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Part 2A of Form ADV: Firm Brochure
Coker & Palmer, Inc.
1667 Lelia Dr
Jackson, MS 39216
Telephone: 601 354 0860
Email: dcoker@cokerpalmer.com
Web Address: www.cokerpalmer.com
03/11/2025
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of
Coker & Palmer, Inc.. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure,
please contact us at 601 354 0860 or dcoker@cokerpalmer.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.
Registration with the SEC or with any state securities authority does not imply a certain
level of skill or training.
Additional information about Coker & Palmer, Inc. also is available on the SEC's website
at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site by a unique identifying number,
known as a CRD number. Our firm's CRD number is 29163.
Item 2 Material Changes
This Firm Brochure, dated 03/11/2025, provides you with a summary of Coker & Palmer, Inc.'s advisory
services and fees, professionals, certain business practices and policies, as well as actual or potential
conflicts of interest, among other things. This Item is used to provide our clients with a summary of new
and/or updated information; we will inform of the revision(s) based on the nature of the information as
follows.
1. Annual Update: We are required to update certain information at least annually, within 90 days
of our firm's fiscal year end (FYE) of December 31. We will provide you with either a summary of
the revised information with an offer to deliver the full revised Brochure within 120 days of our
FYE or we will provide you with our revised Brochure that will include a summary of those
changes in this Item.
2. Material Changes: Should a material change in our operations occur, depending on its nature we
will promptly communicate this change to clients (and it will be summarized in this Item).
"Material changes" requiring prompt notification will include changes of ownership or control;
location; disciplinary proceedings; significant changes to our advisory services or advisory
affiliates - any information that is critical to a client's full understanding of who we are, how to
find us, and how we do business.
The following summarizes new or revised disclosures based on information previously provided in our
Firm Brochure dated 03/07/2024:
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Item 3 Table of Contents
Item 1 Cover Page
1
Item 2 Material Changes
2
Item 3 Table of Contents
3
Item 4 Advisory Business
4
Item 5 Fees and Compensation
8
Item 6 Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
11
Item 7 Types of Clients
11
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
11
Item 9 Disciplinary Information
14
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Actvities and Affiliations
15
Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
16
Item 12 Brokerage Practices
18
Item 13 Review of Accounts
19
Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation
20
Item 15 Custody
21
Item 16 Investment Discretion
21
Item 17 Voting Client Securities
21
Item 18 Financial Information
22
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Item 4 Advisory Business
Coker & Palmer, Inc. is a SEC-registered investment adviser with its principal place of business located in
Mississippi. Coker & Palmer, Inc. began conducting business in 2024.
Listed below are the firm's principal shareholders (i.e., those individuals and/or entities controlling 25%
or more of this company).
James David Coker, President
Coker & Palmer, Inc. offers the following advisory services to our clients:
INVESTMENT SUPERVISORY SERVICES ("ISS")
INDIVIDUAL PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Our firm provides continuous advice to a client regarding the investment of client funds based on the
individual needs of the client. Through personal discussions in which goals and objectives based on a
client's particular circumstances are established, we develop a client's personal investment policy and
create and manage a portfolio based on that policy. During our data-gathering process, we determine
the client's individual objectives, time horizons, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs. As appropriate, we
also review and discuss a client's prior investment history, as well as family composition and
background.
We manage these advisory accounts on a discretionary or non-discretionary basis. Account supervision
is guided by the client's stated objectives (i.e., maximum capital appreciation, growth, income, or
growth and income), as well as tax considerations.
Clients may impose reasonable restrictions on investing in certain securities, types of securities, or
industry sectors.
Our investment recommendations are not limited to any specific product or service offered by a broker-
dealer or insurance company and will generally include advice regarding the following securities:
Securities traded over-the-counter
Exchange-listed securities
Corporate debt securities (other than commercial paper)
Certificates of deposit
Municipal securities
Variable life insurance
Variable annuities
Mutual fund shares
United States governmental securities
Options contracts on securities
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Because some types of investments involve certain additional degrees of risk, they will only be
implemented/recommended when consistent with the client's stated investment objectives, tolerance
for risk, liquidity and suitability.
INDIVIDUAL PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Our firm provides non-continuous asset management of client funds based on the individual needs of
the client. Through personal discussions in which goals and objectives based on the client's particular
circumstances are established, we develop the client's personal investment policy. We create and
manage a portfolio based on that policy. During our data-gathering process, we determine the client's
individual objectives, time horizons, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs. As appropriate, we may also
review and discuss a client's prior investment history, as well as family composition and background.
We manage these advisory accounts on a non-discretionary basis. Account supervision is guided by the
client's stated objectives (i.e., maximum capital appreciation, growth, income, or growth and income),
as well as tax considerations.
Clients may impose reasonable restrictions on investing in certain securities, types of securities, or
industry sectors.
Once the client's portfolio has been established, we review the portfolio according to your agreement
with your financial professional as part of our standard service, and if necessary, rebalance the portfolio
on an annual basis, based on the client's individual needs.
Our investment recommendations are not limited to any specific product or service offered by a broker-
dealer or insurance company and will generally include advice regarding the following securities:
Securities traded over-the-counter
Exchange-listed securities
Corporate debt securities (other than commercial paper)
Certificates of deposit
Municipal securities
Mutual fund shares
United States governmental securities
Options contracts on securities
Because some types of investments involve certain additional degrees of risk, they will only
be implemented when consistent with the client's stated investment objectives, tolerance for risk,
liquidity and suitability.
MANAGER SELECTION PROGRAMS
We also offer advisory management services to our clients through the Manager Selection Programs
(hereinafter, "Programs").
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Our firm provides the client with an asset allocation strategy developed through personal discussions in
which goals and objectives based on the client's particular circumstances are established. This asset
allocation strategy is drafted into the client's Personal Investment Policy Statement ("PIPS").
Based on the client's individual circumstances and needs (as exhibited in the client's PIPS) we will then
perform management searches of various unaffiliated registered investment advisers to identify which
registered investment adviser's portfolio management style is appropriate for that client. Factors
considered in making this determination include account size, risk tolerance, the opinion of each client
and the investment philosophy of the selected registered investment adviser. Clients should refer to the
selected registered investment adviser's Firm Brochure or other disclosure document for a full
description of the services offered. We are available to meet with clients on a regular basis, or as
determined by the client, to review the account.
Once we determine the most suitable investment adviser(s) for the client, we provide the selected
adviser(s) with the client's PIPS. The adviser(s) then creates and manages the client's portfolio based on
the client's individual needs as exhibited in the PIPS.
We monitor the performance of the selected registered investment adviser(s). If we determine that a
particular selected registered investment adviser(s) is not providing sufficient management services to
the client, or is not managing the client's portfolio in a manner consistent with the client's PIPS, we may
suggest that the client contract with a different registered investment adviser and/or program sponsor.
Under this scenario, our firm assists the client in selecting a new registered investment adviser and/or
program. However, any move to a new registered investment adviser and/or program is solely at the
discretion of the client.
FINANCIAL PLANNING
We provide financial planning services. Financial planning is a comprehensive evaluation of a client's
current and future financial state by using currently known variables to predict future cash flows, asset
values and withdrawal plans. Through the financial planning process, all questions, information and
analysis are considered as they impact and are impacted by the entire financial and life situation of the
client. Clients purchasing this service receive a written report which provides the client with a detailed
financial plan designed to assist the client achieve his or her financial goals and objectives.
In general, the financial plan can address any or all of the following areas:
PERSONAL: We review family records, budgeting, personal liability, estate information and
financial goals.
TAX & CASH FLOW: We analyze the client's income tax and spending and planning for past,
current and future years; then illustrate the impact of various investments on the client's
current income tax and future tax liability.
INVESTMENTS: We analyze investment alternatives and their effect on the client's portfolio.
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INSURANCE: We review existing policies to ensure proper coverage for life, health, disability,
long-term care, liability, home and automobile.
RETIREMENT: We analyze current strategies and investment plans to help the client achieve his
or her retirement goals.
DEATH & DISABILITY: We review the client's cash needs at death, income needs of surviving
dependents, estate planning and disability income.
ESTATE: We assist the client in assessing and developing long-term strategies, including as
appropriate, living trusts, wills, review estate tax, powers of attorney, asset protection plans,
nursing homes, Medicaid and elder law.
We gather required information through in-depth personal interviews. Information gathered includes
the client's current financial status, tax status, future goals, returns objectives and attitudes towards
risk. We carefully review documents supplied by the client, including a questionnaire completed by the
client, and prepare a written report. Should the client choose to implement the recommendations
contained in the plan, we suggest the client work closely with his/her attorney, accountant, insurance
agent, and/or stockbroker. Implementation of financial plan recommendations is entirely at the client's
discretion.
We also provide general non-securities advice on topics that may include tax and budgetary planning,
estate planning and business planning.
Securities traded over-the-counter
Exchange-listed securities
Corporate debt securities (other than commercial paper)
Certificates of deposit
Municipal securities
Variable life insurance
Variable annuities
Mutual fund shares
United States governmental securities
Options contracts on securities
Typically the financial plan is presented to the client within six months of the contract date, provided
that all information needed to prepare the financial plan has been promptly provided.
Financial Planning recommendations are not limited to any specific product or service offered by a
broker-dealer or insurance company. All recommendations are of a generic nature.
AMOUNT OF MANAGED ASSETS
As of 02/11/2025, we were actively managing $244,065,071 of clients' assets on a discretionary basis
plus $687,487,543 of clients' assets on a non-discretionary basis, and overseeing $22,985,407 of clients'
assets being managed by third-party money managers.
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Item 5 Fees and Compensation
INVESTMENT SUPERVISORY SERVICES ("ISS")
INDIVIDUAL PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT FEES
Our annual fees for Investment Supervisory Services are based upon a percentage of assets under
management and generally range from 0.50% to 2.50%.
A minimum of $100,000 of assets under management is required for this service. This account size may
be negotiable under certain circumstances. Coker & Palmer, Inc. may group certain related client
accounts for the purposes of achieving the minimum account size and determining the annualized fee.
Limited Negotiability of Advisory Fees: Although Coker & Palmer, Inc. has established the
aforementioned fee schedule(s), we retain the discretion to negotiate alternative fees on a client-by-
client basis. Client facts, circumstances and needs are considered in determining the fee schedule. These
include the complexity of the client, assets to be placed under management, anticipated future
additional assets; related accounts; portfolio style, account composition, reports, among other factors.
The specific annual fee schedule is identified in the contract between the adviser and each client.
We may group certain related client accounts for the purposes of achieving the minimum account size
requirements and determining the annualized fee.
Discounts, not generally available to our advisory clients, may be offered to family members and friends
of associated persons of our firm.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT SERVICES FEES
Our annual fees for Portfolio Management Services are based upon a percentage of assets under
management and generally range from 0.50% to 2.50%.
A minimum of $100,000 of assets under management is required for this service. This account size may
be negotiable under certain circumstances. Coker & Palmer, Inc. may group certain related client
accounts for the purposes of achieving the minimum account size and determining the annualized fee.
Limited Negotiability of Advisory Fees: Although Coker & Palmer, Inc. has established the
aforementioned fee schedule(s), we retain the discretion to negotiate alternative fees on a client-by-
client basis. Client facts, circumstances and needs are considered in determining the fee schedule. These
include the complexity of the client, assets to be placed under management, anticipated future
additional assets; related accounts; portfolio style, account composition, reports, among other factors.
The specific annual fee schedule is identified in the contract between the adviser and each client.
We may group certain related client accounts for the purposes of achieving the minimum account size
requirements and determining the annualized fee.
Discounts, not generally available to our advisory clients, may be offered to family members and friends
of associated persons of our firm.
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FINANCIAL PLANNING FEES
Coker & Palmer, Inc.'s Financial Planning fee is determined based on the nature of the services being
provided and the complexity of each client's circumstances. All fees are agreed upon prior to entering
into a contract with any client.
Our Financial Planning fees are calculated and charged on a fixed fee basis, typically ranging from $500
to $10,000, depending on the specific arrangement reached with the client.
We may request a retainer upon completion of our initial fact-finding session with the client; however,
advance payment will never exceed $500 for work that will not be completed within six months. The
balance is due upon completion of the plan.
The client is billed quarterly in advance based on our total estimated Financial Planning fees.
Other Revenue
Management personnel and other related persons of our firm are licensed as registered representatives
of a broker-dealer and, acting in that capacity, they can implement transactions for our advisory clients.
In so doing, these individuals will earn separate compensation in the form of commissions and/or 12b-1
fees (trail fees earned from the sale of mutual funds and/or ETFs). These commission fees represent
more than half of our firm's annual revenue.
While these individuals endeavor at all times to put the interest of the clients first as part of Coker &
Palmer, Inc.'s fiduciary duty, clients should be aware that the receipt of additional compensation itself
creates a conflict of interest, and may affect the judgment of these individuals when making
recommendations. Clients, however, are not under any obligation to engage these individuals when
considering implementation of advisory recommendations.
Recognizing that these types of compensation can create a conflict of interest, it is our firm's policy to
offset our asset-based advisory fees for the amount of commission fees we receive. However,
commissions will not be credited towards future advisory fees.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Termination of the Advisory Relationship: A client agreement may be canceled at any time, by either
party, for any reason upon receipt of 30 days written notice. As disclosed above, certain fees are paid in
advance of services provided. Upon termination of any account, any prepaid, unearned fees will be
promptly refunded. In calculating a client's reimbursement of fees, we will pro rate the reimbursement
according to the number of days remaining in the billing period.
Mutual Fund Fees: All fees paid to Coker & Palmer, Inc. for investment advisory services are separate
and distinct from the fees and expenses charged by mutual funds and/or ETFs to their shareholders.
These fees and expenses are described in each fund's prospectus. These fees will generally include a
management fee, other fund expenses, and a possible distribution fee. If the fund also imposes sales
charges, a client may pay an initial or deferred sales charge. A client could invest in a mutual fund
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directly, without our services. In that case, the client would not receive the services provided by our firm
which are designed, among other things, to assist the client in determining which mutual fund or funds
are most appropriate to each client's financial condition and objectives. Accordingly, the client should
review both the fees charged by the funds and our fees to fully understand the total amount of fees to
be paid by the client and to thereby evaluate the advisory services being provided.
Wrap Fee Programs and Separately Managed Account Fees: Clients participating in separately
managed account programs may be charged various program fees in addition to the advisory fee
charged by our firm. Such fees may include the investment advisory fees of the independent advisers,
which may be charged as part of a wrap fee arrangement. In a wrap fee arrangement, clients pay a
single fee for advisory, brokerage and custodial services. Client's portfolio transactions may be executed
without commission charge in a wrap fee arrangement. In evaluating such an arrangement, the client
should also consider that, depending upon the level of the wrap fee charged by the broker-dealer, the
amount of portfolio activity in the client's account, and other factors, the wrap fee may or may not
exceed the aggregate cost of such services if they were to be provided separately. We will review with
clients any separate program fees that may be charged to clients.
Additional Fees and Expenses: In addition to our advisory fees, clients are also responsible for the fees
and expenses charged by custodians and imposed by broker dealers, including, but not limited to, any
transaction charges imposed by a broker dealer with which an independent investment manager effects
transactions for the client's account(s). Please refer to the "Brokerage Practices" section (Item 12) of this
Form ADV for additional information.
Grandfathering of Minimum Account Requirements: Pre-existing advisory clients are subject to Coker
& Palmer, Inc.'s minimum account requirements and advisory fees in effect at the time the client
entered into the advisory relationship. Therefore, our firm's minimum account requirements will differ
among clients.
ERISA Accounts: Coker & Palmer, Inc. is deemed to be a fiduciary to advisory clients that are employee
benefit plans or individual retirement accounts (IRAs) pursuant to the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act ("ERISA"), and regulations under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the "Code"),
respectively. As such, our firm is subject to specific duties and obligations under ERISA and the Internal
Revenue Code that include among other things, restrictions concerning certain forms of compensation.
To avoid engaging in prohibited transactions, Coker & Palmer, Inc. may only charge fees for investment
advice about products for which our firm and/or our related persons do not receive any commissions or
12b-1 fees, or conversely, investment advice about products for which our firm and/or our related
persons receive commissions or 12b-1 fees, however, only when such fees are used to offset Coker &
Palmer, Inc.'s advisory fees.
Advisory Fees in General: Clients should note that similar advisory services may (or may not) be
available from other registered (or unregistered) investment advisers for similar or lower fees.
Limited Prepayment of Fees: Under no circumstances do we require or solicit payment of fees in excess
of $1200 more than six months in advance of services rendered.
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Item 6 Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
Coker & Palmer, Inc. does not charge performance-based fees.
Item 7 Types of Clients
Coker & Palmer, Inc. provides advisory services to the following types of clients:
Individuals (other than high net worth individuals)
High net worth individuals
Pension and profit sharing plans(other than plan participants)
Other pooled investment vehicles(e.g., hedge funds)
Charitable organizations
Corporations or other businesses not listed above
As previously disclosed in Item 5, our firm has established certain initial minimum account
requirements, based on the nature of the service(s) being provided. For a more detailed understanding
of those requirements, please review the disclosures provided in each applicable service.
Item 8 Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
METHODS OF ANALYSIS
We use the following methods of analysis in formulating our investment advice and/or managing client
assets:
Charting. In this type of technical analysis, we review charts of market and security activity in an
attempt to identify when the market is moving up or down and to predict how long the trend may last
and when that trend might reverse.
Fundamental Analysis. We attempt to measure the intrinsic value of a security by looking at economic
and financial factors (including the overall economy, industry conditions, and the financial condition and
management of the company itself) to determine if the company is underpriced (indicating it may be a
good time to buy) or overpriced (indicating it may be time to sell).
Fundamental analysis does not attempt to anticipate market movements. This presents a potential risk,
as the price of a security can move up or down along with the overall market regardless of the economic
and financial factors considered in evaluating the stock.
Technical Analysis. We analyze past market movements and apply that analysis to the present in an
attempt to recognize recurring patterns of investor behavior and potentially predict future price
movement.
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Technical analysis does not consider the underlying financial condition of a company. This presents a risk
in that a poorly-managed or financially unsound company may underperform regardless of market
movement.
Quantitative Analysis. We use mathematical models in an attempt to obtain more accurate
measurements of a company's quantifiable data, such as the value of a share price or earnings per
share, and predict changes to that data.
A risk in using quantitative analysis is that the models used may be based on assumptions that prove to
be incorrect.
Qualitative Analysis. We subjectively evaluate non-quantifiable factors such as quality of management,
labor relations, and strength of research and development factors not readily subject to measurement,
and predict changes to share price based on that data.
A risk is using qualitative analysis is that our subjective judgment may prove incorrect.
Asset Allocation. Rather than focusing primarily on securities selection, we attempt to identify an
appropriate ratio of securities, fixed income, and cash suitable to the client's investment goals and risk
tolerance.
A risk of asset allocation is that the client may not participate in sharp increases in a particular security,
industry or market sector. Another risk is that the ratio of securities, fixed income, and cash will change
over time due to stock and market movements and, if not corrected, will no longer be appropriate for
the client's goals.
Mutual Fund and/or ETF Analysis. We look at the experience and track record of the manager of the
mutual fund or ETF in an attempt to determine if that manager has demonstrated an ability to invest
over a period of time and in different economic conditions. We also look at the underlying assets in a
mutual fund or ETF in an attempt to determine if there is significant overlap in the underlying
investments held in another fund(s) in the client's portfolio. We also monitor the funds or ETFs in an
attempt to determine if they are continuing to follow their stated investment strategy.
A risk of mutual fund and/or ETF analysis is that, as in all securities investments, past performance does
not guarantee future results. A manager who has been successful may not be able to replicate that
success in the future. In addition, as we do not control the underlying investments in a fund or ETF,
managers of different funds held by the client may purchase the same security, increasing the risk to the
client if that security were to fall in value. There is also a risk that a manager may deviate from the
stated investment mandate or strategy of the fund or ETF, which could make the holding(s) less suitable
for the client's portfolio.
Third-Party Money Manager Analysis. We examine the experience, expertise, investment philosophies,
and past performance of independent third-party investment managers in an attempt to determine if
that manager has demonstrated an ability to invest over a period of time and in different economic
conditions. We monitor the manager's underlying holdings, strategies, concentrations and leverage as
part of our overall periodic risk assessment. Additionally, as part of our due-diligence process, we survey
the manager's compliance and business enterprise risks.
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A risk of investing with a third-party manager who has been successful in the past is that he/she may not
be able to replicate that success in the future. In addition, as we do not control the underlying
investments in a third-party manager's portfolio, there is also a risk that a manager may deviate from
the stated investment mandate or strategy of the portfolio, making it a less suitable investment for our
clients. Moreover, as we do not control the manager's daily business and compliance operations, we
may be unaware of the lack of internal controls necessary to prevent business, regulatory or
reputational deficiencies.
Risks for all forms of analysis. Our securities analysis methods rely on the assumption that the
companies whose securities we purchase and sell, the rating agencies that review these securities, and
other publicly-available sources of information about these securities, are providing accurate and
unbiased data. While we are alert to indications that data may be incorrect, there is always a risk that
our analysis may be compromised by inaccurate or misleading information.
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
We use the following strategy(ies) in managing client accounts, provided that such strategy(ies) are
appropriate to the needs of the client and consistent with the client's investment objectives, risk
tolerance, and time horizons, among other considerations:
Long-term purchases. We purchase securities with the idea of holding them in the client's account for a
year or longer. Typically we employ this strategy when:
we believe the securities to be currently undervalued, and/or
we want exposure to a particular asset class over time, regardless of the current projection for
this class.
A risk in a long-term purchase strategy is that by holding the security for this length of time, we may not
take advantage of short-term gains that could be profitable to a client. Moreover, if our predictions are
incorrect, a security may decline sharply in value before we make the decision to sell.
Short-term purchases. When utilizing this strategy, we purchase securities with the idea of selling them
within a relatively short time (typically a year or less). We do this in an attempt to take advantage of
conditions that we believe will soon result in a price swing in the securities we purchase.
Trading. We purchase securities with the idea of selling them very quickly (typically within 30 days or
less). We do this in an attempt to take advantage of our predictions of brief price swings.
Margin transactions. We will purchase stocks for your portfolio with money borrowed from your
brokerage account. This allows you to purchase more stock than you would be able to with your
available cash, and allows us to purchase stock without selling other holdings.
Option writing. We may use options as an investment strategy. An option is a contract that gives the
buyer the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell an asset (such as a share of stock) at a specific price
on or before a certain date. An option, just like a stock or bond, is a security. An option is also a
derivative, because it derives its value from an underlying asset.
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The two types of options are calls and puts:
A call gives us the right to buy an asset at a certain price within a specific period of time. We will
buy a call if we have determined that the stock will increase substantially before the option
expires.
A put gives us the holder the right to sell an asset at a certain price within a specific period of
time. We will buy a put if we have determined that the price of the stock will fall before the
option expires.
We will use options to speculate on the possibility of a sharp price swing. We will also use options to
"hedge" a purchase of the underlying security; in other words, we will use an option purchase to limit
the potential upside and downside of a security we have purchased for your portfolio.
We use "covered calls", in which we sell an option on security you own. In this strategy, you receive a
fee for making the option available, and the person purchasing the option has the right to buy the
security from you at an agreed-upon price.
We use a "spreading strategy", in which we purchase two or more option contracts (for example, a call
option that you buy and a call option that you sell) for the same underlying security. This effectively puts
you on both sides of the market, but with the ability to vary price, time and other factors.
Risk of Loss. Securities investments are not guaranteed and you may lose money on your investments.
We ask that you work with us to help us understand your tolerance for risk.
Item 9 Disciplinary Information
We are required to disclose any legal or disciplinary events that are material to a client's or prospective
client's evaluation of our advisory business or the integrity of our management.
The following are disciplinary events relating to our firm and/or our management personnel:
AT VARIOUS TIMES FROM AUG 23, 2010 THROUGH OCT 1, 2012, THE FIRM FAILED TO MAINTAIN
ELECTRONIC CORRESPONDENCE OF ASSOCIATED PERSONS AND FAILED TO ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN
AN ADEQUATE SYSTEM AND PROCEDURES FOR THE PRESERVATION, MAINTENANCE AND REVIEW OF
ELECTRONIC CORRESPONDENCE OF ITS ASSOCIATED PERSONS. IN ADDITION, DURING THE TIME PERIOD
FROM NOV 1, 2013 THROUGH OCT 31, 2014, THE FIRM FAILED TO ENFORCE ITS WRITTEN PROCEDURES
REGARDING DUE DILIGENCE CONDUCTED IN CONNECTION WITH PRIVATE PLACEMENT OFFERINGS AND
FAILED TO ESTABLISH, MAINTAIN AND ENFORCE ADEQUATE WRITTEN PROCEDURES RELATING TO ITS
PARTICIPATION IN CONTINGENCY OFFERINGS. MATTER RESOLVED 1/15/2016 THROUGH AWC AND FINE
OF $30,000.
ON JUNE 19, 2018 THE FIRM WAS CENSURED FOR A PERIOD OF 4 YEARS FOR EFFECTING TRADES FOR 3
ILLINOIS CLIENTS WHILE NOT REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF ILLINOIS. FIRM IS NOW REGISTERED AND IN
GOOD STANDING WITH THE STATE OF ILLINOIS.
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JUNE 5, 2018 THE FIRM WAS FINED $29,680 BY THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO FOR CONDUCTING TRADING
WITH 3 CLIENTS WHILE NOT REGISTERED IN THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO. FIRM IS NOW REGISTERED
AND IN GOOD STANDING WITH THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO.
Item 10 Other Financial Industry Actvities and Affiliations
FIRM Registrations:
In addition to Coker & Palmer, Inc. being a registered investment adviser, our firm is registered as a
FINRA member broker-dealer. A list of affiliated broker-dealers is specifically disclosed in Section 7.A. on
Schedule D of Form ADV, Part 1, which can be accessed by following the directions provided on the
Cover Page of this Firm Brochure.
MANAGEMENT PERSONNEL Registrations:
Management personnel of our firm are separately licensed as registered representatives of Coker &
Palmer, an affiliated FINRA member broker-dealer. These individuals, in their separate capacity, can
effect securities transactions for which they will receive separate, yet customary compensation.
While Coker & Palmer, Inc. and these individuals endeavor at all times to put the interest of the clients
first as part of our fiduciary duty, clients should be aware that the receipt of additional compensation
itself creates a conflict of interest, and may affect the judgment of these individuals when making
recommendations.
Clients should be aware that the receipt of additional compensation by Coker & Palmer, Inc. and its
management persons or employees creates a conflict of interest that may impair the objectivity of our
firm and these individuals when making advisory recommendations. Coker & Palmer, Inc. endeavors at
all times to put the interest of its clients first as part of our fiduciary duty as a registered investment
adviser; we take the following steps to address this conflict:
we disclose to clients the existence of all material conflicts of interest, including the potential for
our firm and our employees to earn compensation from advisory clients in addition to our firm's
advisory fees;
we disclose to clients that they are not obligated to purchase recommended investment
products from our employees or affiliated companies;
we collect, maintain and document accurate, complete and relevant client background
information, including the client's financial goals, objectives and risk tolerance;
our firm's management conducts regular reviews of each client account to verify that all
recommendations made to a client are suitable to the client's needs and circumstances;
we require that our employees seek prior approval of any outside employment activity so that
we may ensure that any conflicts of interests in such activities are properly addressed;
we periodically monitor these outside employment activities to verify that any conflicts of
interest continue to be properly addressed by our firm; and
we educate our employees regarding the responsibilities of a fiduciary, including the need for
having a reasonable and independent basis for the investment advice provided to clients.
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Item 11 Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
Our firm has adopted a Code of Ethics which sets forth high ethical standards of business conduct that
we require of our employees, including compliance with applicable federal securities laws.
Coker & Palmer, Inc. and our personnel owe a duty of loyalty, fairness and good faith towards our
clients, and have an obligation to adhere not only to the specific provisions of the Code of Ethics but to
the general principles that guide the Code.
Our Code of Ethics includes policies and procedures for the review of quarterly securities transactions
reports as well as initial and annual securities holdings reports that must be submitted by the firm's
access persons. Among other things, our Code of Ethics also requires the prior approval of any
acquisition of securities in a limited offering (e.g., private placement) or an initial public offering. Our
code also provides for oversight, enforcement and recordkeeping provisions.
Coker & Palmer, Inc.'s Code of Ethics further includes the firm's policy prohibiting the use of material
non-public information. While we do not believe that we have any particular access to non-public
information, all employees are reminded that such information may not be used in a personal or
professional capacity.
A copy of our Code of Ethics is available to our advisory clients and prospective clients. You may request
a copy by email sent to dcoker@cokerpalmer.com, or by calling us at 601 354 0860.
Coker & Palmer, Inc. or individuals associated with our firm may buy securities for the firm or for
themselves from our advisory clients; or sell securities owned by the firm or the individual(s) to our
advisory clients. We will ensure, however, that such transactions are conducted in compliance with all
the provisions under Section 206(3) of the Advisers Act governing principal transactions to advisory
clients.
Coker & Palmer, Inc. and individuals associated with our firm are prohibited from engaging in agency
cross transactions.
Our Code of Ethics is designed to assure that the personal securities transactions, activities and interests
of our employees will not interfere with (i) making decisions in the best interest of advisory clients and
(ii) implementing such decisions while, at the same time, allowing employees to invest for their own
accounts.
Our firm and/or individuals associated with our firm may buy or sell for their personal accounts
securities identical to or different from those recommended to our clients. In addition, any related
person(s) may have an interest or position in a certain security(ies) which may also be recommended to
a client.
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It is the expressed policy of our firm that no person employed by us may purchase or sell any security
prior to a transaction(s) being implemented for an advisory account, thereby preventing such
employee(s) from benefiting from transactions placed on behalf of advisory accounts.
We may aggregate our employee trades with client transactions where possible and when compliant
with our duty to seek best execution for our clients. In these instances, participating clients will receive
an average share price and transaction costs will be shared equally and on a pro-rata basis. In the
instances where there is a partial fill of a particular batched order, we will allocate all purchases pro-
rata, with each account paying the average price. Our employee accounts will be included in the pro-
rata allocation.
As these situations represent actual or potential conflicts of interest to our clients, we have established
the following policies and procedures for implementing our firm's Code of Ethics, to ensure our firm
complies with its regulatory obligations and provides our clients and potential clients with full and fair
disclosure of such conflicts of interest:
1. No principal or employee of our firm may put his or her own interest above the interest of an
advisory client.
3.
2. No principal or employee of our firm may buy or sell securities for their personal portfolio(s)
where their decision is a result of information received as a result of his or her employment
unless the information is also available to the investing public.
It is the expressed policy of our firm that no person employed by us may purchase or sell any
security prior to a transaction(s) being implemented for an advisory account. This prevents such
employees from benefiting from transactions placed on behalf of advisory accounts.
4. Our firm requires prior approval for any IPO or private placement investments by related
persons of the firm.
5. We maintain a list of all reportable securities holdings for our firm and anyone associated with
this advisory practice that has access to advisory recommendations ("access person"). These
holdings are reviewed on a regular basis by our firm's Chief Compliance Officer or his/her
designee.
6. We have established procedures for the maintenance of all required books and records.
7. All clients are fully informed that related persons may receive separate commission
compensation when effecting transactions during the implementation process.
8. Clients can decline to implement any advice rendered, except in situations where our firm is
granted discretionary authority.
9. All of our principals and employees must act in accordance with all applicable Federal and State
regulations governing registered investment advisory practices.
10. We require delivery and acknowledgement of the Code of Ethics by each supervised person of
our firm.
11. We have established policies requiring the reporting of Code of Ethics violations to our senior
management.
12. Any individual who violates any of the above restrictions may be subject to termination.
As disclosed in the preceding section of this Brochure (Item 10), related persons of our firm are
separately registered as securities representatives of a broker-dealer, investment adviser
representatives of another registered investment adviser, and/or licensed as an insurance agent/broker
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of various insurance companies. Please refer to Item 10 for a detailed explanation of these relationships
and important conflict of interest disclosures.
Item 12 Brokerage Practices
Coker & Palmer, Inc. requires that clients provide us with written authority to determine the broker-
dealer to use and the commission costs that will be charged to our clients for these transactions.
These clients must include any limitations on this discretionary authority in this written authority
statement. Clients may change/amend these limitations as required. Such amendments must be
provided to us in writing.
Coker & Palmer, Inc. will block trades where possible and when advantageous to clients. This blocking of
trades permits the trading of aggregate blocks of securities composed of assets from multiple client
accounts, so long as transaction costs are shared equally and on a pro-rated basis between all accounts
included in any such block.
Block trading may allow us to execute equity trades in a timelier, more equitable manner, at an average
share price. Coker & Palmer, Inc. will typically aggregate trades among clients whose accounts can be
traded at a given broker, and generally will rotate or vary the order of brokers through which it places
trades for clients on any particular day. Coker & Palmer, Inc.'s block trading policy and procedures are as
follows:
1) Transactions for any client account may not be aggregated for execution if the practice is prohibited
by or inconsistent with the client's advisory agreement with Coker & Palmer, Inc., or our firm's order
allocation policy.
2) The trading desk in concert with the portfolio manager must determine that the purchase or sale of
the particular security involved is appropriate for the client and consistent with the client's investment
objectives and with any investment guidelines or restrictions applicable to the client's account.
3) The portfolio manager must reasonably believe that the order aggregation will benefit, and will
enable Coker & Palmer, Inc. to seek best execution for each client participating in the aggregated order.
This requires a good faith judgment at the time the order is placed for the execution. It does not mean
that the determination made in advance of the transaction must always prove to have been correct in
the light of a "20-20 hindsight" perspective. Best execution includes the duty to seek the best quality of
execution, as well as the best net price.
4) Prior to entry of an aggregated order, a written order ticket must be completed which identifies each
client account participating in the order and the proposed allocation of the order, upon completion, to
those clients.
5) If the order cannot be executed in full at the same price or time, the securities actually purchased or
sold by the close of each business day must be allocated pro rata among the participating client
accounts in accordance with the initial order ticket or other written statement of allocation. However,
adjustments to this pro rata allocation may be made to participating client accounts in accordance with
the initial order ticket or other written statement of allocation. Furthermore, adjustments to this pro
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rata allocation may be made to avoid having odd amounts of shares held in any client account, or to
avoid excessive ticket charges in smaller accounts.
6) Generally, each client that participates in the aggregated order must do so at the average price for all
separate transactions made to fill the order, and must share in the commissions on a pro rata basis in
proportion to the client's participation. Under the client's agreement with the custodian/broker,
transaction costs may be based on the number of shares traded for each client.
7) If the order will be allocated in a manner other than that stated in the initial statement of allocation, a
written explanation of the change must be provided to and approved by the Chief Compliance Officer no
later than the morning following the execution of the aggregate trade.
8) Coker & Palmer, Inc.'s client account records separately reflect, for each account in which the
aggregated transaction occurred, the securities which are held by, and bought and sold for, that
account.
9) Funds and securities for aggregated orders are clearly identified on Coker & Palmer, Inc.'s records and
to the broker-dealers or other intermediaries handling the transactions, by the appropriate account
numbers for each participating client.
10) No client or account will be favored over another.
Item 13 Review of Accounts
INVESTMENT SUPERVISORY SERVICES ("ISS")
INDIVIDUAL PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
REVIEWS: While the underlying securities within Individual Portfolio Management Services accounts are
continually monitored, account review schedules are determined by an individual client and their
financial professional. Accounts are reviewed in the context of each client's stated investment objectives
and guidelines. More frequent reviews may be triggered by material changes in variables such as the
client's individual circumstances, or the market, political or economic environment.
These accounts are reviewed by your financial professional.
REPORTS: In addition to the monthly statements and confirmations of transactions that clients receive
from their broker-dealer, we provide reports during reviews that summarizing account performance,
balances and holdings.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT SERVICES
REVIEWS: While the underlying securities within Individual Portfolio Management Services accounts are
continually monitored, account review schedules are determined by an individual client and their
financial professional. Accounts are reviewed in the context of each client's stated investment
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objectives and guidelines. More frequent reviews may be triggered by material changes in variables such
as the client's individual circumstances, or the market, political or economic environment.
These accounts are reviewed by your financial professional.
REPORTS: In addition to the monthly statements and confirmations of transactions that Portfolio
Management Services clients receive from their broker-dealer, Coker & Palmer, Inc. will provide reports
summarizing account performance, balances and holdings.
SELECTION and MONITORING of THIRD-PARTY MONEY MANAGERS
REVIEWS: These client accounts should refer to the independent registered investment adviser's Firm
Brochure (or other disclosure document used in lieu of the brochure) for information regarding the
nature and frequency of reviews provided by that independent registered investment adviser.
Coker & Palmer, Inc. will provide reviews as contracted for at the inception of the advisory relationship.
These accounts are reviewed by your financial professional.
REPORTS: These clients should refer to the independent registered investment adviser's Firm Brochure
(or other disclosure document used in lieu of the brochure) for information regarding the nature and
frequency of reports provided by that independent registered investment adviser.
Coker & Palmer, Inc. does not typically provide reports in addition to those provided by the independent
registered investment adviser selected to manage the client's assets.
FINANCIAL PLANNING SERVICES
REVIEWS: While reviews may occur at different stages depending on the nature and terms of the
specific engagement, typically no formal reviews will be conducted for Financial Planning clients unless
otherwise contracted for.
REPORTS: Financial Planning clients will receive a completed financial plan. Additional reports will not
typically be provided unless otherwise contracted for.
Item 14 Client Referrals and Other Compensation
It is Coker & Palmer, Inc.'s policy not to engage solicitors or to pay related or non-related persons for
referring potential clients to our firm.
It is Coker & Palmer, Inc.'s policy not to accept or allow our related persons to accept any form of
compensation, including cash, sales awards or other prizes, from a non-client in conjunction with the
advisory services we provide to our clients.
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Item 15 Custody
We previously disclosed in the "Fees and Compensation" section (Item 5) of this Brochure that our firm
directly debits advisory fees from client accounts.
As part of this billing process, the client's custodian is advised of the amount of the fee to be deducted
from that client's account. On at least a quarterly basis, the custodian is required to send to the client a
statement showing all transactions within the account during the reporting period.
Because the custodian does not calculate the amount of the fee to be deducted, it is important for
clients to carefully review their custodial statements to verify the accuracy of the calculation, among
other things. Clients should contact us directly if they believe that there may be an error in their
statement.
Our firm does not have actual or constructive custody of client accounts.
Item 16 Investment Discretion
Clients may hire us to provide discretionary asset management services, in which case we place trades in
a client's account without contacting the client prior to each trade to obtain the client's permission.
Our discretionary authority includes the ability to do the following without contacting the client:
determine the security to buy or sell; and/or
determine the amount of the security to buy or sell
Clients give us discretionary authority when they sign a discretionary agreement with our firm, and may
limit this authority by giving us written instructions. Clients may also change/amend such limitations by
once again providing us with written instructions.
Item 17 Voting Client Securities
As a matter of firm policy, we do not vote proxies on behalf of clients. Therefore, although our firm may
provide investment advisory services relative to client investment assets, clients maintain exclusive
responsibility for: (1) directing the manner in which proxies solicited by issuers of securities beneficially
owned by the client shall be voted, and (2) making all elections relative to any mergers, acquisitions,
tender offers, bankruptcy proceedings or other type events pertaining to the client's investment assets.
Clients are responsible for instructing each custodian of the assets, to forward to the client copies of all
proxies and shareholder communications relating to the client's investment assets.
We do not offer any consulting assistance regarding proxy issues to clients.
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Item 18 Financial Information
As an advisory firm that maintains discretionary authority for client accounts, or as disclosed above, is
required to provide a copy of our firm's balance sheet], we are also required to disclose any financial
condition that is reasonable likely to impair our ability to meet our contractual obligations. Coker &
Palmer, Inc. has no such financial circumstances to report.
Under no circumstances do we require or solicit payment of fees in excess of $1200 per client more than
six months in advance of services rendered. Therefore, we are not required to include a financial
statement.
Coker & Palmer, Inc. has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition at any time during the past ten
years.
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