Overview
- Headquarters
- Cincinnati, OH
- Total Firm Assets
- $2.5 billion
- Average High-Net-Worth Client Portfolio Size
- $0.4 million
Clients
- High-Net-Worth Share of Firm Assets
- 79.79%
- Number of High-Net-Worth Clients
- 5,613
- Total Client Accounts
- 6,033
- Discretionary Accounts
- 6,033
Services Offered
Services: Portfolio Management for Individuals, Portfolio Management for Institutional Clients
Regulatory Filings
- SEC CRD Number
- 104946
Primary Brochure: ADV PART II (2026-03-19)
View Document Text
Firm Brochure
(Part 2A of Form ADV)
Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc.
8845 Governor’s Hill Drive, Suite 230
Cincinnati, OH 45249
Phone: 513.554.8500
Fax: 513.554.8509
www.cambonds.com
ncollura@cambonds.com
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business
practices of Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc. If you have any questions
about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at: 513.554.8500, or
by email at: ncollura@cambonds.com. 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 Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc. is available
on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov
Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc. is a registered investment advisor.
Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training.
January 31, 2026
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Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc.
Material Changes
Annual Update
The Material Changes section of this brochure will be updated annually when
material changes occur since the previous release of the Firm Brochure.
Full Brochure Available
Whenever you would like to receive a complete copy of our Firm Brochure,
please contact us by telephone at: 513.554.8500 or by email at:
govcompliance@cambonds.com.
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Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc.
Table of Contents
Material Changes........................................................................................................... 2
Annual Update ........................................................................................................... 2
Full Brochure Available .............................................................................................. 2
Advisory Business ........................................................................................................ 1
Firm Description ......................................................................................................... 1
Principal Owners ........................................................................................................ 1
Types of Advisory Services ........................................................................................ 1
Tailored Relationships ............................................................................................... 2
Types of Agreements ................................................................................................. 2
Financial Planning Agreement ................................................................................... 2
Advisory Service Agreement ...................................................................................... 2
Retainer Agreement ................................................................................................... 3
Investment Management Agreement ......................................................................... 3
Tax Preparation Agreement ....................................................................................... 3
Hourly Planning Engagements................................................................................... 3
Asset Management .................................................................................................... 3
Termination of Agreement ......................................................................................... 3
Fees and Compensation ............................................................................................... 4
Description ................................................................................................................. 4
Fee Billing .................................................................................................................. 5
Other Fees ................................................................................................................. 6
Expense Ratios .......................................................................................................... 6
Past-Due Accounts and Termination of Agreement ................................................... 7
Performance-Based Fees ............................................................................................. 7
Sharing of Capital Gains ............................................................................................ 7
Types of Clients............................................................................................................. 7
Description ................................................................................................................. 7
Account Minimums ..................................................................................................... 7
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ................................. 7
Methods of Analysis ................................................................................................... 7
Investment Strategies ................................................................................................ 8
Risk of Loss ............................................................................................................. 10
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Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc.
Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................. 11
Legal and Disciplinary .............................................................................................. 11
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ................................................. 12
Financial Industry Activities ...................................................................................... 12
Affiliations ................................................................................................................ 12
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading ......................................................................................................................... 12
Code of Ethics.......................................................................................................... 12
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions ......................................................... 12
Personal Trading...................................................................................................... 12
Brokerage Practices.................................................................................................... 13
Selecting Brokerage Firms ....................................................................................... 13
Wrap Fee Programs ................................................................................................. 13
Best Execution ......................................................................................................... 14
Soft Dollars .............................................................................................................. 14
Cross Transactions .................................................................................................. 15
Order Aggregation ................................................................................................... 15
Review of Accounts .................................................................................................... 16
Periodic Reviews ..................................................................................................... 16
Review Triggers ....................................................................................................... 16
Regular Reports ....................................................................................................... 16
Client Referrals and Other Compensation ................................................................ 16
Incoming Referrals ................................................................................................... 16
Referrals Out............................................................................................................ 17
Other Compensation ................................................................................................ 17
Custody ........................................................................................................................ 17
Account Statements ................................................................................................. 17
Performance Reports ............................................................................................... 17
Net Worth Statements .............................................................................................. 17
Investment Discretion ................................................................................................. 17
Discretionary Authority for Trading ........................................................................... 17
Limited Power of Attorney ........................................................................................ 18
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Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc.
Voting Client Securities .............................................................................................. 18
Proxy Votes ............................................................................................................. 18
Financial Information .................................................................................................. 18
Financial Condition .................................................................................................. 18
Business Continuity Plan ........................................................................................... 19
General .................................................................................................................... 19
Disasters .................................................................................................................. 19
Alternate Offices ...................................................................................................... 19
Loss of Key Personnel ............................................................................................. 19
Information Security Program .................................................................................... 19
Information Security ................................................................................................. 19
Privacy Notice .......................................................................................................... 19
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Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc.
Advisory Business
Firm Description
Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc. (“CAM”) was founded in 1989.
CAM provides investment management service to individuals, pension and
profit sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, small
businesses, insurance companies, and mutual funds. This service generally
involves the management of separate, diversified portfolios of fixed income
securities, preferred stocks, ETFs and other securities based on one or more
of the investment strategies developed and offered by us (i.e. Investment
Grade, High Yield, Enhanced High Yield, Short Duration, Broad Market,
Combined, Short Duration Investment Grade and Short Duration High Yield
Only).
Portfolios generally, but not exclusively, consist of investment grade bonds,
below investment grade bonds, or a mixture of both depending on the
strategy selected by clients and their financial advisors. The service will
include the execution of the strategy by selecting appropriate investments and
placing orders for the purchase and sale of such securities. Most fixed income
securities are traded in the over-the-counter markets and market conditions
dictate the availability and prices of such securities on any trading day
including the ability to buy or sell a particular security. CAM’s process of
investing portfolios is deliberate and may take up to six months to obtain
suitable securities at appropriate prices; likewise, portfolio liquidations may
take ten business days or longer in order to obtain sales prices and achieve
optimum value for clients.
CAM is strictly a fee-only investment management firm. The firm does not
sell annuities, insurance, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, limited partnerships, or
other commissioned products. The firm is not affiliated with entities that sell
financial products or securities. No commissions in any form are accepted.
No finder’s fees are accepted.
We do not act as a custodian of client assets. The client always maintains
asset control. CAM places trades for clients under a limited power of attorney
which restricts us to trading securities solely on a cash basis for all clients.
Principal Owners
William S. Sloneker, Chairman and Managing Director, is a Principal Owner
of the firm. He owns 30.0% of CAM, and he and two family members
collectively own 57.8%.
Types of Advisory Services
We provide investment supervisory services, also known as asset
management services and manage investment advisory accounts not
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involving investment supervisory services. All accounts are comprised
primarily, but not exclusively, of fixed income securities.
The majority of CAM’s assets under management are generated from our
participation in Wrap Fee Programs at broker-dealers. All accounts, whether
Wrap accounts or accounts managed outside Wrap Programs, are managed
similarly depending on the Strategy selected by the client (investment grade,
non-investment grade, or mixture of the two).
We receive a portion of the Wrap fee for our services from the Wrap Program
Sponsor and we bill non-Wrap accounts directly. CAM does not accept
accounts with directed brokerage instructions. CAM executes trades on a
“trade away” basis pursuant to our duty to achieve best execution, as further
described below. See “Selecting Brokerage Firms” (pg 13) and “Asset
Management” (pg 3).
As of January 31, 2026, CAM managed approximately $2,531,500,000 in
assets for approximately 6,000 clients. All assets are managed on a
discretionary basis.
Tailored Relationships
The fixed income strategies (investment grade corporate bonds, corporate
bonds rated below investment grade, and a mixture of the two) are
documented in our client relationship management system. Clients may
impose restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of securities.
Agreements may not be assigned without client consent.
Types of Agreements
The following agreements define the types of typical client relationships.
Financial Planning Agreement
CAM does not provide financial planning services.
Advisory Service Agreement
CAM advisory services are limited to the management of securities portfolios,
primarily, but not exclusively, comprised of fixed income securities.
Although the Advisory Service Agreement, called an Investment Management
Agreement, is an ongoing agreement and constant adjustments are required,
the length of service to the client is at the client’s discretion. The client or
CAM may terminate an Agreement by written notice to the other party. At
termination of an Advisory Agreement, we bill for unpaid fees on a pro rata
basis through the date of termination. The portfolio market value at the
completion of the prior full billing period is used as the basis for the fee
computation, adjusted for the number of days prior to termination.
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Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc.
Retainer Agreement
CAM does not enter into Retainer Agreements for its investment management
business.
Investment Management Agreement
Our Investment Management Agreements and the fees associated with those
Agreements are described in the Fees and Compensation section below.
Tax Preparation Agreement
We do not provide tax preparation services.
Hourly Planning Engagements
This item is not applicable.
Asset Management
Assets are invested primarily in investment grade corporate bonds, non-
investment grade corporate bonds, and a mixture of the two based on the
investment strategy selected by the client. Purchases and sales of securities
are made through a number of broker-dealers with which CAM attempts to
negotiate the most favorable execution price. CAM does not receive any
cash compensation from these broker-dealers; however, CAM may receive
research and other services from these broker-dealers in order to broaden its
own research activities. CAM does not have any directed trade arrangements
or “soft dollar” arrangements.
Investments may also include: common and preferred stocks, commercial
paper, convertible and other “hybrid” securities, certificates of deposit, ETFs,
REIT shares, MLP units, and U. S. government securities. Initial public
offerings (IPOs) of equities are not purchased; however, new issues of bonds
are purchased for client accounts. We do not have discretion over cash
sweep programs, which may be offered by various Wrap Program Sponsors.
Termination of Agreement
Clients, either directly or through their financial advisors, may terminate any of
our investment management agreements at any time by notifying us in
writing. We expect payment of the pro rata fees for the period of the
investment advisory engagement prior to notification of termination. If the
client made an advance payment of fees, we will refund any unearned portion
of the advance payment.
We may terminate upon thirty days advance notice any of the investment
management agreements by notifying the client in writing. If the client made
an advance payment, we will refund any unearned portion of the advance
payment.
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Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc.
Fees and Compensation
Description
Our fees are based on a percentage of assets under management.
Occasionally, we may enter into an agreement to analyze a prospective Asset
Management client’s existing portfolio. We charge the client for the service
based on the complexity of the work involved.
Fees are negotiable depending on the size of the account under
management. CAM receives a portion of the fees charged by a Wrap
Program Sponsor. When CAM is a “sub-advisor” in those accounts (known
as a Single Contract account), fees are negotiated with the sponsor for all its
clients and are based on the particular Strategy being managed.
Fees charged on accounts that may be in a Sponsor’s Wrap Program but with
which we maintain a direct relationship with the client (known as a Dual
Contract account), and fees for non-Wrap accounts are generally as follows
(based on the market value of managed assets):
Strategy
Account Size
Fee
High Yield Corporate Bond
$100,000 to $1,000,000
.45%
Over $1,000,000 to $5,000,000
.40%
High Yield Enhanced
$500,000 to $1,000,000
.60%
Over $1,000,000 to $5,000,000
.55%
Over $5,000,000 to $10,000,000
.50%
Investment Grade Corporate Bond
$100,000 to $1,000,000
.30%
Over $1,000,000 to $10,000,000
.275%
Over $10,000,000 to $25,000,000
.20%
Broad Market Corporate Bond
(consists of 1/3 High Yield Strategy $300,000 to $500,000
.45%
and 2/3 Investment Grade Strategy) $500,000 to $1,000,000
.45%
$1,000,000 to $5,000,000
.40%
Over $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 .35%
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Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc.
Short Duration Strategy
(consists of bonds rated Aaa $250,000 to $500,000
.30%
to B3 with a target average credit
Over $500,000 to $1,000,000
.30%
rating of Baa and a target Over $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 .27%
duration of 3. Up to 50% of the bonds Over $5,000,000 to $10,000,000 .24%
in the Strategy may be rated below
investment grade)
Short Duration High Yield Only
$250,000 to $1,000,000
.40%
Next $4,000,000
.375%
Next $5,000,000
.35%
Short Duration Investment Grade
$100,000 to $1,000,000
.25%
Next $9,000,000
.20%
Short Duration Investment Grade
$200,000 to $1,000,000
.25%
Industrial Only
Next $9,000,000
.20%
The minimum size may be waived for all Strategies in certain circumstances.
Combined Strategy This Strategy consists of a blend of investment grade
and high yield bonds The blend of investments may be changed annually by
the client. There is a required minimum of $100,000 in each of the Investment
Grade and High Yield Strategies. The minimum may be waived in certain
circumstances. Fees are calculated based on the above schedule for the
weighted investment blend selected.
Fees on accounts over $10,000,000 are negotiated.
Fees for investment advisory services may be reduced depending upon the
aggregate market value of the client’s prospective investments originating or
expected to originate from a client’s broker or financial consultant. Clients
should recognize that their broker or financial consultant may in these
circumstances charge a higher fee for their services in light of CAM’s reduced
fee.
Fee Billing
Investment management fees are generally payable quarterly in arrears on
high yield, enhanced high yield, broad market, short duration, short duration
investment grade only, short duration investment grade industrial only and
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Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc.
combined strategies and semi-annually in arrears on the investment grade
strategy. CAM may impose minimum annual fees of up to $1,000 depending
on the type of account, and CAM may require a minimum account size.
Where CAM is responsible for calculating advisory fees cash positions shall
be included as part of assets under management.
Wrap Program Sponsors calculate and pay CAM quarterly (or monthly as is
the case with some sponsors) based on the established fee schedule for the
various programs. These payments are calculated by the Wrap Program
sponsors and are made either in arrears or in advance depending on the
program.
Custodians (other than Wrap Program sponsors) may charge the clients’
accounts and pay CAM directly only if the clients have consented in advance
to the direct payment from their investment account.
Where a client has selected a custodian broker-dealer that is not a Wrap
Program Sponsor in which CAM is an approved manager, such custodian
may impose a transaction fee on each purchase or sale of securities when
that transaction is not executed by that broker-dealer. Such fees are
associated with the administrative costs incurred by the custodian and are
separate from the investment advisory fees charged by CAM.
Purchases and sales of securities by and from a client’s account are generally
not subject to mark ups or mark downs, brokerage or commissions except as
described in the section below titled “Brokerage Practices” .
CAM and its employees do not accept compensation for the purchase or sale
of securities.
Other Fees
Custodians may charge transaction fees on purchases or sales of certain
securities and funds (see above). These transaction charges are usually
small and incidental to the purchase or sale of a security. The selection of the
security is more important than the nominal fee that the custodian charges to
buy or sell the security. Custodians do not typically charge transaction fees
on client accounts within their respective Wrap Programs.
CAM, in its sole discretion, may waive its minimum fee and/or charge a lesser
investment advisory fee based upon certain criteria (e.g., historical
relationship, type of assets, anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated
future additional assets, dollar amounts of assets to be managed, related
accounts, account composition, negotiations with clients, etc.).
New Advisory Service Agreement fees are calculated on a formula basis
presented above.
Expense Ratios
This is not applicable to CAM.
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Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc.
Past-Due Accounts and Termination of Agreement
CAM reserves the right to stop work on any account that is more than 90 days
overdue in the payment of fees.
Performance-Based Fees
Sharing of Capital Gains
CAM has no performance-based fee agreements.
Types of Clients
Description
We generally provide investment advice in the form of portfolio management
service to individuals, pension and profit sharing plans, trusts, estates,
charitable organizations, small businesses, insurance companies, and mutual
funds.
Client relationships vary in scope and length of service.
Account Minimums
The minimum account size is $100,000 for the Investment Grade, Short
Duration Investment Grade, and High Yield Strategies; $300,000 for the
Broad Market Strategy; $250,000 for the Short Duration and Short Duration
High Yield only strategies; $200,000 for Combined and Short Duration
Investment Grade Industrial Only Strategies; and $500,000 for the Enhanced
High Yield Strategy. Certain Wrap Program Sponsors have established higher
minimum account size for accounts offered in their Wrap Programs.
CAM has the discretion to waive the account minimum. Accounts of less than
the minimum established amount may be set up when the client and the
advisor anticipate the client will add additional funds to the accounts bringing
the total to the respective minimum within a reasonable time. Other
exceptions will apply to employees of CAM and their relatives, or relatives of
existing clients.
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis
Fundamental corporate credit research is performed by our research and
portfolio management personnel. This involves a thorough understanding of
the industry in which a company operates and the impact of economic
variables affecting the industry and the company. Financial information,
including publicly available financial statements, is inspected. The company’s
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Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc.
future prospects are assessed and the value of its debt securities is evaluated
relative to their market value.
The main sources of information include filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, industry research reports prepared by others,
financial newspapers and magazines, inspections of corporate activities,
research materials prepared by others, corporate rating services, company
press releases and discussion with management as appropriate.
Additionally, the Morgan Stanley Composite Index - Environmental Social and
Governance (“MSCI ESG”) score is designed to measure a company’s
resilience to material long-term environmental, social and governance
(“ESG”) industry risks. CAM utilizes MSCI ESG ratings and executive
summaries obtainable via the MSCI public domain to inform our purchases
when implementing these aforementioned restrictions.
Investment Strategies
All Strategies focus on capital preservation as a primary objective. We adhere
to a philosophy that seeks out companies that are currently out of favor with
investors but poised to improve. Securities held are typically those of North
American companies and foreign companies with significant North American
operations or subsidiaries of foreign companies based in the U.S. Securities
are all denominated in US dollars.
The Investment Grade Strategy is usually comprised of 20-25 approximately
equal weighted positions at inception. Up to 30% of the portfolio may be
invested in bonds rated below A3 but all bonds purchased must be rated
investment grade by at least one nationally recognized statistical ratings
organization (“NRSRO”). Non-rated issues may be considered based on the
implied ratings of an affiliated entity. Securities downgraded are not
immediately sold, and therefore securities in the BA credit rating category
may be held at times. Industry concentration usually does not exceed 30% of
the portfolio, and is typically lower. Portfolios are fully invested in the
intermediate range (5-10 years). Portfolio turnover averages approximately
10-25% per year.
Although clients may direct us to exclude certain securities from purchase, all
portfolios are assembled in like manner. Due to the characteristics of fixed
income markets, not all securities are available at all times nor are they
available at an attractive price at all times. As a result, individual portfolios
may hold different securities; nevertheless they will be similar in quality,
maturity and industry exposure.
The High Yield Strategy is usually comprised of 33-40 approximately equal
weighted positions at inception. Unless specifically directed by the client,
bonds purchased will be rated no lower than B3. Non-rated issues may be
considered based on the implied ratings of an affiliated entity. Security
downgrades are not immediately sold, and therefore securities in the Caa
credit rating category may be held at times. We may purchase preferred
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stocks in the High Yield portfolio, but do not exceed 15% exposure in most
periods. Industry exposure is usually limited to 12% of a portfolio. Seasoned
portfolios have an average maturity typically in the 4-8 year range. Turnover
averages 35-45%, although it may be higher during certain periods. Not all
securities are available for purchase at all times nor are they available at an
attractive price at all times; therefore, portfolios may hold different securities
or purchase the same security at a different price, although portfolios will be
similar in quality, maturity and industry exposure. Clients may direct us to
exclude certain securities from their portfolios.
The Enhanced High Yield Strategy has the same characteristics of the High
Yield Strategy except that it may include approximately 20% in securities
rated below B3, as well as common and preferred stocks. These securities
usually have credit ratings in the Caa category.
The Broad Market Strategy is comprised of 2/3 Investment Grade Strategy
and 1/3 High Yield Strategy. The characteristics and profile of this Strategy
reflect those of its composition.
The Short Duration Strategy is usually comprised of 20-25 positions for
smaller portfolios ($250,000-$300,000) and 30-35 positions for larger
portfolios at inception. This Strategy combines Investment Grade bonds and
High Yield bonds in an approximate 50/50 mix to achieve a weighted average
investment grade credit weighting. Non-rated issues may be considered
based on the implied ratings of an affiliated entity. Securities downgraded are
not immediately sold. Bonds are those that are held in either the Investment
Grade or High Yield Strategies or shorter-term bonds of those companies
whose longer-dated bonds are held in our other Strategies. A duration of 3 is
targeted for this Strategy.
The Short Duration Investment Grade Strategy has the same characteristics
of the Short Duration Strategy except it is usually comprised of 20-25
positions in Investment Grade bonds only. A duration of 3 is targeted for this
Strategy.
The Short Duration Investment Grade Industrial Only Strategy has the same
characteristics as the Short Duration Investment Grade Strategy except it is
comprised of approximately 40 positions at inception in Investment Grade
industrial bonds and a duration of 4 is targeted for this Strategy.
The Short Duration High Yield Only Strategy is usually comprised of 20-25
individual positions at inception in securities rated B3 or higher. A duration of
3 is targeted for this Strategy.
The Combined Strategy is a combination of the Investment Grade and High
Yield Strategies in a proportion set by the client or the client’s advisor. A
minimum of $100,000 must be maintained in each of the two separate
Strategies. The balance between the two Strategies may be changed
annually at client discretion.
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Other. We occasionally manage other client portfolios that, at the direction of
the client, include fixed income securities that we do not usually purchase for
our standard Strategies. These portfolios include U.S. Government securities
and Inflation Protected Securities.
Risk of Loss
All investment programs have certain risks that are borne by the investor. All
of our Strategies share the same types of risks, with the degree of risk
depending on the type of Strategy, as discussed below. Our investment
approach constantly keeps the risk of loss in mind.
Investors face the following investment risks:
•
Interest-rate Risk: Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment
prices to fluctuate. For example, when interest rates rise, yields on
existing bonds become less attractive, causing their market values to
decline. Our Short Duration Strategy, theoretically, will have less
interest rate risk (the changing shape of the yield curve as well as
changing interest rates will impact bond prices at various maturities)
than our other Strategies. High Yield bonds have generally been less
sensitive to changes in interest rates than have Investment Grade
bonds.
• Market Risk: The price of a bond may drop in reaction to tangible and
intangible events and conditions. This type of risk is caused by
external factors independent of a security’s particular underlying
circumstances. For example, political, economic and social conditions
may trigger market events.
•
Inflation Risk: When any type of inflation is present, a dollar next year
will not buy as much as a dollar today, because purchasing power is
eroding at the rate of inflation.
• Currency Risk: CAM does not invest in non-US dollar denominated
issues.
• Event Risk: The possibility that an unforeseen event will negatively
affect a company, industry, or security.
• Reinvestment Risk: This is the risk that future proceeds from
investments may have to be reinvested at a potentially lower rate of
return (i.e. interest rate).
• Business Risk: These risks are associated with a particular industry or
a particular company within an industry. For example, oil-drilling
companies depend on finding oil and then refining it, a lengthy
process, before they can generate a profit. They carry a higher risk of
profitability than an electric company, which generates its income from
a steady stream of customers who buy electricity no matter what the
economic environment is like.
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Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc.
• Liquidity Risk: Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment
into cash. Generally, assets are more liquid if many traders are
interested in a standardized product. For example, Treasury Bills are
highly liquid, while real estate properties are not.
• Financial Risk: Excessive borrowing to finance a business’ operations
increases the risk of profitability, because the company must meet the
terms of its obligations in good times and bad. During periods of
financial stress, the inability to meet loan obligations may result in
bankruptcy and/or a declining market value. This risk is more
pronounced among non-investment grade rated companies (high yield
portfolios).
• Cybersecurity risk: The risk related to unauthorized access to the
systems and networks of CAM and its service providers. The computer
systems, networks and devices used by CAM and service providers for
us and our clients to carry out routine business operations employ a
variety of protections designed to prevent damage or interruption from
computer viruses, network failures, computer and telecommunication
failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches.
Despite the various protections utilized, systems, networks or devices
can potentially be breached, which would negatively impact our clients.
Two specific risk avoidance strategies employed by CAM are the following:
• Sell Discipline: For High Yield securities across all programs, a
security price decline of approximately 15% relative to broader
benchmarks triggers a mandatory Credit Committee review. This
action will result in a hold or sell decision. Should a price decline by
approximately 25% or more, relative to broader benchmarks, that
position will be sold.
• High Yield Strategy Exposure Restriction: Any sector may represent
approximately 5% of portfolio value or approximately 125% of the
Bloomberg industry sector weighting, whichever is greater, except the
consumer cyclicals and non-cyclicals which can be weighted up to
approximately 150% of the Bloomberg industry sector weighting. The
industry (a subset of sector) concentration restriction is approximately
12%.
Disciplinary Information
Legal and Disciplinary
The firm and its employees have not been involved in legal or disciplinary
events related to past or present investment clients.
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Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc.
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Financial Industry Activities
CAM is an independent registered investment advisor. We have no other
Financial Industry Activities.
Affiliations
CAM has no relationships or arrangements with any related persons, (as
defined in item 10.C of the Instructions to Form ADV) that create a conflict
with clients. Related persons include among others the following: broker /
dealers, investment companies, other investment advisors or financial
planners, banking or thrift institutions, accountant or accounting firms, lawyers
and law firms, insurance companies or insurance agencies, pension
consultants, real estate broker or dealer.
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client
Transactions and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
The employees of CAM have committed to a Code of Ethics, governing
personal purchases and sales of securities, insider information obtained
relative to companies in which we invest and general business conduct. We
are committed to compliance with US Securities Laws and Regulations and
ethical business dealings with clients and others.The firm will provide a copy
of the Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon request.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions
CAM, its employees and related parties may only buy or sell fixed income
securities through accounts managed by CAM. An internal procedure and
review assures that the interests of all non-affiliated Clients are placed above
those of CAM and its related parties. In all transactions, securities bought or
sold are first allocated fully to non-affiliated Clients with any remainder being
then allocated to CAM, its employees and related parties.
Whenever possible we combine the suitable quantities of securities for all
clients including related parties into a single transaction (buy or sell). We think
this practice results in the best trading execution because of the increased
transaction size.
Personal Trading
The Chief Compliance Officer of CAM is Nicholas M. Collura, a Managing
Director of CAM. He reviews all employee trades each quarter. His trades are
reviewed by the Performance & Compliance Manager. These personal
trading reviews ensure that the personal trading of employees does not affect
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the markets, and that the interests of clients of the firm are placed ahead of
interests of affiliated parties. Since most employee trades are small, the
trades do not affect the securities markets.
Brokerage Practices
Selecting Brokerage Firms
CAM does not have any affiliation with product sales firms.
The majority of trades in client accounts are executed on an institutional
basis. As a result of this practice, very few orders or transactions will be
placed with the client’s custodian/broker-dealer. In the event that a
transaction is executed through the custodian/broker-dealer, every attempt
will be made to secure the best transaction price for the trade.
In certain circumstances, CAM will suggest a custodian/broker-dealer to a
client. Factors considered in making such recommendation include the
clearance and settlement capabilities of the broker; CAM’s knowledge of the
financial stability of the broker-dealer and CAM‘s knowledge of the actual or
apparent operation problems of the broker-dealer.
Wrap Fee Programs
Under a typical wrap fee program, clients are not charged a commission on
trades executed through a custodian/broker-dealer (i.e. “Sponsor Firm”).
Rather, a portion of the wrap fee is generally considered as being in lieu of
brokerage commissions. As discussed above, trading by CAM Wrap Fee
Accounts is done on a block basis through institutional trading desks and not
through the Wrap Account trading desks of client custodian/broker dealers.
(See “Best Execution”, below).
Pursuant to our duty to seek best execution, CAM uses the MarketAxess
trading platform to execute account liquidations and client withdrawal
requests because of the large number of competing firms in this electronic
marketplace and the ability to execute small trades at favorable prices.
MarketAxess charges a Dealer Transaction Fee (e.g. commission) that varies
based on a bond’s yield, years-to-maturity, and trade size. This commission is
not covered by the wrap fee received by CAM, rather it is netted into the
transaction price and is not reflected as an individual item on client trade
confirmations. CAM infrequently executes trades on electronic trading
platforms other than MarketAxess. Depending on the order type and the
platform’s fee structure, a transaction fee may be incurred. These platforms
are utilized pursuant to our duty to seek best execution and to benefit the
client.
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Best Execution
Our primary objective in placing portfolio transactions is to obtain the best
combination of price and execution. To achieve this objective, it is our
practice whenever possible, to combine for execution as a single transaction
all orders for the purchase or sale of a particular security for the accounts of
all clients for whom the transaction would be appropriate. Broker-dealers are
instructed to execute the trade on an institutional or “net” basis. In these
transactions a commission is not charged by the broker-dealer. The cost of
the trade is the difference between the execution price and the broker-
dealer’s cost.
If a transaction is settled on a “broker-to-broker” basis certain clients may
incur a nominal expense charge levied by the client’s custodian to defray the
custodian’s postage and handling costs.
The best net price giving effect to all transaction costs is normally an
important factor in placing portfolio transactions but a number of other
judgmental factors may also enter into the decision. These include our
knowledge of current security prices and transaction costs; the nature and
liquidity of the security being traded; the size of the transaction; the desired
timing of the trade; the activity existing and expected in the market for a
particular security; confidentiality; the execution, clearance and settlement
capabilities of the broker-dealer and our knowledge of the actual or apparent
operational problems of any broker-dealer, the particular trading expertise of
the broker-dealer, the speed and attention we receive from the trading desk,
and access or potential access to block trades. Recognizing the value of
these factors, a trade may be executed at a transaction cost in excess of that
which another broker might have charged for effecting the same transaction.
Soft Dollars
A wide range of research services may be received from broker-dealers,
including information on securities markets, the economy, individual
companies, statistical information, accounting and tax law interpretations,
technical market action, pricing and appraisal services and credit analysis.
Research services are received primarily in the form of written reports,
telephone contact, personal meetings with security analysts, corporate and
industry spokesperson, economists, academicians, and government
representatives and access to various on-line systems. All of these services
are generally available to institutional buyers such as CAM.
We may utilize the majority of these services without charge to us or
commitments written or otherwise as a supplement to third party research
services which we purchase directly.
Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 provides a safe harbor
from breaches of fiduciary duty under Section 206 of the Investment Advisors
Act of 1940 for investment advisors who execute client transactions through
broker-dealers at higher mark ups, mark downs and commission rates than
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are otherwise obtainable in return for brokerage and research services. A
product or service serves a research function if it “provides lawful and
appropriate assistance to the investment advisor’s investment decision
making process.” In selecting brokers/dealers to execute transactions and as
a part of evaluating the best execution available, we may consider the
“brokerage and research services” provided to us and determine in good faith
that the mark ups, mark downs or commissions incurred are reasonable in
relation to the services provided. In these circumstances the mark ups, mark
downs or commissions incurred may be greater than those incurred if the
transactions were executed through other broker-dealers.
The arrangements described in the preceding paragraph are generally
referred to as “Soft Dollar” benefits. Soft Dollar benefits are used to the
benefit of all clients, not just the clients who paid for the benefits, and no
attempt is made to allocate such benefits only to those who paid.
If we use Soft Dollars to obtain research, CAM benefits since we do not have
to produce or purchase that research. This may create an incentive to select
or recommend a broker-dealer based upon receipt of research, rather than on
our clients’ interest in receiving most favorable execution.
During our latest fiscal year ended December 31, 2025 and for preceding
years there were no products or services acquired with Soft Dollars.
Cross Transactions
From time to time, CAM may effect cross transactions where CAM is the
advisor to both the selling client account and the buying client account in a
transaction in the same security on the same day through the same broker.
In such transactions, the selling account has a need to dispose of the specific
security for a variety of reasons, while the buying account has a need for such
security in the account and the security in CAM's view is appropriate for such
account. In such cross transactions, CAM may be considered to have
conflicting loyalties to both accounts that it represents, although CAM does
not receive any additional compensation for the transaction because it does
not act as a broker-dealer and CAM has no financial interest in the
transaction as a principal. CAM recognizes its fiduciary obligations to both
accounts under Section 206 of the Advisers Act and such transactions are
effected in the context of current market conditions. A client may revoke
authorization to effect cross transactions at any time by providing written
notice to CAM. Cross-trades are not permitted in ERISA accounts.
Order Aggregation
Most trades are aggregated and are effected with the broker-dealer offering
best pricing. In the event of an individual client account liquidation where
aggregation is not feasible, clients may receive a lower price on the sale of a
security, reflecting the nature of retail versus institutional market pricing. See
above discussion regarding use of MarketAxess under “Wrap Fee Programs”.
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Review of Accounts
Periodic Reviews
Accounts are under constant review by one or more members of the
Investment Committee. This review involves the quality and continued
appropriateness of each security in the portfolio, the mix of investments in
view of the stated objectives, and the portfolio’s compliance with investment
policies. The Investment Committee is comprised of CAM’s Managing
Directors Sloneker, Collura, Hale, Gardner, Balestra and Adams.
Review Triggers
Contributions or withdrawals of ten percent or more of portfolio assets trigger
a review by an employee under the direction of a Managing Director to re-
determine standard position size. We also reexamine issuer concentrations at
the same time and determine a strategy for reducing any excess
concentrations over a reasonable time.
Regular Reports
Clients receive periodic communications on at least an annual basis.
Investment Management clients investing in high yield bonds receive
quarterly statements; while clients investing only in investment grade
securities may only receive semi-annual statements; all clients that are not
tax exempt may request a year-end report disclosing interest income received
and capital gains and losses incurred. These reports are written and present,
among other information, account holdings, cost and market value of
securities held, portfolio characteristics including yield to maturity, current
yield and average weighted credit ratings. Portfolio performance returns gross
and net of CAM management fees are also presented along with appropriate
benchmark comparisons. Types of reports and frequency may be negotiated
and provided as agreed upon by CAM and the client.
In certain relationships involving Wrap Programs, the Wrap Sponsor has
assumed the responsibility for all communications to the client.
Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Incoming Referrals
CAM has been fortunate to receive many client referrals over the years. The
referrals came from current clients, estate planning attorneys, accountants,
employees, personal friends of employees and other similar sources. CAM
has entered into written arrangements from time-to-time by which certain
persons or firms will solicit investment advisory clients for CAM. The
compensation for such services will be the payment of a portion of the
investment advisory fees received by us from each person solicited who
becomes a client of CAM. Prospective Clients who are obtained pursuant to a
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solicitation arrangement are notified of this arrangement in advance. Such
clients are charged no additional amount by us for the cost of obtaining their
accounts over the investment management fees set forth in the Investment
Advisory Agreement and described elsewhere herein. The solicitation
arrangements are cancellable by either the solicitor or CAM at any time and
the termination of the arrangement will terminate any future payments to the
solicitor stemming from existing clients.
There are no solicitation agreements in effect as of the date of this brochure.
Referrals Out
CAM does not accept referral fees or any form of remuneration from other
professionals when a prospect or client is referred to them.
Other Compensation
This does not apply to CAM.
Custody
Account Statements
All assets are held at qualified custodians selected by each client. The
custodians provide account statements directly to clients at their address of
record at least quarterly. The client should carefully review these statements.
In addition, when the client receives quarterly, semi-annual and annual
reports from CAM, the client should carefully compare the account statements
received from CAM with those received from the custodian.
Performance Reports
Clients are urged to compare the account statements received directly from
their custodians to the performance report statements provided by CAM.
Net Worth Statements
This does not apply to CAM.
Investment Discretion
Discretionary Authority for Trading
CAM accepts discretionary authority to manage securities accounts on behalf
of clients. We have the authority to determine, without obtaining specific client
consent, the securities to be bought or sold, the amount of the securities to be
bought or sold, the total amount of such purchases and sales, the broker-
dealers through which the transactions will be effected and the prices at
which transactions will be executed. Our authority may be subject to
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conditions imposed by the client, e.g., where the client restricts or prohibits
transactions in certain types of securities.
The client approves the custodian to be used and the commission rates, if
any, paid to the custodian. We do not receive any portion of the transaction
fees or commissions paid by the client to the custodian.
Discretionary trading authority facilitates placing trades in your accounts on
your behalf so that we may promptly implement the investment policy that you
have approved in writing.
Limited Power of Attorney
A limited power of attorney is a trading authorization for this purpose. You
sign a limited power of attorney so that we may execute the trades that you
have approved.
Voting Client Securities
Proxy Votes
While rare, CAM will exercise proxy voting authority for client securities if
necessary. In accordance with rule 206(4)-6 of the Advisers Act, CAM has
implemented the following guidelines regarding the voting of proxies:
• Proxies received are assigned to a designated Managing Director to
conduct an in-depth analysis of the entire proxy ballot. The analysis will be
conducted to avoid any actual or potential material conflicts of interest. The
Managing Director will vote the proxies on a case-by-case basis to the
financial benefit of the client.
A copy of CAM‘s proxy voting policy is available upon request. If you have any
questions, or would like to know how your securities were voted, please contact
CAM at 513.554.8500.
Financial Information
Financial Condition
CAM does not have any financial impairment that will preclude the firm from
meeting contractual commitments to clients.
A balance sheet is not required to be provided because we do not serve as a
custodian for client funds or securities, and we do not require prepayment of
fees of more than $1,200 per client, and six months or more in advance.
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Cincinnati Asset Management, Inc.
Business Continuity Plan
General
We have a Business Continuity Plan in place that provides detailed steps to
mitigate and recover from the loss of office space, communications, services
or key people.
Disasters
The Business Continuity Plan covers natural disasters such as snow storms,
hurricanes, tornados, and flooding. The Plan covers man-made disasters
such as loss of electrical power, loss of water pressure, fire, bomb threat,
nuclear emergency, chemical event, biological event, T-1 communications
line outage, Internet outage, railway accident and aircraft accident. Electronic
files are backed up daily and archived offsite. We also have a hot-site facility
to which all company servers are replicated in real time.
Alternate Offices
Alternate offices are identified to support ongoing operations in the event the
main office is unavailable. It is our intention to contact all clients within five
days of a disaster that dictates moving our office to an alternate location.
Loss of Key Personnel
CAM’s Managing Directors have sufficient cross-functional experience to
assure the continuity of the Firm should one or more of them leave or be
disabled.
Information Security Program
Information Security
CAM maintains an information security program to reduce the risk that your
personal and confidential information may be breached.
Privacy Notice
CAM is committed to maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and security of
the personal information that is entrusted to us.
The categories of nonpublic information that we collect from you may include
information about your personal finances, information about transactions
between you and third parties, and information from consumer reporting
agencies, e.g., credit reports. We use this information to help you meet your
personal financial goals.
With your permission, we disclose limited information to attorneys,
accountants, and mortgage lenders with whom you have established a
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relationship. You may opt out from our sharing information with these
nonaffiliated third parties by notifying us at any time by telephone, mail, fax,
email, or in person. With your permission, we share a limited amount of
information about you with your brokerage firm in order to execute securities
transactions on your behalf.
We maintain a secure office to ensure that your information is not placed at
unreasonable risk. We employ a firewall barrier, secure data encryption
techniques and authentication procedures in our computer environment.
We do not provide your personal information to mailing list vendors or
solicitors. We require strict confidentiality in our agreements with unaffiliated
third parties that require access to your personal information, including
financial service companies, consultants, and auditors. Federal and state
securities regulators may review our records and your personal records as
permitted by law.
Personally identifiable information about you will be maintained while you are
a client, and for the required period thereafter that records are required to be
maintained by federal and state securities laws. After that time, information
may be destroyed.
We will notify you in advance if our privacy policy is expected to change.
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