Overview
Assets Under Management: $139 million
Headquarters: ORLEANS, MA
High-Net-Worth Clients: 27
Average Client Assets: $4 million
Services Offered
Services: Portfolio Management for Individuals, Portfolio Management for Institutional Clients
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (MCINTYRE, FREEDMAN & FLYNN INVESTMENT ADVISERS, INC. (MARCH 2025))
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $200,000 | 2.00% |
| $200,001 | $1,000,000 | 1.00% |
| $1,000,001 | and above | Negotiable |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $12,000 | 1.20% |
| $5 million | Negotiable | Negotiable |
| $10 million | Negotiable | Negotiable |
| $50 million | Negotiable | Negotiable |
| $100 million | Negotiable | Negotiable |
Clients
Number of High-Net-Worth Clients: 27
Percentage of Firm Assets Belonging to High-Net-Worth Clients: 80.52
Average High-Net-Worth Client Assets: $4 million
Total Client Accounts: 120
Discretionary Accounts: 120
Regulatory Filings
CRD Number: 105522
Last Filing Date: 2024-03-27 00:00:00
Website: https://mcintyreinvestments.net
Form ADV Documents
Additional Brochure: MCINTYRE, FREEDMAN & FLYNN INVESTMENT ADVISERS, INC. (MARCH 2025) (2025-03-25)
View Document Text
McIntyre, Freedman & Flynn
Investment Advisers, Inc.
4 Main Street, P. O. Box 1689
Orleans, Massachusetts 02653
Tel: 508-255-1651
www.mcintyreinvestments.net
March 6, 2025
FORM ADV PART 2A - BROCHURE
This disclosure brochure provides clients with information about the qualifications and
business practices of McIntyre, Freedman & Flynn Investment Advisers, Inc., a registered
investment advisory firm. Please contact McIntyre, Freedman & Flynn Investment Advisers,
Inc. by telephone at (508) 255-1651 or email at info@mcintyreinvestments.net if you have any
questions about the contents of this disclosure brochure. The information in this disclosure
brochure has not been approved or verified by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
or any state securities authority. Registration does not imply that McIntyre, Freedman &
Flynn Investment Advisers, Inc. or any individual providing investment advisory services on
behalf of McIntyre, Freedman & Flynn Investment Advisers, Inc. possess a certain level of
skill or training.
Information on the disciplinary history and the registration of McIntyre, Freedman & Flynn
Investment Advisers, Inc. and its associated persons is available on the Internet at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov/IAPD/. You can search this site by a unique identifying number,
known as a CRD number. The CRD number for McIntyre, Freedman & Flynn Investment
Advisers, Inc. is 105522.
Item 2 – Material Changes
This item discusses specific material changes to the McIntyre, Freedman & Flynn
Investment Advisers, Inc. disclosure brochure.
Annual Update
The Material Changes section of this brochure will be updated annually or when material
changes occur since the previous release of the Firm’s Brochure.
Material Changes Since the Last Update
This update is in accordance with the required annual update for Registered Investment
Advisers.
Since the last filing on March 26, 2024, no material changes have occurred.
Item 3 – Table of Contents
Item 4 - Advisory Business ......................................................................................................... 1
Item 5 - Fees And Compensation .............................................................................................. 2
Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ..................................... 6
Item 7 - Types of Clients ............................................................................................................. 6
Item 8 - Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss .............................. 7
Item 9 - Disciplinary History ................................................................................................... 14
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 .............................................................................................. 166
Item 13 - Review Of Accounts ................................................................................................ 19
Item 14 - Client Referrals And Other Compensation .......................................................... 19
Item 15 - Custody ..................................................................................................................... 20
Item 16 - Investment Discretion ............................................................................................ 20
Item 17 - Voting Client Securities .......................................................................................... 20
Item 18 - Financial Information ............................................................................................. 21
Item 19 – Additional Information .......................................................................................... 21
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Item 4 - Advisory Business
A. The Company
McIntyre, Freedman & Flynn Investment Advisers, Inc. (“MFF” or the “firm”), a
Massachusetts corporation founded in 1986, is registered with the U.S. Securities and
Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The principal owner of MFF is Thomas McIntyre.
MFF is subject to a stringent overarching fiduciary duty that requires investment advisers to
act in the best interests of their clients and to place the interests of clients before their own.
“Best interest” is defined as acting with the care, skill, prudence, and diligence of a prudent
person acting in a like capacity, and considering the aims, investment objectives, risk
tolerance, financial circumstances and needs of the investor without regard to the financial
interest or other interest of the individual financial adviser or their firm.
Our experienced team is available during regular business hours to talk with you and answer
your questions. We are not a mega-sized firm. When you call our office, you will not need to
select options or wait for prompts – your call will be answered by a member of our staff.
B. Advisory Services
MFF has been providing investment advisory services to clients since 1986. MFF’s goal is to
provide individuals the high quality, fundamental investment services available to large
pension funds – but for accounts as small as $100,000.
MFF offers investment advisory services based on the individual goals, objectives, time
horizon, and risk tolerance of each client. MFF will provide ongoing investment management
and ongoing oversight of the client’s portfolio and overall account. MFF offers two investment
strategies: Growth Equity Strategy and Dividend Equity Strategy.
An individually managed account(s) will offer the flexibility to request tax loss or gain selling
and the ability to exercise control over the timing of distribution requests. Our investment
strategies allow clients the option to restrict an investment in an individual security or types
of securities. For example: pharmaceutical stocks may be restricted from the portfolio at the
client’s written request.
Investment advisory services will be provided on a discretionary basis. Clients will be required
to give MFF limited power of attorney at the custodian to manage the client's assets in
accordance with what MFF deems to be in the client's best interest based on the client’s
investment objectives and guidelines. Clients will retain individual ownership of all cash and
securities in their account.
C. Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions
MFF’s investment advisory services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. In
order to provide appropriately individualized services, MFF will work with each client to
obtain information regarding the client’s financial circumstances, investment objectives,
overall financial condition, income and tax status, personal and business assets, risk profile
and other information regarding the client’s financial and investment needs.
In order for MFF to provide effective investment management services, it is critical that clients
provide accurate and complete information to MFF and inform MFF anytime such information
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needs to be updated or anytime there is a change in their financial circumstances, investment
objectives and/or risk profile.
Generally, clients are permitted to impose reasonable restrictions on investing in certain
securities or types of securities in their advisory accounts, provided, however, that some
restrictions may not be accommodated when utilizing Exchange Traded Funds or mutual
funds. In addition, a restriction request may not be honored if it is fundamentally inconsistent
with MFF’s investment philosophy, runs counter to the client’s stated investment objectives,
or would prevent MFF from properly servicing client accounts. Whether clients will be able to
place reasonable restrictions on the types of investments that will be made on the client's
behalf is at the sole discretion of MFF.
D. Wrap Fee Programs
Under a wrap fee program, advisory services (which may include portfolio management or
advice concerning the selection of other investment advisers) and transaction services (e.g.,
execution of trades) are provided for one fee. These portfolio solutions are generally pre-
configured with limited flexibility. This is different from traditional investment management
programs, whereby services are provided for a fee, but transaction services are billed
separately on a per-transaction basis.
MFF does not offer clients the option of investing in a wrap-fee program.
E. Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, the total amount of client assets managed by MFF is approximately
$148,340,589. All assets are managed on a discretionary basis.
Item 5 - Fees And Compensation
A. Advisory Fees
The following sections detail the fee structure and compensation methodology for investment
advisory services. Each client shall sign an investment advisory agreement that details the
responsibilities of MFF and the client.
The annual fee for investment advisory services will be charged as a percentage of assets under
management according to the following tiered fee schedule:
Assets Under Management
Maximum Annual Fee (%)
First $200,000
2.00%
Next $300,000
1.00%
$500,000 and over
1.00%
Over $1,000,000
Negotiable
We reserve the right to discount or waive fees. (e.g. historical relationship,
related accounts, negotiations with clients, etc.).
Clients will be billed in advance at the beginning of each calendar quarter based upon the
value of the client’s account as of the last trading day of the calendar quarter.
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The investment advisory fee is pro-rated for periods less than a full billing cycle (based upon
the number of calendar days in the calendar quarter that the investment management
agreement was effective). Details of the investment advisory fee charged are more fully
described in the advisory agreement entered into with each client.
B. Payment Methods
Each quarter, MFF will notify the client’s qualified custodian of the amount of the investment
advisory fee due and payable to MFF pursuant to the firm’s fee schedule and advisory
agreement. The qualified custodian will not validate or check MFF’s fees, its corresponding
calculation, or the assets on which the fee is based unless the client has retained their services
to do so. With the client’s pre-approval, the qualified custodian will “deduct” the fee from the
client’s account or, if the client has more than one account, from the account the client has
designated to pay MFF’s advisory fees. Clients will be provided with a statement, at least
quarterly, from the custodian reflecting deduction of the applicable fee. It is the responsibility
of the client to verify the accuracy of these fees as listed on the custodian’s brokerage statement
as the custodian does not assume this responsibility.
C. Additional Information
Fees Only
MFF is compensated solely by fees paid by its clients and does not accept commissions or
compensation from any other source (e.g., mutual funds, insurance products or any other
investment product).
Fees Negotiable
MFF retains the right to modify fees in its sole and absolute discretion, on a client-by-client
basis. Factors considered include the complexity and nature of the advisory services provided,
anticipated amount of assets to be placed under management, anticipated future additional
assets, related accounts, portfolio style, and account composition. MFF may combine related
household accounts for fee calculation purposes.
Exchange Traded Funds
All fees paid to MFF for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from the
expenses charged by exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) to their shareholders, if applicable. These
fees and expenses are described in each ETF’s prospectus. These fees and expenses will
generally be used to pay management fees for the ETF, other ETF expenses, account
administration (e.g., custody, brokerage, and account reporting), and a possible distribution
fee. A client could invest in these securities directly, without the services of MFF, but would
not receive the services provided by MFF which are designed, among other things, to (i) assist
the client in determining which products or services are most appropriate to each client’s
financial situation and objectives and (ii) determining when such buying or selling is
appropriate. Accordingly, the client should review both the fees charged by the ETFs and the
fees charged by MFF to fully understand the total amount of fees to be paid by the client.
Miscellaneous Expenses
MFF’s investment advisory services fee with respect to each client account does not include
certain other charges and expenses, including (a) brokerage charges, which are paid on a
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transactional basis, (b) dealer mark-ups or mark-downs on securities purchased or sold for an
account through third-party dealers and (c) taxes. Please see Item 12 of this disclosure
brochure for detailed information about MFF’s brokerage practices.
Professional Fees
Fees do not include the services of any professionals engaged by a client and will be billed
directly by such professional(s).
Additions and Withdrawals
Clients may make additions to and withdrawals from their account at any time. Additions may
be in cash or securities provided that MFF reserves the right to liquidate any transferred
securities or decline to accept particular securities into a client’s account. MFF may consult
with its clients about the options and ramifications of transferring securities. However, clients
are advised that when transferred securities are liquidated, they are subject to transaction
fees, fees assessed at the mutual fund level (i.e., contingent deferred sales charge) and/or tax
ramifications. Clients may withdraw account assets on notice to MFF, subject to the usual and
customary securities settlement procedures. However, MFF designs its portfolios as long-term
investments, and the withdrawal of assets may impair the achievement of a client’s investment
objectives.
D. Termination and Refunds
A client has the right to terminate their investment advisory relationship with MFF for any
reason upon prior written notice to the MFF. If an account is terminated during a calendar
quarter, fees will be adjusted pro rata based upon the number of days in the calendar quarter
that the investment management agreement was effective. Upon termination of any account,
any prepaid, unearned fees will be refunded, and any earned, unpaid fees will be due and
payable. We will refund any unearned management fee on a pro-rata basis based on the date
we receive the termination letter. Refunds will normally be paid within 30 days of receipt of
the termination letter.
E. Additional Compensation
MFF does not buy or sell securities for itself and does not receive any compensation for
securities transactions in any client account, other than the investment advisory fees noted
above.
F. IRA Rollover Considerations
As part of our investment advisory services to you, we may recommend that you withdraw the
assets from your employer's retirement plan and roll the assets over to an individual
retirement account ("IRA") that we will manage on your behalf. If you elect to roll the assets
to an IRA that is subject to our management, we will charge you an asset-based fee as set forth
in the agreement you executed with our firm. This practice presents a conflict of interest
because persons providing investment advice on our behalf have an incentive to recommend a
rollover to you for the purpose of generating fee-based compensation rather than solely based
on your needs. You are under no obligation, contractually or otherwise, to complete the
rollover. Moreover, if you do complete the rollover, you are under no obligation to have the
assets in an IRA managed by our firm.
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Many employers permit former employees to keep their retirement assets in their company
plan. Also, current employees can sometimes move assets out of their company plan before
they retire or change jobs. In determining whether to complete the rollover to an IRA, and to
the extent the following options are available, you should consider the costs and benefits of
each.
An employee will typically have four options:
1. Leaving the funds in your employer's (former employer's) plan.
2. Moving the funds to a new employer's retirement plan.
3. Cashing out and taking a taxable distribution from the plan.
4. Rolling the funds into an IRA rollover account.
Each of these options has advantages and disadvantages and before making a change we
encourage you to speak with your CPA and/or tax attorney.
If you are considering rolling over your retirement funds to an IRA for us to manage here are
a few points to consider before you do so:
1. Determine whether the investment options in your employer's retirement plan address
your needs or whether you might want to consider other types of investments.
a) Employer retirement plans generally have a more limited investment menu than
IRAs.
b) Employer retirement plans may have unique investment options not available to
the public such as employer securities, or previously closed funds.
2. Your current plan may have lower fees than our fees.
a) If you are interested in investing only in mutual funds, you should understand
the cost structure of the share classes available in your employer's retirement
plan and how the costs of those share classes compare with those available in an
IRA.
b) You should understand the various products and services you might take
advantage of at an IRA provider and the potential costs of those products and
services.
3. Our strategy may have higher risk than the option(s) provided to you in your plan.
4. Your current plan may also offer financial advice.
5. If you keep your assets titled in a 401k or retirement account, you could potentially
delay your required minimum distribution beyond age 72.
6. Your 401k may offer more liability protection than a rollover IRA; each state may vary.
Generally, federal law protects assets in qualified plans from creditors. Since 2005,
IRA assets have been generally protected from creditors in bankruptcies. However,
there can be some exceptions to the general rules so you should consult with an
attorney if you are concerned about protecting your retirement plan assets from
creditors.
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7. You may be able to take out a loan on your 401k, but not from an IRA.
8. IRA assets can be accessed any time; however, distributions are subject to ordinary
income tax and may also be subject to a 10% early distribution penalty unless they
qualify for an exception such as disability, higher education expenses or the purchase
of a home.
9. If you own company stock in your plan, you may be able to liquidate those shares at a
lower capital gains tax rate.
10. Your plan may allow you to hire us as the manager and keep the assets titled in the
plan name.
It is important that you understand the differences between these types of accounts and to
decide whether a rollover is best for you.
Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
MFF does not charge performance-based fees (e.g., fees based on a share of capital gains on, or
capital appreciated of, the assets in a client’s account).
Item 7 - Types of Clients
A. Clients
MFF offers investment advisory services to individuals, high net worth individuals, pension
and profit-sharing plans, corporations, trusts, and estates.
B. Engaging the Services of MFF
All clients wishing to engage MFF for advisory services must enter into the applicable advisory
agreement with MFF as well as any other document or questionnaire provided by MFF. The
advisory agreement describes the services and responsibilities of MFF to the client. It also
outlines MFF’s advisory fees in detail. In addition, clients must complete certain broker-
dealer/custodial documentation. Upon completion of these documents, MFF will be considered
engaged by the client.
Each client engagement will entail a review of the client's investment goals, financial situation,
time horizon, tolerance for risk and other factors to develop an appropriate strategy for
managing a client's account. Client participation in this process, including full and accurate
disclosure of requested information, is essential for the analysis of a client's account. MFF
shall rely on the financial and other information provided by the client or their designees
without the duty or obligation to validate the accuracy and completeness of the provided
information. It is the responsibility of the client to inform MFF of any changes in financial
condition, goals or other factors that may affect this analysis.
C. Conditions for Managing Accounts
As a condition for starting and maintaining a relationship, MFF imposes a minimum portfolio
size of $100,000. MFF, in its sole discretion, may accept clients with smaller portfolios based
upon certain criteria including anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future
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additional assets, dollar amount of assets to be managed, related accounts, account
composition, pre-existing client, account retention, and pro bono activities. MFF will only
accept clients with less than the minimum portfolio size if, in the sole opinion of MFF, the
smaller portfolio size will not cause a substantial increase of investment risk beyond the
client’s identified risk tolerance. MFF may aggregate the portfolios of family members to meet
the minimum portfolio size.
Item 8 - Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
A. Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Methods of Analysis
MFF primarily conducts fundamental analysis when making investments in clients’ accounts
or investment recommendations to clients. Fundamental analysts study the overall economy
and industry conditions, the financial condition of a company, details regarding the company’s
product line, and the experience and expertise of the company’s management. The resulting
data informs a decision to buy, sell, or hold a security.
Sometimes MFF may choose to use ETFs instead of individual securities due to client
preference, to reduce transaction costs for accounts of smaller size, and to gain investment
exposure to different asset sub-classes or for tactical short-term investment decisions for any
account regardless of size. When selecting ETFs, MFF generally reviews such factors as,
expenses, tax efficiency, management, historical performance, portfolio investments, and
investment strategy.
Investment Strategies
MFF will use all or some of the following strategies in managing client accounts, provided that
such strategies are appropriate to the needs of the client and consistent with the client’s
investment objectives, risk tolerance and time horizons, among other considerations:
Growth Equity Strategy - A growth-style strategy with a goal of long-term capital
appreciation.
The objective of MFF’s Growth Equity Strategy is long-term capital appreciation. Well-
established, publicly traded equities are selected based on quality of management, financial
strength, competitive advantages, and future prospects. MFF’s Growth Equity Portfolio is
internationally diversified in established markets.
MFF structures an individual globally diverse portfolio that will typically contain between 20
and 35 large cap value and growth stocks.
Dividend Equity Strategy - This strategy emphasizes high dividend yield and total return,
with a goal of current income plus moderate capital appreciation.
MFF’s Dividend Equity Strategy is less volatile than the Growth Equity Strategy with a goal
of dividend income plus moderate capital appreciation and lower volatility than the general
market. MFF invests in stocks of high-grade, well-managed companies with dividend yields
that are generally higher than the current low-interest environment. The companies are
diversified throughout many industries including utilities, pharmaceuticals, construction,
consumer products, financials, chemicals, and telecommunications.
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A typical account using this strategy would hold up to 35 stocks of established companies that
pay current dividends and have the prospect to increase dividends in the future.
For both strategies, MFF constructs a separate, concentrated portfolio, holding positions based
on companies MFF thinks offer the best value at the time of the initial investment.
The benefit to both strategies is they allow us to purchase stocks MFF thinks are undervalued
and sell them if MFF believes their fundamentals or dividend and growth prospect has
changed.
Both strategies are normally 100% in equities, but MFF may invest client assets in other
assets such as ETFs. Turnover in a fully invested account is generally minimal, thus
reducing brokerage and transaction costs.
Sources of Information
Research and analysis from MFF are derived from numerous sources, including annual
reports, quarterly earnings reports, prospectuses, SEC filings, company news, financial and
economic news, ratings agencies, and third-party research.
Investing Involves Risk
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that each client should be prepared to bear. The
value of a client’s investment may be affected by one or more of the following risks, any of
which could cause a client’s portfolio return, the price of the portfolio’s shares or the portfolio’s
yield to fluctuate:
• Market Risk. The value of portfolio assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market
investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and
fluctuates. The value of
unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events that affect large
portions of the market.
•
Interest Rate Risk. Changes in interest rates will affect the value of a portfolio’s
investments in fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, the value of
investments in fixed-income securities tend to fall and this decrease in value may not
be offset by higher income from new investments. Interest rate risk is generally greater
for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations.
• Credit Risk. An issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or the counterparty to
a derivatives or other contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely payments
of interest or principal, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The issuer or guarantor
may default causing a loss of the full principal amount of a security. The degree of risk
for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. There is the possibility
that the credit rating of a fixed-income security may be downgraded after purchase,
which may adversely affect the value of the security. Investments in fixed-income
securities with lower ratings tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will
default or fail to meet its payment obligations.
• Allocation Risk. The allocation of investments among different asset classes may have
a significant effect on portfolio value when one of these asset classes is performing
more poorly than the others. As investments will be periodically reallocated, there will
be transaction costs which may be, over time, significant. In addition, there is a risk
that certain asset allocation decisions may not achieve the desired results and, as a
result, a client’s portfolio may incur significant losses.
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• Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk. A portfolio’s investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers may
involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more
widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political,
regulatory, or other factors.
• Emerging Markets Risk. Securities of companies in emerging markets may be more
volatile than those of companies in developed markets. By definition, markets,
economies and government institutions are generally less developed in emerging
market countries. Investment in securities of companies in emerging markets may
entail special risks relating to the potential for social, political, or economic instability
and the risks of expropriation, nationalization, or confiscation. Investors may also face
the imposition of restrictions on foreign investment or the repatriation of capital and
a lack of hedging instruments.
• Currency Risk. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the
value of a portfolio’s investments or reduce its returns.
• Derivatives Risk. Certain strategies involve the use of derivatives to create market
exposure. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price and leveraged so that small
changes may produce disproportionate losses for a client’s portfolio and may be subject
to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Because of
their complex nature, some derivatives may not perform as intended. As a result, a
portfolio may not realize the anticipated benefits from a derivative it holds, or it may
realize losses. Derivative transactions may create investment leverage, which may
increase a portfolio’s volatility and may require the portfolio to liquidate portfolio
securities when it may not be advantageous to do so.
• Capitalization Risk. Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be
more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in
small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies
have limited product lines, markets, or financial resources.
• Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to
purchase or sell, possibly preventing an investment manager from selling out of such
illiquid securities at an advantageous price. Derivatives and securities involving
substantial market and credit risk also tend to involve greater liquidity risk.
•
Issuer Specific Risk. The value of an equity security or debt obligation may decline in
response to developments affecting the specific issuer of the security or obligation, even
if the overall industry or economy is unaffected. These developments may comprise a
variety of factors, including, but not limited to, management issues or other corporate
disruption, political factors adversely affecting governmental issuers, a decline in
revenues or profitability, an increase in costs, or an adverse effect on the issuer’s
competitive position.
• 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.
• Concentrated Portfolios Risk. Certain investment strategies focus on particular asset
classes, countries, regions, industries, sectors, or types of investments. Concentrated
portfolios are an aggressive and highly volatile approach to trading and investing.
Concentrated portfolios hold fewer different stocks than a diversified portfolio and are
much more likely to experience sudden dramatic prices swings. In addition, the rise or
drop in price of any given holding is likely to have a larger impact on portfolio
performance than a more broadly diversified portfolio.
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• Legal or Legislative Risk. Legislative changes or court rulings may impact the value of
investments or the securities’ claim on the issuer’s assets and finances.
•
Infrastructure Risks. Infrastructure-related investments are subject to a number of
unique risks. These investments may be concentrated into a small number of projects,
resulting in a high degree of risk with respect to each project. Further, these
investments are often subject to foreign and emerging market risks.
• Socially Responsible Investing. Investments may focus on “low carbon” or other areas
of socially responsible investing. This investment category represents a relatively new
area of investment with a relatively limited performance track record. Due to the
consideration of non-monetary factors in investment decisions, these investments may
experience a lower rate of return. There may be a relatively limited number of
investments to consider in this investment category, and available investments may
be subject to increased competition.
• Large Investment Risks. Clients may collectively account for a large portion of the
assets in certain investments. A decision by many investors to buy or sell some or all
of a particular investment where clients hold a significant portion of that investment
may negatively impact the value of that the investment.
• Cybersecurity Risk. The information and technology systems of MFF and its affiliates,
as well as of key service providers, including third-party vendors, central agents,
exchanges, clearing houses, and other financial institutions (including the custodian),
are vulnerable to risks associated with a breach in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity is a
generic term used to describe the technology, processes and practices designed to
protect networks, systems, computers, programs and data from cyber-attacks and
hacking by other computer users, and to avoid the resulting damage and disruption of
hardware and software systems, loss, or corruption of data, and/or misappropriation
of confidential information. In general, cyber-attacks are deliberate, but unintentional
events may have similar effects. Cyber-attacks may cause losses to clients by
interfering with the processing of transactions, affecting the ability to calculate net
asset value or impeding or sabotaging trading. Clients may also incur substantial costs
as the result of a cybersecurity breach, including those associated with forensic
analysis of the origin and scope of the breach, increased, and upgraded cybersecurity,
identity theft, unauthorized use of proprietary information, litigation, and the
dissemination of confidential and proprietary information. Any such breach could
expose MFF to civil liability as well as regulatory inquiry and/or action. In addition,
clients could be exposed to additional losses as a result of unauthorized use of their
personal information. While MFF has established business continuity plans, incident
responses plans and systems designed to prevent cyber-attacks, there are inherent
limitations in such plans and systems, including the possibility that certain risks have
not been identified. Similar types of cybersecurity risks also are present for issuers of
securities in which MFF invests, which could result in material adverse consequences
for such issuers and may cause a client’s investment in such securities to lose value.
• Catastrophic Risks. MFF may be subject to the risk of loss arising from direct or
indirect exposure to a number of types of catastrophic events, including without
limitation (i) public health crises, including any outbreak of SARS, H1N1/09 influenza,
avian influenza, other coronavirus, Ebola or other existing or new epidemic diseases,
or the threat thereof; or (ii) other major events or disruptions, such as hurricanes,
earthquakes, tornadoes, fires, flooding and other natural disasters; acts of war or
terrorism, including cyberterrorism; or major or prolonged power outages or network
interruptions. The extent of the impact of any such catastrophe or other emergency on
MFF’s operational and financial performance will depend on many factors, including
the duration and scope of such emergency, the extent of any related travel advisories
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and restrictions, the impact on overall supply and demand, goods and services, investor
liquidity, consumer confidence and levels of economic activity, and the extent of its
disruption to important global, regional and local supply chains and economic markets,
all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted. In particular, to the extent
that any such event occurs and has a material effect on global financial markets or
specific markets in which MFF participates (or has a material effect on any locations
in which MFF operates or on any of their respective personnel) the risks of loss could
be substantial and could have a material adverse effect on the ability of MFF to fulfill
its investment objectives.
• Limitations of Disclosure. The foregoing list of risks does not purport to be a complete
enumeration or explanation of the risks involved in investing. As investment strategies
develop and change over time, clients may be subject to additional and different risk
factors. No assurance can be made that profits will be achieved or that substantial
losses will not be incurred.
B. Risks Associated with Investment Strategies and Methods of Analysis
Risks Associated with Investment Strategies
Long-Term Purchases
Using a long-term purchase strategy generally assumes the financial markets will go up in the
long-term which may not be the case. There is also the risk that the segment of the market
that you are invested in, or your particular investments will decrease in value even if the
overall financial markets advance. Purchasing investments long-term may create an
opportunity cost (e.g., “locking-up” assets that may be better utilized in the short-term in other
investments).
Short-Term Purchases
Using a short-term purchase strategy generally assumes that the performance of the financial
markets can be accurately predicted over the short-term. The risk associated with a short-term
purchase strategy is that there are many factors that may affect market performance in the
short-term including interest rate fluctuations, cyclical earnings, etc. Such factors may have a
smaller impact over the longer-term. In addition, short-term trading may incur a
disproportionately higher amount of transaction costs compared to long-term trading.
Option Writing
There are numerous risks associated with transactions in options on securities or securities
indexes and therefore, are not suitable for everyone. Option trading can be speculative in
nature and carry substantial risk of loss of principal. A decision as to whether, when and how
to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived
transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected
events. For example, as the writer of covered call options, the client forgoes, during the option’s
life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the underlying security or
the index above the sum of the option premium received and the exercise price of the call, but
has retained the risk of loss, minus the option premium received, should the price of the
underlying security decline. In the case of index options, the client incurs basis risk between
the performance of the underlying portfolio and the performance of the underlying index (e.g.,
the underlying portfolio may decline in value while the underlying index may increase in value,
resulting in a loss on the call option while the underlying portfolio declines as well).
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Risk Associated with Methods of Analysis
MFF’s securities analysis methods rely on the assumption that the companies whose securities
the firm purchases and sells, the rating agencies that review these securities, and other
publicly available sources of information about these securities, are providing accurate and
unbiased data. While MFF is alert to indications that data may be incorrect, there is always
the risk that MFF’s analysis may be compromised by inaccurate or misleading information.
Fundamental Analysis
Fundamental analysis, when used in isolation, has a number of risks:
•
Information obtained may be incorrect and the analysis may not provide an accurate
estimate of earnings, which may be the basis for a stock’s value.
•
If securities prices adjust rapidly to new information, utilizing fundamental analysis
may not result in favorable performance.
• The data used may be out of date.
•
It ignores the influence of random events such as oil spills, product defects being
exposed, and acts of God and so on.
•
It assumes that there is no monopolistic power over markets.
• The market may fail to reach expectations of perceived value.
C. Risks Associated with Specific Securities Utilized
Common Stocks
The major risks associated with investing in common stocks relate to the issuer’s
capitalization, quality of the issuer’s management, quality and cost of the issuer’s services, the
issuer’s ability to manage costs, efficiencies in the manufacturing or service delivery process,
management of litigation risk and the issuer’s ability to create shareholder value (i.e., increase
the value of the company’s stock price).
Preferred Stocks
Preferred stock dividends are generally fixed in advance. Unlike requirements to pay interest
on certain types of debt securities, the company that issues preferred stock may not be required
to pay a dividend and may stop paying the dividend at any time. Preferred stock may also be
subject to mandatory redemption provisions and an issuer may repurchase these securities at
prices that are below the price at which they were purchased by the investor. Under these
circumstances, a client account holding such preferred securities could lose money.
Fixed-Income Securities
Different forms of fixed-income instruments, such as bonds, money market funds, and
certificates of deposit may be affected by various forms of risk, including:
•
Interest Rate Risk. The risk that the value of the fixed-income holding will decrease
because of an increase in interest rates.
• Liquidity Risk. The inability to readily buy or sell an investment for a price close to
the true underlying value of the asset due to a lack of buyers or sellers. While certain
types of fixed-income securities are generally liquid (e.g., corporate bonds), there are
risks which may occur, such as when an issue trading in any given period does not
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readily support buys and sells at an efficient price. Conversely, when trading volume
is high, there is also the risk of not being able to purchase a particular issue at the
desired price.
• Credit Risk. The potential risk that an issuer would be unable to pay scheduled interest
or repay principal at maturity, sometimes referred to as “default risk.” Credit risk
may also occur when an issuer’s ability to make payments of principal and interest
when due is interrupted. This may result in a negative impact on all forms of debt
instruments.
• Reinvestment Risk. With declining interest rates, investors may have to reinvest
income or principal at a lower rate.
• Duration Risk. Duration is a measure of a bond’s volatility, expressed in years to be
repaid by its internal cash flow (interest payments). Bonds with longer durations carry
more risk and have higher price volatility than bonds with shorter durations.
Commercial Paper and Certificates of Deposit
Commercial Paper and Certificates of Deposit are generally considered safe instruments,
although they are subject to the level of general interest rates, the credit quality of the issuing
bank and the length of maturity. With respect to certificates of deposit, depending on the
length of maturity, there can be prepayment penalties if the client needs to convert the
certificate of deposit to cash prior to maturity.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
An ETF holds a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index.
Shares of ETFs are listed on securities exchanges and transacted at negotiated prices in the
secondary market. Generally, ETF shares trade at or near their most recent NAV, which is
generally calculated at least once daily for indexed-based ETFs and more frequently for
actively managed ETFs. However, certain inefficiencies may cause the shares to trade at a
premium or discount to their pro rata NAV.
ETFs are subject to risks similar to those of stocks. Investment returns will fluctuate and are
subject to market volatility, so that when shares are sold, they may be worth more or less than
their original cost. ETF shares are bought and sold at market price (not Net Asset Value) and
are not individually redeemed from the fund. There is also the risk that a manager may deviate
from the stated investment mandate or strategy of the ETF which could make the holdings
less suitable for a client’s portfolio. ETFs may also carry additional expenses based on their
share of operating expenses and certain brokerage fees, which may result in the potential
duplication of certain fees. In addition, while many ETFs are known for their potential tax
efficiency and higher “qualified dividend income” (QDI) percentages, there are assets classes
within these ETFs or holding periods that may not benefit. Shorter holding periods, as well as
commodities and currencies that may be part of an ETF’s portfolio, may be considered “non-
qualified” under certain tax code provisions.
There is also no guarantee that an active secondary market for such shares will develop or
continue to exist. Generally, an ETF only redeems shares when aggregated as creation units
(usually 50,000 shares or more). Therefore, if a liquid secondary market ceases to exist for
shares of a particular ETF, a shareholder may have no way to dispose of such shares.
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Real Estate Related Securities
Investing in real estate related securities includes, among others, the following risks: possible
declines in the value of real estate; risks related to general and local economic conditions,
including increases in the rate of inflation, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds,
overbuilding, extending vacancies of properties, increases in competition, property taxes and
operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, costs resulting from clean up of, and liability to
third-parties for damages resulting from, environmental problems, casualty and condemnation
losses, uninsured damages from floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters, limitations on
and variations in rents and changes in interest rates.
Investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) involves certain unique risks in addition
to those risks associated with investing in real estate in general. REITs are dependent upon
the skills of management, are not diversified and are subject to cash flow dependency, default
by borrowers and self-liquidation.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Investing in securities and
other investments involve a risk of loss that each client should understand and be
willing to bear. Clients are encouraged to discuss these risks with MFF’s investment
adviser representatives.
Item 9 - Disciplinary History
We are required to disclose any legal or disciplinary events that are material to a client’s or a
prospective client’s evaluation of the firm’s advisory business or the integrity of MMF’s
management. MMF has no legal or disciplinary events to disclose.
Item 10 - Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
A. Broker-Dealer Registration and Registered Representatives
MFF is not registered, nor does it have an application pending to register, as a broker-dealer.
No management person is registered, nor does any management person have an application
pending to register, as a registered representative of a broker-dealer.
B. Futures and Commodity Registration
MFF is not registered, nor does it have an application pending to register, as a futures
commission merchant, commodity pool operator or a commodity trading advisor. No
management person is registered, nor does any management person have an application
pending to register, as an associated person of a futures commission merchant, commodity pool
operator or a commodity trading advisor.
C. Financial Industry Affiliations
MFF does not have arrangements that are material to its advisory business or its clients with
a related person who is a broker-dealer, investment company, other investment advisor,
financial planning firm, commodity pool operator, commodity trading adviser or futures
commission merchant, banking or thrift institution, accounting firm, law firm, insurance
company or agency, pension consultant, real estate broker or dealer, or an entity that creates
or packages limited partnerships.
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D. Selection of Other Advisers
MFF does not utilize nor select third-party investment advisers.
Item 11 - Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading
A. Code of Ethics
MFF has adopted a Code of Ethics to prevent violations of the federal and state securities laws.
The Code of Ethics is predicated on the principle that MFF owes a fiduciary duty to its clients.
Accordingly, MFF expects all personnel to act with honesty, integrity, and professionalism and
to adhere to federal securities laws. All personnel are required to adhere to the Code of Ethics.
At all times, MFF and its personnel must (i) place client interests ahead of MFF’s; (ii) engage
in personal investing that is in full compliance with the MFF’s Code of Ethics; and (iii) avoid
taking advantage of their position. Clients and prospective clients may request a copy of MFF’s
Code of Ethics by contacting MFF at 508-255-1651.
B. Material Financial Interests
MFF does not recommend securities to clients in which MFF, or any related person, has a
material financial interest.
C. Investing in Same Securities as Clients
From time to time, representatives of MFF may buy or sell securities for themselves that they
also recommend to clients. This may provide an opportunity for representatives of MFF to buy
or sell the same securities before or after recommending the same securities to clients resulting
in representatives profiting off the recommendations they provide to clients. Such transactions
may create a conflict of interest. However, the size of personal trades in individual securities
or the types of investments that are likely to be transacted in would not have a practical impact
on prices in those securities. MFF will always document any transactions that could be
construed as conflicts of interest.
D. Engaging in Transactions at Same Time as Client
MFF and/or individuals associated with MFF may, at or about the same time, buy, sell, or hold
in their personal accounts the same securities that MFF recommends to its clients. To
minimize conflicts of interest, and to maintain the fiduciary responsibility MFF has for its
clients, MFF has established the following policy: An officer, manager, director, member, or
employee of MFF shall not buy or sell securities for a personal portfolio when the decision to
purchase is derived by reason of their association with MFF, unless the information is also
available to the investing public as a whole. No person associated with MFF shall prefer his or
her own interest to that of any client.
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Item 12 - Brokerage Practices
A. Broker Selection
MFF will generally recommend that clients utilize the brokerage and clearing services of
Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., a FINRA-registered broker-dealer, for investment management
accounts.
Effective October 1, 2019, Charles Schwab & Co. discontinued charging commissions for
equities, ETFs, and option trades completed for accounts for which Schwab provides
custodial services.
Best Execution
Best execution has been defined by the SEC as the “execution of securities transactions for
clients in such a manner that the client’s total cost or proceeds in each transaction is the most
favorable under the circumstances.” The best execution responsibility applies to the
circumstances of each particular transaction and an investment adviser must consider the full
range and quality of a broker-dealer’s services, including, among other things, execution
capability, commission rates, the value of any research, financial responsibility and
responsiveness.
In seeking best execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether
the transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full
range of a broker-dealer’s services, including among others, the value of research provided,
execution capability, commission rates, and responsiveness. Consistent with the foregoing,
while MFF will seek competitive rates, it may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible
commission rates for client transactions.
If the client requests MFF to arrange for the execution of securities brokerage transactions for
the client’s account, MFF shall direct such transactions through broker-dealers that MFF
reasonably believes will provide best execution. MFF shall periodically and systematically
review its policies and procedures regarding recommending broker-dealers to its client in light
of its duty to obtain best execution.
Broker Analysis
MFF evaluates a wide range of criteria in seeking the most favorable price and market for the
execution of transactions. These include the broker-dealer’s trading costs, efficiency of
execution and error resolution, financial strength and stability, capability, positioning and
distribution capabilities, information regarding the availability of securities, trading patterns,
statistical or factual information, opinion pertaining to trading and prior performance in
serving MFF.
Also in consideration is such broker-dealers’ provision or payment of the costs of research and
other investment management-related services (the provisional payment of such costs by
brokers are referred to as payment made by “soft dollars,” as further discussed in the
“Research/Soft Dollars Benefits” section immediately below). Accordingly, if MFF determines
in good faith that the amount of trading costs charged by a broker-dealer is reasonable in
relation to the value of the brokerage and research or investment management-related services
provided by such broker, the client may pay trading costs to such broker in an amount greater
than the amount another broker might charge.
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MFF’s President is responsible for continuously monitoring and evaluating the performance
and execution capabilities of brokers that transact orders for our client accounts to ensure
consistent quality executions. In addition, MFF periodically reviews its transaction costs
considering current market circumstances and other relevant information.
Research/Soft Dollar Benefits
MFF uses Charles Schwab & Co.'s (“Schwab”), Schwab Advisor Services. There is no direct
link between MFF’s use of Schwab Advisor Services and the investment advice it gives to its
clients, although MFF receives economic benefits through its participation in the program that
are typically not available to Schwab retail investors.
As a user of Schwab Advisor Services, Schwab makes available to MFF other products and
services that benefit MFF but may not benefit its clients’ accounts. Some of these other
products and services assist MFF in managing and administering clients’ accounts, including:
• Receipt of duplicate client confirmations and bundled duplicate statements;
• Access to a trading desk serving Schwab Advisor Services participants exclusively;
• Access to block trading which provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions
and then allocate the appropriate shares to client accounts;
• Ability to have investment advisory fees deducted directly from client accounts;
• Access, for a fee, to an electronic communication network for client order entry and
account information;
• Receipt of compliance publications; and
• Access to mutual funds which generally require significantly higher minimum initial
investments or are generally available only to institutional investors.
Schwab Advisor Services also makes available to MFF other services intended to help MFF
manage and further develop its business enterprise. These services may include consulting,
publications and conferences on practice management, information technology, business
succession, regulatory compliance, and marketing. In addition, Schwab Advisor Services may
make available, arrange and/or pay for these types of services rendered to MFF by independent
third parties.
Additional benefits received because of MFF’s use of Schwab Advisor Services may depend
upon the amount of transactions directed to, or amount of assets custodied by, Charles Schwab
& Co., Inc. MFF is required to maintain a minimum level of client assets with Schwab Advisor
Services to avoid a quarterly service fee. While as a fiduciary MFF endeavors to act in its
clients’ best interests, MFF’s recommendation that clients maintain their assets in accounts
at Schwab may be based in part on the benefit to MFF of the availability of some of the
foregoing products and services and not solely on the nature cost or quality of custody and
brokerage provided by Schwab which may create a conflict of interest.
Directed Brokerage
Company Directed Brokerage
MFF does not have the discretionary authority to determine the broker-dealer to be used. As
stated above, clients in need of brokerage will have Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.’s Schwab
Advisor Services recommended to them. While there is no direct linkage between the
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investment advice given and usage of Schwab Advisor Services, economic benefits are received
which would not be received if MFF did not give investment advice to clients (please see
additional disclosures in the “Research/Soft Dollars Benefits” section directly above). MFF does
not participate in any transaction fees or commissions paid to the broker dealer or custodian
and does not receive any fees or commissions for the opening or maintenance of client accounts
at recommended brokers.
Not all investment advisers require their clients to direct brokerage. MFF is required to
disclose that by directing brokerage, MFF may not be able to achieve most favorable execution
of client transactions and this practice may cost clients more money.
Client Directed Brokerage
Certain clients may direct MFF to use particular brokers for executing transactions in their
accounts. With regard to client directed brokerage, MFF is required to disclose that MFF may
be unable to negotiate commissions, block or batch orders or otherwise achieve the benefits
described above, including best execution. Directed brokerage commission rates may be higher
than the rates MFF might pay for transactions in non-directed accounts. Therefore, directing
brokerage may cost clients more money. MFF reserves the right to decline acceptance of any
client account that directs the use of a broker dealer if MFF believes that the broker-dealer
would adversely affect MFF’s fiduciary duty to the client and/or ability to effectively service
the client portfolio.
As a general rule, MFF encourages each client to compare the possible costs or disadvantages
of directed brokerage against the value of custodial or other services provided by the broker to
the client in exchange for the directed brokerage designation.
B. Trade Aggregation/Allocation
Investment Management
Transactions for each client generally will be made independently, unless MFF decides to
purchase or sell the same securities for several clients at approximately the same time. MFF
may (but is not obligated to) combine or “batch” such orders to:
• Obtain best execution;
• Negotiate more favorable commission rates; or
• Allocate equitably among MFF’s clients, differences in prices and commissions or other
transaction costs that might have been obtained had such orders been placed
independently.
Under this procedure, transactions will generally be averaged as to price and allocated among
MFF’s clients pro rata. In the event that MFF determines that a prorated allocation is not
appropriate under the particular circumstances, the allocation will be made based upon other
relevant factors, which may include:
• When only a small percentage of the order is executed, shares may be allocated to the
account with the smallest order or the smallest position or to an account that is out of
line with respect to security or sector weightings relative to other portfolios, with
similar mandates;
• Allocations may be given to one account when one account has limitations in its
investment guidelines which prohibit it from purchasing other securities which are
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expected to produce similar investment results and can be purchased by other
accounts;
•
If an account reaches an investment guideline limit and cannot participate in an
allocation, shares may be reallocated to other accounts (this may be due to unforeseen
changes in an account’s assets after an order is placed);
• With respect to sale allocations, allocations may be given to accounts low in cash;
•
In cases when a pro rata allocation of a potential execution would result in a de minimis
allocation in one or more accounts, MFF may exclude the account(s) from the
allocation; the transactions may be executed on a pro rata basis among the remaining
accounts; or
•
In cases where a small proportion of an order is executed in all accounts, shares may
be allocated to one or more accounts on a random basis.
Item 13 - Review Of Accounts
A. Periodic Reviews
Client holdings are reviewed daily relative to price, position size, fundamentals, and new
developments. While regular account reviews are conducted on at least an annual basis,
special reviews of client portfolios will occur in the event of a significant deposit or withdrawal
of cash or stock to/from a client’s account. All investment advisory clients are encouraged to
discuss their needs, goals, and objectives with MFF and to keep MFF informed of any changes
thereto.
The President of MFF conducts the review. A client may request an account evaluation at any
time.
B. Other Reviews
Reviews may be triggered by material market, economic or political events, cash inflow or
outflow to/from the portfolio, by changes in client's financial situations (such as retirement,
termination of employment, physical move, or inheritance) or by request of the client.
C. Regular Reports
MFF sends clients a written report regarding their account on a quarterly basis. In addition,
we provide periodic updates to clients relating to our thoughts about business and the
investment environment and comments about portfolio strategy and companies held in client
portfolios.
Item 14 - Client Referrals And Other Compensation
A. Economic Benefits
MFF does not receive any economic benefits such as sales awards or other prizes from any non-
client for providing investment advisory services to the firm’s clients.
As stated in Item 12 - Brokerage Practices - MFF uses Charles Schwab & Co.'s, Schwab Advisor
Services (“Schwab Advisor Services”). While there is no direct link between MFF’s use of
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Schwab Advisor Services and the investment advice it gives to its clients, MFF does receive
economic benefits through its participation in the Schwab Advisor Services program that are
typically not available to Schwab retail investors.
B. Client Referrals
Neither MFF nor any related person directly or indirectly compensates any person for client
referrals.
Item 15 - Custody
Custody of client assets will be maintained with the independent custodian selected by the
client. MFF will not have physical custody of any assets in the client’s account except as
permitted for direct deduction of advisory fees. Clients will be solely responsible for paying all
fees or charges of the custodian. Clients will authorize MFF to give the custodian instructions
for the purchase, sale, conversion, redemption, exchange or retention of any security, cash or
cash equivalent or other investment for the client’s account.
Clients will receive directly from the custodian at least quarterly a statement showing all
transactions occurring in the client’s account during the period covered by the account
statement, and the funds, securities, and other property in the client’s account at the end of
the period. The account statement will also indicate the amount of advisory fees deducted from
the client’s account(s) for each billing period.
Clients are urged to carefully review statements received from the custodian to ensure the
accurate reporting of such information.
As stated in Item 5, investment advisory services fees can be automatically deducted from the
client’s account by the client’s custodian (the “Custodian”) quarterly in advance (as set forth
in the client’s investment advisory agreement).
Item 16 - Investment Discretion
For those client accounts over which MFF has discretion, MFF requests that it be provided
with written authority (e.g., limited power of attorney contained in MFF’s advisory agreement)
to determine the types and amounts of securities that are bought or sold. MFF’s authority in
making investment related decisions may be limited by account guidelines, investment
objectives and trading restrictions, as agreed between MFF and the client. Any limitations on
MFF’s discretionary authority shall be included in this written authority statement. Clients
may change or amend these limitations as required. All such amendments are required to be
submitted in writing.
Item 17 - Voting Client Securities
Proxy Voting
MFF does not vote proxies on behalf of its clients. Therefore, although MFF may provide
discretionary investment advisory services relative to client investment assets, it is the client
that maintains exclusive responsibility for directing the manner in which proxies solicited by
issuers of securities beneficially owned by the client shall be voted. MFF will, however make
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elections relative to any mergers, acquisitions, tender offers, bankruptcy proceeding or other
type events pertaining to the client’s investment assets. MFF and/or the client shall
correspondingly instruct each custodian of the assets to forward (i) to the client, copies of all
proxies and (ii) to MFF, shareholder communications relating to the client’s investment assets.
Clients can contact MFF about a particular solicitation by calling MFF at 508-255-1651.
Legal Proceedings
Although MFF may have discretion over client accounts, MFF will not be responsible for
handling client claims in class action lawsuits, bankruptcies or similar settlements involving
securities owned by the client. Clients will receive the paperwork for such claims directly from
their account custodians. Each client should verify with their custodian or other account
administrator whether such claims are being made on the client’s behalf by the custodian or if
the client is expected to file such claims directly.
Item 18 - Financial Information
A. Prepayment of Fees
Because MFF does not require or accept prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees six months
or more in advance, MFF is not required to include a balance sheet with this disclosure
brochure.
B. Financial Condition
MFF does not have any adverse financial conditions to disclose.
C. Bankruptcy
MFF has never been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
Item 19 – Additional Information
A. Privacy Notice
MFF views protecting its clients' private information as a top priority and has instituted
policies and procedures to ensure that client information is private and secure. MFF does not
disclose any nonpublic personal information about its clients or former clients to any
nonaffiliated third parties, except as permitted or required by law. In the course of servicing a
client's account, MFF may share some information with its service providers, such as transfer
agents, custodians, broker-dealers, accountants, and lawyers, etc. MFF restricts internal
access to nonpublic personal information about the client to those persons who need access to
that information in order to provide services to the client and to perform administrative
functions for MFF. As emphasized above, it has always been and will always be MFF’s policy
never to sell information about current or former clients or their accounts to anyone. It is also
MFF’s policy not to share information unless required to process a transaction, at the request
of a client, or as required by law. For the full text of the MFF’s Privacy Policy please contact
MFF at 508-255-1651.
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B. Business Continuity Plan
MFF has a written Business Continuity Plan (“BCP). The BCP attempts to prepare for
business disruptions of varying severity and scope. Although it is impossible to anticipate
every scenario, the plan strives to enable MFF to resume doing business even after the
occurrence of events that are most likely to affect business operations.
MFF’s policy is to respond to a significant business disruption by safeguarding employee lives
and firm property, making a financial and operational assessment, quickly recovering, and
resuming operations, and protecting all the firm’s books and records.
Alternate offices are identified to support ongoing operations in the event the main office is
unavailable. MFF’s intention is to contact all clients within five days of a disaster that dictates
moving our office to an alternate location.
C. Conflicts of Interest
MFF has reasonably disclosed all material conflicts of interest pertaining to its advisory
business and associated persons in this Form ADV Part 2A.
D. Requests for Additional Information
Clients may contact MFF at 508-255-1651 to request additional information or to submit a
complaint. Written complaints should be sent to McIntyre, Freedman & Flynn Investment
Advisers, Inc., 4 Main Street, P. O. Box 1689, Orleans, Massachusetts 02653.