capital’s failure to observe the applicable
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standard of care, subject to materiality and other considerations. Atlanta Capital could
determine to treat an error as compensable for a variety of reasons and the payment of any
compensation should not be viewed as a determination of fault or violation of a standard of
care.
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Item 13 ‐ Review of Accounts
The frequency and nature of the review of client accounts, and the factors that could trigger
reviews can vary widely, depending upon the client’s investment objectives and circumstances
and upon the complexity, portfolio structure and size of an account. The portfolio management
team for each investment product or strategy managed by Atlanta Capital is responsible for
monitoring and managing all accounts within that style. At least quarterly, portfolios are
reviewed by the portfolio managers and client service professionals assigned to each client for
conformity to Atlanta Capital investment policies and adherence to clients’ investment
guidelines and restrictions. However, interim reviews of varying degrees could be triggered by
numerous factors, such as significant equity price or interest rate changes; new economic
forecasts; investment policy changes by Atlanta Capital; asset additions to the portfolio by the
client; and/or changes in a client’s objectives, instructions or circumstances.
The members of the portfolio management teams have additional responsibilities in
fundamental research, client service, or management of the firm. Client service professionals
also have responsibilities in new business development. The number of accounts reviewed by
each portfolio management team vary depending upon the number of clients invested in each
style. The number of accounts assigned to client service professionals vary depending upon an
individual’s other responsibilities within Atlanta Capital or upon the complexity, size, discretion
level or other circumstances of the particular client accounts involved.
For wrap fee program accounts, the program sponsors representative generally will review the
account with the client, although the client will generally be able to communicate directly with
Atlanta Capital personnel. The portfolio assistants (“PA’s”) assigned to the account or wrap fee
program sponsor review each account at least monthly for conformity with our investment
policy and adherence to clients’ investment guidelines and restrictions. The number of
accounts assigned to each PA varies upon the complexity, size, discretion level or other
circumstances of the particular account or wrap fee program involved.
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Item 14 ‐ Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Atlanta Capital has compensated, and expects to continue to compensate, affiliates and
unrelated third parties for client referrals in accordance with relevant rules under the Advisers
Act. The compensation paid to any such entity will typically consist of a cash payment stated as
a percentage of our advisory fee but can also include cash payments determined in other ways.
Atlanta Capital is also referred advisory clients by affiliated and unaffiliated parties/consultants
that are retained by clients or prospective clients. While we do not make payments for
solicitations or client referrals to these consultants, we make cash payments to participate in
conferences sponsored by such consultants to obtain information about industry trends and
client investment needs. We can also purchase products or services from the consultants
and/or their affiliates.
These arrangements could cause referrals to us by these affiliates and other third parties for
reasons other than the client’s best interest.
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Item 15 ‐ Custody
Atlanta Capital is deemed to have “custody” of client assets in a variety of circumstances, and in
each case we will comply with the custody requirements under the Advisers Act. We have
custody of client assets any time that we have authority or ability to obtain possession of client
assets. Where we are deemed to have custody over advisory client accounts, clients will receive
quarterly account statements from the qualified custodian for such account. Clients should
carefully review the account statements received from the qualified custodian and compare
them to statements received from us. If a client elects to retain our affiliate, MSSB, to act as
qualified custodian of its account we will generally be deemed to have "custody" of the funds
and securities held in such accounts as well. We also will be deemed to have "custody" over our
client accounts from which we are authorized to deduct fees or other expenses.
With respect to Wrap Fee Program clients, we could be deemed to have custody of assets if we
contract directly with the Wrap Fee Program clients for services and if an affiliate of Atlanta
Capital acts as Sponsor of the Wrap Fee Program. In such cases, the Sponsor or a qualified
custodian will send required periodic account statements to the Wrap Fee Program client.
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Item 16 ‐ Investment Discretion
Atlanta Capital typically receives discretionary authority to select the securities and other
instruments to be bought or sold at the time we establish an advisory relationship with you by
entering into an investment management agreement. In all cases, however, such discretion is
exercised in a manner consistent with your stated investment objectives and guidelines. As
discussed under Item 12, “Brokerage Practices”, in this Brochure, you can impose certain
limitations on our use of broker dealers.
For registered investment companies, our authority to trade securities is limited, in certain
circumstances, by certain federal securities and tax laws that require, among other things,
diversification of investments.
Certain relationships are classified as non‐discretionary. Examples of this include accounts for
which Atlanta Capital must obtain client consent before executing a transaction, situations
where a client requests Atlanta Capital cease trading for a period of time, or situations where a
client instructs Atlanta Capital on what transaction to enter into.
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Item 17 ‐ Voting Client Securities
Voting Proxies for Equity Securities
Atlanta Capital has adopted proxy voting policies and procedures (the “Policies”) with respect
to the voting of proxies on behalf of all clients for which Atlanta Capital has voting
responsibility. Atlanta manages its clients’ assets with the overriding goal of seeking to provide
the greatest possible return to clients consistent with governing laws and the investment
policies of each client. When charged with the responsibility to vote proxies on behalf of its
clients, Atlanta Capital seeks to exercise its clients’ rights as shareholders of voting securities to
support sound corporate governance of the companies issuing those securities with the
principal aim of maintaining or enhancing the companies’ economic value. Upon client
authorization, Atlanta Capital can vote proxies in accordance with individual client proxy‐voting
policies; such direction can be limited to specific corporate governance issues or include a
broad proxy‐voting policy. Atlanta Capital can agree to vote client proxies in accordance with a
third‐party’s voting guidelines where such information is available to Atlanta Capital.
Proxy Voting Administrator
Atlanta Capital has appointed a Proxy Administrator within the firm to assist in the coordination
of the voting of each client’s proxy in accordance with the Policies. Atlanta Capital also has
assigned a senior portfolio manager from each Equity investment team to assist in the review of
the Proxy Voting Service’s (defined below) recommendations when a proxy voting issue has
been referred back to Atlanta Capital’s Proxy Administrator. These individuals in consultation
with the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) and our investment team develops Atlanta Capital’s
positions on all major corporate issues, creates the Guidelines and oversees the proxy voting
process.
The Proxy Administrator will maintain a record of all proxy questions that have been referred
by the Proxy Voting Service, all applicable recommendations, analysis and research received
and any resolution of the matter. In situations where the Proxy Voting Service refers a proxy
question to the Proxy Administrator and the Proxy Administrator recommends that the client
vote contrary to the Guidelines, the Proxy Administrator will consult with the Atlanta Capital
CCO.
Voting and Use of Proxy Voting Service
The Policies are designed to promote accountability of a company’s management to its
shareholders and to align the interests of management with those shareholders. When charged
with the responsibility to vote proxies on behalf of its clients, Atlanta will generally vote such
proxies through an independent, unaffiliated third‐party voting service (“Proxy Voting Service”)
in accordance with Atlanta Capital’s customized policies (“Guidelines”), and with respect to
proxies referred back to Atlanta Capital by the Proxy Voting Service pursuant to the Policies, in
a manner that is reasonably designed to eliminate any potential conflicts of interest. The Proxy
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Voting Service currently is Institutional Shareholder Services. The Proxy Voting Service is
responsible for coordinating with the clients’ custodians to ensure that all proxy materials
received by the custodians relating to the clients’ portfolio securities are processed in a timely
fashion. In addition, the Proxy Voting Service is responsible for maintaining copies of all proxy
statements received by issuers and to promptly provide such materials to Atlanta Capital upon
request.
The Proxy Voting Service is required to establish and maintain adequate internal controls and
policies in connection with the provision of proxy voting services to Atlanta Capital, including
methods to reasonably ensure that its analysis and recommendations are not influenced by a
conflict of interest. The Guidelines include voting guidelines for matters relating to, among
other things, the election of directors, approval of independent auditors, executive
compensation, corporate structure and anti‐takeover defenses. Atlanta Capital can abstain
from voting from time to time where it determines that the costs associated with voting a proxy
outweigh the benefits derived from exercising the right to vote.
The Proxy Administrator solicits feedback from Atlanta Capital investment professionals and/or
the CCO as required.
Conflicts of Interest
Atlanta Capital will monitor situations that could result in a conflict of interest. The Proxy
Administrator will report any proxy received or expected to be received from a company
included on that list to the CCO and members of senior management of Atlanta Capital
identified in the Policies. Such members of senior management will determine if a conflict
exists. If a conflict does exist, the proxy will either be voted strictly in accordance with the
Policy or if a material conflict of interest is not addressed by the Policy, by convening a special
committee to oversee how a proxy should be voted in the best interests of clients, in
accordance with its fiduciary duties.
Clients can obtain a complete copy of the Policy by contacting Proxy Support at (404) 876‐9411.
Information on how Atlanta Capital voted on proxies related to securities held in client accounts
can be obtained by contacting Proxy Support at (404) 876‐9411.
Class Actions and Similar Matters
Atlanta Capital generally will not make any filings in connection with any shareholder class
action lawsuits and similar matters involving securities held or that were held in separate
accounts and will not be required to notify custodians or clients in separate managed accounts
of shareholder class action lawsuits and similar matters. We will not be responsible for any
failure to make such filings or, if we determine to make such filings, to make such filings in a
timely manner. Upon client request, we will consider on a case‐by‐case basis participation in
non‐US class action lawsuits.
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Voting Consents for Fixed Income Instruments
While loans, bonds and other fixed income or debt investments (“Fixed Income Instruments”)
held by Atlanta Capital’s clients are not expected to solicit proxies, a client could, from time to
time, own interests in Fixed Income Instruments that grant other voting rights or solicit
consents. Unless otherwise stated under the terms of our agreements with our clients, Atlanta
Capital has authority to exercise certain decision‐making rights associated with Fixed Income
Instruments (“Consents”). In these cases, we could be called upon to provide or withhold
consent to proposed modifications to the terms and covenants of a Fixed Income Instrument.
To the extent that a client grants us authority to act in these circumstances, we will seek to
make consent decisions in a prudent and diligent manner, and in the best interest of the client
from which consent is sought, subject at all times to each such client’s investment objectives. In
some cases, we could determine that refraining from exercising a consent is appropriate.
Although we aim to exercise Consents in a manner consistent with the best interests of our
clients, the details or the circumstances of a particular Consent could present potential conflicts
of interest. Conflicts of interest regarding our decision to exercise or withhold Consents
currently exist and can arise under a wide range of scenarios. For example, we face conflicts of
interest in making a Consent decision as to a loan where Morgan Stanley has a business
relationship with or interests in the obligor, a related sponsor, or another party with an interest
in the outcome of a Consent request. In addition, conflicts exist where one or more clients hold
or acquire interests in an obligor that are of a different class than, are junior or senior to or
otherwise have different rights than interests in the same obligor that are held by one or more
other clients or accounts. In these situations, the interests of one or more clients could diverge
from those of other clients or accounts with respect to the voting of proxies or exercise of
Consents to the extent the different rights and features of the interests held by one or more
clients or other accounts create an interest in obtaining an outcome that is contrary to the
interests of others. Conflicts also can arise if a senior executive of, or other person connected
with, the obligor or another party with an interest in the outcome of a Consent request has a
significant relationship with our personnel or those of Morgan Stanley.
We also face conflicts of interest to the extent that we hold Fixed Income Instruments and are
called upon to exercise rights under those Fixed Income Instruments where the outcome of the
exercise of such rights could benefit us or an affiliate or operate to the detriment of other
holders of the Fixed Income Instruments. Investors should understand that we can exercise our
rights under any Fixed Income Instruments in which we hold an interest in such a manner as we
determine to be in our best interest (which could be contrary to the interests of other investors
in the instrument), except to the extent limited by the governing documents of the instrument.
In some cases, we might determine to exercise (or withhold) a consent on behalf of one or
more clients while taking the opposite action (or no action) on behalf of one or more other
clients, when we believe that doing so reflects the particular best interest of each party holding
such right.
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Our portfolio managers are generally responsible for identifying Consent solicitations and for
making decisions as to the exercise of Consents. Morgan Stanley has, and we follow, a variety of
policies and procedures intended to assist in identifying and addressing conflicts. Prior to
exercising a consent, a determination is made as to whether there is a material conflict of
interest. Where a conflict of interest is identified that implicates Morgan Stanley generally, we
will generally discuss the potential conflict with Morgan Stanley’s Global Conflicts Office and
seek their assistance in addressing the conflict.
Once a material conflict is identified, we will take such steps as we believe to be necessary in
order to determine how to exercise the related Consent in good faith and in accordance with
our fiduciary duties, which could include, but is not limited to, consulting internally with
investment professionals, risk management professionals, business unit heads, our compliance
and/or legal department, as appropriate under the particular circumstances, exercising the
consent in accordance with instructions from, or following consent of, the client after providing
disclosure regarding the conflict, or taking other actions that we believe appropriate under the
circumstance in furtherance of the client’s best interest.
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Item 18 ‐ Financial Information
Registered investment advisers are required in this Item to provide certain financial information
or disclosures about their financial condition. Atlanta Capital has no financial commitments
that impair its ability to meet its contractual and fiduciary commitments to clients and has not
been the subject of any bankruptcy proceedings.
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