Overview
- Headquarters
- Houston, TX
- Average Client Assets
- $4.6 million
- Minimum Account Size
- $500,000
- SEC CRD Number
- 106593
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (CYPRESS ASSET MANAGEMENT - FORM ADV PART 2A BROCHURE)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $2,000,000 | 1.25% |
| $2,000,001 | $5,000,000 | 0.70% |
| $5,000,001 | $10,000,000 | 0.50% |
| $10,000,001 | and above | 0.40% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $12,500 | 1.25% |
| $5 million | $46,000 | 0.92% |
| $10 million | $71,000 | 0.71% |
| $50 million | $231,000 | 0.46% |
| $100 million | $431,000 | 0.43% |
Clients
- HNW Share of Firm Assets
- 60.02%
- Total Client Accounts
- 87
- Discretionary Accounts
- 87
Services Offered
Services: Portfolio Management for Individuals, Portfolio Management for Institutional Clients
Regulatory Filings
Additional Brochure: CYPRESS ASSET MANAGEMENT - FORM ADV PART 2A BROCHURE (2026-04-01)
View Document Text
Firm Brochure
CYPRESS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC.
4550 Post Oak Place Drive, Suite 317
Houston, TX 77027
713-512-2100
www.cypressasset.com
March 31, 2026
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices
of Cypress Asset Management, Inc. (“Cypress,” “Advisor,” “us,” “we,” “our”, or
“the Firm”). If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure, please
contact us at: 713-512-2100, or by email at: j m e l l oy @ cyp r essasset .com The
information in this Brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or by any state securities authority.
Additional information about Cypress is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
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Item 2: Material Changes
Please note that there were no “material changes” made to this Brochure since our last
delivery or posting of the Brochure on the SEC’s public disclosure website (“IAPD”)
which is located at www.advisorinfo.sec.gov. However, this Brochure does include a
number of minor editorial changes, and updated information to our assets under
management.
A full copy is available on the SEC’s public disclosure website, or you may
contact Jeffrey Melloy at 713-512-2100 or by email at jmelloy@cypressasset.com.
We will ensure that our Clients receive a summary of any material changes to this and
subsequent Brochures within 120 days of the close of our business’ fiscal year. We may
further provide you with a new Brochure as necessary based on changes or new
information, at any time, without charge.
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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 ................................................................................................................ 6
ITEM 6 - PERFORMANCE-BASED FEES ............................................................................................................... 8
ITEM 7 - TYPES OF CLIENTS .................................................................................................................................. 9
ITEM 8 - METHODS OF ANALYSIS, INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISK OF LOSS .......................... 10
ITEM 9 - DISCIPLINARY INFORMATION .......................................................................................................... 13
ITEM 10 - OTHER FINANCIAL INDUSTRY ACTIVITIES AND AFFILIATIONS .......................................... 14
ITEM 11 - CODE OF ETHICS, PARTICIPATION OR INTEREST IN CLIENT TRANSACTIONS AND
PERSONAL TRADING ............................................................................................................................................. 15
ITEM 12 - BROKERAGE PRACTICES .................................................................................................................. 16
ITEM 13 - REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS ...................................................................................................................... 17
ITEM 14 - CLIENT REFERRALS AND OTHER COMPENSATION ................................................................. 18
ITEM 15 - CUSTODY ................................................................................................................................................ 19
ITEM 16 - INVESTMENT DISCRETION ............................................................................................................... 20
ITEM 17 - VOTING CLIENT SECURITIES ........................................................................................................... 21
ITEM 18 - FINANCIAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................................... 22
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Item 4 - Advisory Business
Firm Description
Ownership
Cypress Asset Management, Inc.., (“Cypress”, “The Firm” or “CAM”)was founded in 1996
as an independently owned investment advisory firm based in Houston, TX. Cypress serves
individuals, trusts, estates, small businesses, charitable organizations, pension and profit-
sharing plans. The firm does not sell annuities, insurance, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, limited
partnerships or other commissioned products. The firm is not owned or affiliated by
ownership with other entities that sell financial products or services.
General Description of Primary Advisory Services
Cypress does not act as a custodian of client assets. All client assets are housed at a
custodian of the client’s choice, and clients always maintain control of their assets.
Clients receive statements directly from their custodian on a monthly or quarterly basis,
Any statements issued by Cypress, do not replace or supersede any statements issued by
the client’s custodian(s).
The Firm offers clients a choice of several investment strategies: a Growth and Income
equity strategy, a Core Growth equity strategy, an Energy and Natural Resources equity
strategy, an Enhanced Yield Dividend strategy and a Fixed Income strategy. All client
accounts are separately managed, there are no pooled accounts. Research is primarily
conducted internally.
Uninvested reserve funds are normally maintained in a money market domiciled at the
custodian.
Specific securities utilized may include:
• Equity securities, including exchange-listed securities, securities traded over the
counter, foreign issues traded on U.S. exchanges, and master limited partnerships
(MLPS).
• Debt securities, including United States Government and agency securities,
corporate debt securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and municipal
securities.
• Preferred securities, Convertible Preferred securities, and Convertible debt and
equity securities.
• Exchange traded funds (ETF’s).
Investment company securities, including as mutual funds and closed end funds.
•
Portfolios are tailored to the needs of individual clients. We meet with and speak to clients
regularly and generally attempt to accommodate the investment restrictions imposed by
clients- for example, an aversion to tobacco, defense, or casino companies. Clients make
the final decision on investment strategy.
Brokerage services are generally provided by the client’s chosen custodian. When the
custodian does not provide brokerage services, Cypress may utilize the services of a third-
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party broker to execute purchases and sales of securities.
In some circumstances, Cypress acts as a third-party investment manager, providing
portfolio management services to separate accounts of clients of other investment
advisors. In these circumstances, Cypress shares in a negotiated, previously determined,
portion of the management fee charged to the client by the custodian.
Cypress does not publish research reports or sell newsletters. We do not normally use the
term “financial planning” but we do work with our clients’ accountants and attorneys when
appropriate to discuss estate planning and tax efficiency. We conduct no other business.
As of December 31, 2025, Cypress manages approximately $455,795,968 in assets of
which $455,795,968 is managed on a discretionary basis.
Principal Owners
William L. Garwood, Jr. is a 50% stockholder. Frank P. Lee is a 50% stockholder.
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Item – 5 - Fees and Compensation
Description
Our compensation for our individually managed accounts is based on the amount of assets
under management. Most of our advisory fees are billed and payable quarterly in arrears
(we are paid for the work done in the last 90 days) based upon the market value of the
assets in the account at the end of the quarter. If the account utilizes margin, which is
usually at the client’s request, then the fee payable to CAM will be based on the market
value of investments in the account. The internal records we use for billing may contain
a different market value than the statement received from the respective custodian, but we
believe these differences, if any, are immaterial. However, some of our advisory fees
(clients related to one custodian) are billed and payable in advance based on the market
value of assets under management at the end of the previous quarter. When a client related
to that one custodian (that pays in advance) terminates a relationship with Cypress, fees
collected in advance are promptly reimbursed by the custodian to the client. Fees
reimbursed by the custodian and due back to the custodian from Cypress are settled in the
following billing cycle. Payment in full is expected upon invoice presentation.
We may either bill clients for fees incurred or deduct fees from clients’ assets, according
to the desires of the client. Clients may select either method of payment. The client
must consent in advance to direct debiting of their investment account.
The annual equity fee schedule is listed below:
• 1.25% on the first $2 million
.70% on the next $3 million (from 2,000,001 to 5,000,000)
•
.5% on the next $5 million (from 5,000,001 to 10,000,000)
•
.40% on assets above $10,000,000
•
The annual fee for the management of fixed income is listed below:
.40% on the first $2 million
•
.25% on all assets over $2 million
•
In addition, if equities under management exceed $2 million, the annual fee on all fixed
income securities is .25%.
There is no minimum fee and all fees are negotiable. Cypress, in its sole discretion, may
charge a lesser investment advisory fee.
Cypress clients’ assets are always housed with a third-party custodian, whom the client
selects. Clients should anticipate that they will pay the custodian a fee for their services.
Cypress does not have input into the fees charged by a custodian.
Some of the investments that Cypress chooses (for example Exchange Traded Funds,
Closed End Funds, Mutual Funds) have a fee that is in addition to the fee charged by
Cypress. Cypress does not have any say over the fees charged by Exchange Traded Funds,
Closed End Funds or Mutual Funds.
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Cypress clients will pay a separate brokerage fee generated by purchases and sales of securities on
their behalf by a brokerage firm. The brokerage commissions a client pays will vary, depending on
the brokerage firm and/or custodian they choose or is chosen by CAM. Please refer to Item 12 for
more information on Brokerage Practices.
Cypress reserves the right to stop work on any account that is more than 60 days past due. Cypress
reserves the right to bill terminated accounts a fee equal to 90 days of fees of assets under
management as of the date of termination. The fee covers work performed by Cypress on behalf of
the former client after the date of termination.
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Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees
Cypress does not charge performance-based fees (fees calculated based on a share of
capital gains or capital appreciation of client(s) assets) and does not engage in side-by-
side management.
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Item 7 - Types of Clients
Description
Cypress provides advisory services to individuals, families and their related IRA
accounts, endowments and trusts and business entities. In addition, we are a third-party
manager to other brokerage companies, custodians and trust companies.
Cypress has a stated account minimum size of $500,000 in assets under management,
which equates to an annual fee of $6,250.
Cypress has the sole discretion to waive the account minimum.
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Item 8 - Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of
Loss
Methods of Analysis
We are generally long-term investors who focus on the fundamentals of a company:
income, cash flow, balance sheet and competitive advantages. We overlay our
fundamental analysis of individual companies with a focus on industries that have
reasonable growth prospects. Finally, we pay particular attention to the global economic
environment and the global opportunities of any company or industry.
Most securities are bought to be held over a longer time horizon (2-5 years). It is not our
goal to be market timers but to search for individual companies with investment promise
that should be successful and build value over an extended period of time. Occasionally,
we will sell a position earlier than anticipated if new information makes us re-evaluate our
previous opinion, fundamentals change, or if a rapid price movement makes it appropriate
to take a short-term profit. We are usually fully invested.
We read widely and employ a number of sources for our research activities. Aside from
newspapers, periodicals, internet business Web sites and subscription services, we
examine annual reports, corporate press releases, corporate presentations, SEC filings,
participate in conference calls, utilize Wall Street research, speak to Wall Street
analysts and sales people, attend industry conferences and events, and periodically visit
companies and company management and representatives.
Investment Strategies
High quality stocks and a strong and growing dividend stream are the foundation of our
portfolios. These are typically global companies with strong financial characteristics,
market leadership positions, and proven track records. Through our disciplined buy
strategy, we try to avoid overpaying and thus enhance the possibilities for an above
average long-term return. Our strategy is to further raise our clients’ returns through
selective investment in undervalued or out-of-favor stocks that offer high return
opportunities over relatively shorter time periods. Custom managed products include large
cap core growth, growth and income, energy and natural resources, high-yield and
fixed income.
The investment strategy for a specific client is based upon the objectives stated by the
client during consultations. When we act as a third-party manager for a broker, custodian
or trust company, the broker, custodian or trust company will instruct Cypress which
investment strategy to employ.
Each client executes an Investment Policy Statement that documents their objectives and
their desired investment strategy. The client may change these objectives at any time, by
providing written notification to their advisor or Cypress.
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Risk of Loss
All investment programs have certain risks that are borne by the investor. 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.
• Market Risk: The price of a security, bond, or mutual fund 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 today will not buy
as much as a dollar next year, because purchasing power is eroding at the rate of
inflation.
• Currency Risk: Overseas investments are subject to fluctuations in the value of the
dollar against the currency of the investment’s originating country. This is also
referred to as exchange rate risk.
• 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). This
primarily relates to fixed income securities.
• 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.
• 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.
While we believe our research is thorough, clients must be prepared for the risk of loss.
All investments in securities risk the loss of capital. In addition, we have identified other
types of risk, such as:
• Risk that the stock market declines or the price of individual securities decline
while the true long-term value of the company may be unchanged or possibly even
higher.
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• Our analysis does not prove correct.
• External events may negatively affect the value of a specific company.
• Fraud, where no amount of analysis could be sufficient.
• Time horizon: The time it takes to realize an investment may not match the
time horizon of the client.
• Disasters: Unforeseen events (natural or man-made) such as war, earthquake,
hurricane, industrial accidents, etc.
• Geopolitical risk, country or sovereign risk. In a global world, risks outside our
borders may negatively impact an investment.
• Market Manipulation: The rules and supervision (or lack thereof) of rules of
financial markets can represent risk to investors.
Finally, it must be stated that no list of potential risks can be exhaustive or all inclusive.
In today’s market environments, the risks of capital loss are substantial, varied,
unpredictable and sometimes unidentifiable until after the fact.
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Item 9 - Disciplinary Information
Legal and Disciplinary
Cypress Asset Management, Inc., has no legal or disciplinary information appliable to
this Item.
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Item 10 - Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Financial Industry Activities
Cypress is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) as a
Registered Investment Advisor.
Affiliations
Cypress has material third party investment advisory relationships with the following
brokers, custodians or trust companies: Raymond James Financial, Inc. and Kovack
Securities. We serve at the behest of the broker, custodian or trust company, receive all
investment allocation and investment strategy direction from the broker, custodian or
trust company and take direction from them with regard to tax issues and issues of
liquidity.
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Item 11 - Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client
Transactions and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics Summary
The employees of CYPRESS ASSET MANAGEMENT, INC. have committed to a
Code of Ethics that is available for review by clients and prospective clients, upon
request.
• Placing of client interest ahead of our own investment interests;
• Conducting business honestly, ethically and fairly;
• Complying with applicable federal and state securities laws at all times; and
• Providing full and fair disclosure of all material facts and potential conflicts of
interest to client(s) prior to services being conducted.
All Associated Persons must also avoid circumstances that could compromise- or
appear to compromise- their duty of loyalty to clients. This summary is intended to
provide clients with a high level overview. A copy of our Code of Ethics is available
upon request from any current or potential client(s) and a copy will be provided
promptly.
Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
From time to time, both we and our IARs may buy or sell securities or have an interest
of position in a security for your personal accounts which may also be recommended to
clients. As these situations may represent a potential conflict of interest, we have
adopted policies to mitigate this conflict.
• No associated Persons may place their own interests ahead of a client’s interests;
• Associated Persons must not trade in a manner that disadvantages clients or use
knowledge of a client transaction(s) for personal benefit;
• Associated Persons may not trade on material non-public information or
information obtained through their role with Cypress unless such information is
publicly available.
Personal Trading
Cypress’ CCO or an associated person designated of the CCO; will conduct ongoing
reviews of all associated persons trades (typically at least monthly) to ensure
compliance with the code of Ethics. The CCO’s personal trades are reviewed by
another principal of the Firm.
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Item 12 - Brokerage Practices
Selecting Brokerage Firms
Cypress clients select their broker, custodian or trust company. Cypress will work with
any entity to execute trades on behalf of the client. If asked, we will provide a list of
prospective brokers so that the client can make an informed decision. Cypress does not
receive any brokerage or transaction fees related to client trading. Cypress does receive
research generated by the brokerage house in connection with the commissions.
Best Execution
Cypress conducts a best execution review of each custodian on a regular basis, but no
less than annually. In addition, the trading fees incurred by each client are also reviewed
on a regular basis, but no less than annually. Cypress does not receive any portion of the
trading fees which are charged by the executing broker.
Directed Brokerage
In some cases, clients have instructed Cypress to direct their brokerage to a specific
broker/dealer. In these cases, Cypress may not, nor is it obligated to, obtain best
execution. Clients do not have to direct their brokerage. When we share a management
fee with a broker who has hired Cypress to perform advisory services, we usually
execute trades through that broker. By executing trades with that broker, we may be
unable to achieve most favorable execution of client transactions and this practice may
result in a client paying higher commissions than they otherwise would.
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Item 13 - Review of Accounts
Periodic Reviews
Account reviews are performed on an ongoing basis by members of the Investment
Committee, including William L. Garwood, Jr., President, and Frank P. Lee, Chief
Financial Officer. Reviews are performed more frequently when market or economic
conditions warrant additional attention.
Review Triggers
Reviews may also be triggered by your request, changes in your financial situation or
investment objectives, changes in tax laws, new investment information, or unusual
market activity.
Regular Reports
As members of the Firm's Investment Committee, account reviewers consider the
client(s) current security positions and will contribute to investment objectives and
guidelines.
Cypress clients receive periodic communications on at least a quarterly basis. The written
updates may include a portfolio appraisal, performance report, and market commentary.
17
Item 14 - Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Cypress is a third-party advisor to brokerage firms and a trust company. Cypress is
compensated by a portion of the advisory fee negotiated with the brokerage company
and the trust company.
Cypress does not compensate others for referrals.
18
Item 15 - Custody
Account Statements
All assets are held at qualified custodians, and as such, the custodians provide trade
confirmations, as the trades occur and account statements directly to clients at their
address of record at least quarterly.
Performance Reports
Cypress may provide performance reporting to its clients, but is not obligated to do so.
Any reports provided by Cypress should be considered as additional information
provided to the client and not as a substitute for the information provided by the
respective custodian(s). The information provided by the custodian(s), such as trade
confirmation or account statements should be considered as the over-riding documents
should there be discrepancies between those documents and information provided by
Cypress
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Item 16 - Investment Discretion
Discretionary Authority for Trading
Cypress accepts discretionary authority to manage securities accounts on behalf of
clients. Cypress has the authority to determine, without obtaining specific client consent,
the securities to be bought or sold, and the amount of the securities to be bought or sold.
Cypress may also accept client accounts in which it is not given this discretion. In such
instances, Cypress will consult with the client prior to each trade.
The client approves the custodian to be used and the commission rates paid to the
custodian. Cypress does not receive any portion of the transaction fees or commissions
paid by the client to the custodian other than as described elsewhere in this brochure.
Limited Power of Attorney
A limited power of attorney is a trading authorization for this purpose. Each client that
gives Cypress discretion will be required to execute a limited power of attorney so that
Cypress may execute the trades without the client’s prior authorization. This limited
power of attorney does not permit Cypress to transfer either securities or money to or
from the client’s account. These actions require specific authorization from the client.
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Item 17 - Voting Client Securities
Proxy Votes
The Firm does not vote proxies with respect to proposals submitted for approval by
shareholders of companies whose shares are held in client portfolios and to encourage
clients to vote the proxies with a view to enhancing client awareness of the portfolio
composition.
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Item 18 - Financial Information
Financial Condition
A balance sheet is not required to be provided because Cypress does not serve as a
custodian for client funds or securities, and does not require prepayment of more than
$600 in fees per client, six months or more in advance.
The Firm does not have any financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair our
ability to meet contractual commitments to clients, and has not been the subject of a
bankruptcy petition at any time.
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