Overview
- Headquarters
- Stamford, CT
- Total Firm Assets
- $5.0 billion
- Average High-Net-Worth Client Portfolio Size
- $2.6 million
- Minimum Account Size
- $1,000,000
Recent Rankings
Forbes 2025: 45
Forbes 2024: 52
Barron's 2025:
32
Barron's 2024:
87
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (KOVITZ FORM ADV PART 2A - AUGUST 2025)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | and above | 1.00% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $10,000 | 1.00% |
| $5 million | $50,000 | 1.00% |
| $10 million | $100,000 | 1.00% |
| $50 million | $500,000 | 1.00% |
| $100 million | $1,000,000 | 1.00% |
Clients
- High-Net-Worth Share of Firm Assets
- 64.08%
- Number of High-Net-Worth Clients
- 1,209
- Total Client Accounts
- 7,122
- Discretionary Accounts
- 7,122
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals, Portfolio Management for Institutional Clients, Investment Advisor Selection
Regulatory Filings
- SEC CRD Number
- 282241
Additional Brochure: NORTHCOAST ASSET MANAGEMENT ADV PART 2A (2026-07-30)
View Document Text
NorthCoast Asset Management
Disclosure Brochure
FORM ADV PART 2A
BROCHURE
NORTHCOAST ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC
400 Atlantic Street, 6th Floor
Stamford, CT 06901
203-532-7000
Item 1 – Cover Page
July 30, 2026
This Form ADV Part 2A brochure (“Brochure”) provides information about the qualifications,
business practices and nature of advisory services of NorthCoast Asset Management LLC. If you
have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at 203-532-7000. 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.
information about our
firm also
is available on
the SEC’s website at
Additional
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
You should be aware that NorthCoast Asset Management LLC (“NorthCoast”) is registered as a
Registered Investment Adviser with the SEC. Registration does not imply that an investment adviser
has reached a certain level of skill or training.
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Item 2 – Material Changes
This section discusses only specific material changes that are made to this Brochure since the
Amendment to the Brochure dated March 31, 2025. It does not describe other modifications to this
Brochure, such as stylistic changes or clarifications.
NorthCoast Asset Management joined Kovitz Investment Group Partners, LLC (“Kovitz”) on June
1, 2024. From June 1, 2024 through December 31, 2025, it conducted business as a DBA of Kovitz.
As of January 1, 2026, the name of the registered investment adviser was changed from Kovitz
Investment Group Partners, LLC to NorthCoast Asset Management LLC. At the same time as the
name change, a large portion of the employees and assets of Kovitz moved to another registered
investment adviser. The remaining employees and assets will comprise the NorthCoast Asset
Management LLC entity.
The below updates have been made to this ADV Part 2 A Brochure as of July 30th, 2026:
Due to recent DOL Announcement, Item 4 was updated to remove language related to IRA and
Retirement Plan Clients regarding Title I.
Item 14 has been updated to include language regarding compensation from third parties for client
referrals or marketing services.
Clients are encouraged to review the Brochure in its entirety.
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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 – Investment Advisory Business ....................................................................................................4
Item 5 – Fees and Compensation ...............................................................................................................6
Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ...........................................................8
Item 7 – Types of Clients ...........................................................................................................................8
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ....................................................8
Item 9 – Disciplinary Information ...........................................................................................................26
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ................................................................26
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation in Client Transactions and PersonalTrading ............................30
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices .................................................................................................................31
Item 13 – Review of Accounts .................................................................................................................31
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation ...............................................................................32
Item 15 – Custody ....................................................................................................................................36
Item 16 – Investment Discretion ..............................................................................................................36
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities ...........................................................................................................36
Item 18 – Financial Information ..............................................................................................................37
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Item 4 – Investment Advisory Business
NorthCoast Asset Management LLC (“NorthCoast” or the “Firm”) is an SEC registered investment
adviser. NorthCoast’s registration as an investment adviser does not imply a certain level of skill
or training.
The oral and written communications that the Firm provides to you, including this Brochure, is
information that you should use in your decision to hire the Firm or continue a professional
relationship with the Firm.
NorthCoast is part of the Focus Financial Partners, LLC (“Focus LLC”) partnership. Specifically,
NorthCoast is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Focus LLC. Focus Financial Partners Inc. is
the sole managing member of Focus LLC. Ultimate governance of Focus LLC is conducted through
the board of directors at Ferdinand FFP Ultimate Holdings, LP. Focus LLC is majority-owned,
indirectly and collectively, by investment vehicles affiliated with Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, LLC
(“CD&R”). Investment vehicles affiliated with Stone Point Capital LLC (“Stone Point”) are
indirect owners of Focus LLC. Because NorthCoast is an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of
Focus LLC, CD&R and Stone Point investment vehicles are indirect owners of NorthCoast.
Focus LLC also owns other registered investment advisers, broker-dealers, pension consultants,
insurance firms, business managers and other firms (the “Focus Partners”), most of which provide
wealth management, benefit consulting and investment consulting services to individuals, families,
employers, and institutions. Some Focus Partners also manage or advise limited partnerships,
private funds, or investment companies as disclosed on their respective Form ADVs.
As of December 31, 2025, NorthCoast has approximately $4.9 billion of regulatory assets under
management. This amount is specifically related to the assets managed by the NorthCoast team and
does not include the larger amount of Kovitz that transitioned to another registered investment adviser
as of January 1, 2026.
We offer clients the option of obtaining certain financial solutions from unaffiliated third-party
financial institutions through UPTIQ Treasury & Credit Solutions, LLC (together with UPTIQ, Inc.
and its affiliates, “UPTIQ”). Please see Items 5 and 10 for a fuller discussion of these services and
other important information.
We help our clients obtain certain insurance solutions by introducing clients to our affiliate, Focus
Risk Solutions, LLC (“FRS”), a wholly owned subsidiary of our parent company, Focus Financial
Partners, LLC. Please see Items 5 and 10 for a fuller discussion of these services and other
important information.
NorthCoast helps clients reach their investment goals. Whether the client is a high net worth
individual looking for a long-term financial plan, or an institutional client interested in a particular
set of strategy risk/return attributes, NorthCoast provides portfolio management services via
separately managed accounts.
As a fiduciary, we have duties of care and of loyalty to you and are subject to obligations imposed
on us by the federal and state securities laws. As a result, you have certain rights that you cannot
waive or limit by contract. Nothing in our agreement with you should be interpreted as a limitation
of our obligations under the federal and state securities laws or as a waiver of any unwaivable rights
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you possess.
NorthCoast has subadvisory agreements with certain affiliates to offer access to certain of its
strategies. Affiliates who choose to utilize NorthCoast strategies will take the appropriate steps to
determine that the sub-advisor relationship is in the best interest of the client. Affiliates are under
no obligation to use NorthCoast strategies.
Our philosophy driving this service model is that a thoroughly researched and systematic
investment process grounded in common sense will outperform over time. NorthCoast specializes in
quantitative analysis and systematic investing. Through our research, we have discovered that
securities and markets reward certain factors and penalize others. To capitalize on these
observations, we implement market exposure and security selection models based on the same
fundamental rationales. These continue to be validated by thorough research, then implemented
daily as part of our investment process.
BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
NorthCoast has a business arrangement with the following companies. These companies are indirect,
wholly owned subsidiaries of Focus LLC. The arrangement allows these companies to hire
NorthCoast as sub-advisor for their client accounts. NorthCoast is an affiliate of these companies by
virtue of being under common control. Please see Items 5, 10 and 14 of this Brochure for further
details.
• Cardinal Point Capital Management, ULC (“Cardinal Point”)
• Badgley Phelps Wealth Managers, LLC (“Badgley Phelps”)
• Cornerstone Wealth Group, LLC (“Cornerstone”)
• Focus Partners Wealth, LLC (“FPW”)
• Coastal Bridge Advisors, LLC (“Coastal Bridge”)
NorthCoast has a business arrangement with the following companies. These companies are indirect,
wholly owned subsidiaries of Focus LLC. The arrangement allows for certain client of NorthCoast
to invest in certain private investment vehicles managed by these companies. NorthCoast is an
affiliate of these companies by virtue of being under common control. Please see Items 5, 10, 11 and
14 of this Brochure for further details.
• Origin Investments Group, LLC (“OIG”)
• Origin Credit Advisers, LLC (“OCA”)
• SCS Capital Management LLC (“SCS”)
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Item 5 – Fees and Compensation
Compensation and fees for individually managed accounts
Our compensation for individually managed accounts is specified in our agreement with the
relevant client. We charge fixed rate fees that we determine on a case-by-case basis after taking
into account a variety of factors, such as the amount of client assets we have agreed to manage, and
the variety and complexity of the services we are providing Legacy clients pay the asset-based
strategy fee that is specified in their client agreements with us. Our fees are potentially subject to
negotiation.
General Compensation Provisions
Generally, NorthCoast charges management fees on a quarterly basis in arrears as provided in the
investment advisory agreement. The fees are based on the net assets in the client's account as of the
last business day of each calendar quarter. For purposes of calculating each such management fee,
the net assets in a client's account are determined before reduction of the management fee and
accruedor payable as of the calculation date and before any additions or withdrawals. Cash, accrued
interest and the value of securities purchased on margin are included for billing purposes, unless
the Firm determines otherwise, in its discretion.
If a client withdraws all or part of its funds under management, or the agreement with us is
terminated on any other date than the last business day of a calendar month or quarter, that client
will be charged a management fee which will be prorated. The proration will be based on (a) the
number of days in the calendar month or quarter through the date of termination to (b) the total
number of days in the calendar month or quarter.
If a client enters into an agreement with us mid-quarter, that client will be charged a management
fee which will be prorated. The proration will be based on (a) the number of days remaining in the
calendar month or quarter to (b) the total number of days in the calendar month or quarter.
For certain legacy clients, we charge asset-based strategy fees. We charge a higher rate for client
assets invested in some strategies than we do for others. Charging a different rate for client
investments based on the strategy the client is invested in gives us an incentive to allocate client
assets to strategies where we receive higher fees. We mitigate this conflict by disclosing it to you
and by adhering to our duty to recommend strategies that are in the best interests of our clients. In
addition, we will not change the allocation of your portfolio to a strategy that increases your fees
without obtaining your consent.
NorthCoast also manages accounts that are part of “wrap fee” programs (in which the advisory fee
is inclusive of portfolio trading costs) sponsored by other brokerage or asset management firms
with whom NorthCoast has selling agreements or dual contracts. NorthCoast may opt to negotiate
lower fees in order to participate in these programs. NorthCoast does not sponsor its own wrap fee
program. If needed, NorthCoast has the ability to place orders with brokers or dealers other than the
wrap program’s sponsor (“trading away”). In these instances, brokers or dealers will impose mark-
ups/mark-downs on those orders that are charged to the client’s account within the execution price.
These are not included in the wrap fees paid by the client to the wrap program’s sponsor. This
would occur in rarecases in which the additional cost to the client remains consistent with
NorthCoast’s duty to seek best execution.
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NorthCoast bills on an “in arrears” basis. However, several brokerage firms offering our products
bill on a forward basis. They include UBS, Pershing, Raymond James, and Oppenheimer.
We offer clients the option of obtaining certain financial solutions from unaffiliated third-party
financial institutions through UPTIQ Treasury & Credit Solutions, LLC (together with UPTIQ, Inc.
and its affiliates, “UPTIQ”). Focus Financial Partners, LLC (“Focus”) is a minority investor in
UPTIQ, Inc. UPTIQ is compensated by sharing in the revenue earned by such third-party financial
institutions for serving our clients. The revenue paid to UPTIQ also benefits UPTIQ, Inc.’s
investors, including Focus, our parent company. When legally permissible, UPTIQ also shares a
portion of this earned revenue with our affiliate, Focus Solutions Holdings, LLC (“FSH”). For
securities-backed lines of credit (“SBLOCs”) made to our clients, UPTIQ will share with FSH up
to 75% of all revenue it receives from such third-party financial institutions. For other loans (except
residential mortgage loans) made to our clients, UPTIQ will share with FSH up to 25% of all
revenue it receives from such third-party financial institutions. For cash management products and
services provided to our clients, UPTIQ will share with FSH up to 33% of all revenue it receives
from the third-party financial institutions and other intermediaries that provide administrative and
settlement services in connection with this program. Although the amount of these revenue-sharing
payments to FSH is not charged directly in the calculation of the interest rate paid by clients on
credit solutions facilitated by UPTIQ or the yield earned by clients on cash management solutions
facilitated by UPTIQ, the compensation earned by UPTIQ is an expense of the third-party financial
institutions that informs the interest rate paid by clients on credit solutions and the yield earned by
clients on cash management solutions. FSH distributes this revenue to us when we are licensed to
receive such revenue (or when no such license is required) and the distribution is not otherwise
legally prohibited. Further information on this conflict of interest is available in Item 10 of this
Brochure.
We help our clients obtain certain insurance solutions by introducing clients to our affiliate, Focus
Risk Solutions, LLC (“FRS”), a wholly owned subsidiary of our parent company, Focus Financial
Partners, LLC. FRS assists our clients with regulated insurance sales activity by advising our
clients on insurance matters and placing insurance products for them and/or referring our clients to
certain third-party insurance brokers (the “Brokers”), with whom FRS has agreements, which either
separately or together with FRS place insurance products for them. If FRS places an insurance
product or refers one of our clients to a Broker and there is a subsequent purchase of insurance
through the Broker, then FRS will receive a portion of the upfront and/or ongoing commissions
associated with the sale by the insurance carrier with which the policy was placed. The amount of
revenue earned by FRS for the sale of these insurance products will vary over time in response to
market conditions and will also differ based on the type of insurance product sold and which Broker
placed the policy. The amount of insurance commission revenue earned by FRS is considered for
purposes of determining the amount of additional compensation that certain of our financial
professionals are entitled to receive. Additionally, in exchange for allowing certain of the Brokers
to participate in the FRS platform and, thereby, to offer their services to our clients and certain of
our affiliates’ clients, FRS receives periodic fees (the “Platform Fees”) from such Brokers. The
Platform Fees are expected to change over time. Such Platform Fees are revenue for FRS and,
ultimately, for our common parent company, Focus, but we do not share in such revenue. FRS also
indirectly benefits from our clients’ use of the services insofar as such use incentivizes the Brokers
to maintain their relationship with FRS and to continue paying Platform Fees to FRS, which could
also support increases in the overall amount of the Platform Fee rates in the future. Further
information on this conflict of interest is available in Item 10 of this Brochure.
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Disclosure Brochure
BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
NorthCoast does receive direct compensation from Cardinal Point, Cornerstone, FPW, Badgley
Phelps and Coastal Bridge, in connection with these firms hiring NorthCoast as sub-advisor to their
clients. The hiring of NorthCoast rather than to an unaffiliated investment adviser increases the
compensation to NorthCoast and the revenue to our common parent company, Focus LLC, relative
to a situation in which the referred clients take their business to an unaffiliated investment adviser.
As a consequence, the common parent company has a financial incentive to cause these firms to hire
NorthCoast as a sub-advisor.
NorthCoast does not receive direct compensation from OIG, OCA or SCS in connection with clients
investing in their private investment vehicles. These clients do pay an advisory fee to NorthCoast on
the assets placed in OIG, OCA and SCS’s private investment vehicles. NorthCoast’s clients are not
advisory clients of and do not pay advisory fees to OIG, OCA and SCS. However, our clients bear
the costs of OIG, OCA and SCS’s investment vehicle or vehicles in which they are invested, including
any management fees and performance fees payable to OIG, OCA and SCS.
The allocation of NorthCoast client assets to OIG, OCA and SCS’s private investment vehicles, rather
than to an unaffiliated private investment vehicle, increases OIG, OCA and SCS’s compensation and
the revenue to Focus LLC, and to NorthCoast, relative to a situation in which our clients are excluded
from OIG, OCA and SCS’s private investment vehicles or invested in an unaffiliated third party’s
private investment vehicles. As a consequence, Focus LLC and NorthCoast have a financial incentive
to cause us to recommend that our clients invest in OIG, OCA and SCS’s private investment vehicles.
Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
NorthCoast does not receive performance-based fees on client accounts.
Item 7 – Types of Clients
NorthCoast provides advisory services to individuals, investment companies, pension and profit-
sharing plans, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, corporations, limited liability companies,
general partnerships, and limited partnerships.
Item 8 – Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Investment Philosophy
We believe a thoroughly researched and systematic investment process rooted in common sense
will outperform over time. In our research, we have found that securities and markets reward certain
factors and punish others.
To capitalize on these factors, we employ market exposure models and security selection models
based on fundamental rationales. These rationales have been validated by thorough research and
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Disclosure Brochure
are implemented daily as part of our investment process. To maintain, refine and enhance our
competitive edge, we remain committed to a continuous and comprehensive research process.
Monitoring and Research
The investment process will be continuously monitored and augmented by a thorough,
quantitatively based research effort. NorthCoast’s proprietary market exposure models andsecurity
management models are updated daily with the latest data. Estimates of portfolio volatilityand
expected return are evaluated daily to confirm they are appropriately targeted. The InvestmentTeam
will confirm that risk factor and sector exposures are in line with risk budgets. Portfolio trading
will be initiated only when required to enhance the risk-return profile of the portfolio andonly after
expected transaction costs are considered.
NorthCoast believes that to deliver superior risk adjusted returns over the long term requires a long-
term information advantage. To maintain this edge, NorthCoast constantly engages in statistically
based research to find new sources of alpha, improve portfolio construction and enhance its ability
to forecast risk and return. Process enhancements are considered only after rigorous testing and
after all potential implementation impacts are thoroughly evaluated.
NorthCoast conducts extensive research, paying particular attention to past bear markets, in
developing our investment programs. However, NorthCoast can give no assurance that a particular
client’s account will achieve superior performance relative to other stock portfolios or indices.
Aggregation and Allocation of Trades
In nearly all cases, NorthCoast aggregates client orders for the purchase or sale of the same
securities at the same broker-dealer. NorthCoast will generally follow the guidelines set forth below
in aggregating client orders for securities at the same broker-dealer:
• no investment advisory client will be favored over any other investment
advisory client other than as permitted under the Aggregation and Allocation
Policy;
•
•
• each client that participates in an aggregated order will participate at the
average share price for all NorthCoast’s transactions in that security at that
client’s broker on a given business day. Transaction costs will be based on
each client's participation in theaggregated order;
if the aggregated order is filled in its entirety, it will be allocated among clients
in accordance with the NorthCoast’s standard order aggregation method;
if the aggregated order is partially filled, it will be allocated among clients on
a pro rata basis;
Notwithstanding the foregoing, an aggregated order may be allocated following execution on a
basis different from that specified in NorthCoast’s standard order aggregation method.
Reasons for allocation on a basis different from that specified in the NorthCoast’s standard order
aggregation method may include: available cash; liquidity requirements; legal regulatory reasons,
client restrictions, timing; or if the custodian offers asset-based pricing.
In some cases, NorthCoast may make purchases and sales in the same security on the same day.
This may occur when a) multiple strategies are holding the same security and a specific strategy is
rebalancing, b) an individual account is onboarding or liquidating. Generally, whole strategy
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changes will follow the process outlined above whereas trades in individual accounts for the
purposes of onboarding or liquidation will occur as soon as feasible.
Investment Process
NorthCoast will seek to exploit uncorrelated market inefficiencies by employing rigorous
quantitative models based on fundamental investment insights and statistical analysis.
NorthCoast is committed to risk management and uses a combination of risk management
techniques: sector/region exposures, security specific risk, market risk, multifactor risk model. This
last model enables NorthCoast to forecast how the portfolio will react to changes inmacroeconomic
factors. This information allows the Investment Team to balance the exposure ofone security against
the exposure of another and to maintain statistically acceptable risk exposures.
Individual transaction cost estimates are taken into account. This enables NorthCoast to more
accurately manage the expected risk-return profile of the strategies while appropriately considering
liquidity costs in portfolio construction.
Investment Strategies
Description
NorthCoast offers a broad suite of investment strategies designed to meet a diverse range of investor
goals. From income to growth to alternative solutions, our dedicated advisory team workswith each
client to construct a portfolio that matches their profile, objectives and approach.
Our investment solutions can be divided into six broad categories covering the spectrum of
investment styles: Strategic Asset Allocation, Equity, Income, Dynamic Asset Allocation, Options
Strategies, and Alternatives.
Strategic Asset Allocation
Balanced
The Balanced Strategy is an approach with the goal of generating long-term growth
and income by allocating approximately 50% to stocks and 50% to bonds.
Global
Diversified
Balanced
Global Diversified Balanced is a moderately tactical investment strategy designed
to produce a balanced approach to growth and income. The strategy invests in a
diversified basket of global ETFs (global equities, global bonds, real estate,
alternative investments, and cash equivalents) with a balanced objective of capital
appreciation and income generation.
Strategic Growth is a moderately aggressive approach to producing long-term
capital appreciation by allocating approximately 70% to stocks and 30% to bonds.
Strategic
Growth
Global
Diversified
Growth
Global Diversified Growth is a moderately tactical investment strategy designed to
producelong-term capital appreciation. The strategy invests in a diversified basket
of globalETFs (global equities, global bonds, real estate, alternative investments,
and cash equivalents) with a primary objective of capital appreciation and secondary
objectiveof income generation.
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Aggressive Growth is a higher risk approach to producing long-term capital
appreciation by allocating approximately 90% to stocks and 10% to bonds.
Aggressive
Growth
Cash Alternative
Cash Alternative seeks to enhance returns on idle cash by investing in short-term
and ultra short-term fixed income instruments, generating yield while preserving
high liquidity.
Equity
Large-Cap
Core
Large-Cap Core is a long-term growth strategy focused on capital appreciation. In
combination with a proprietary stock-scoring system, the strategy seeks stocks
traditionally known as “blue-chips.” Blue chip companies are typically large,
commonly known, financially sound, and have operated for many years. They tend
to meet an economic need, boast a strong competitive advantageand have a long
history of profitability.
Large-Cap Core:
Values
Large Cap Core: Values is a socially responsible long-term growth strategy focused
on long-term capital appreciation and tax-efficient portfolio management. Values-
based investing avoids industries with generally negative impacts on society and
seeks out companies that are pioneering in environmental, social and corporate
governance operations. The strategy incorporates restrictions on certain industries
applied to our proprietary market outlook and stock scoring models.
in growth-oriented,
large-cap companies. These are
Large-Cap
Growth
Large-Cap Growth is a long-term growth strategy focused on capital appreciation.
The goal is to generate significant capital appreciation over the long term by
investing
typically
organizations with a market capitalization of over $10 billion that exhibit a potential
for high earnings growth, above their peers, and display sustainable competitive
advantages.
Large-
Cap Value
Large-Cap Value is a strategic long-term value strategy focused on capital
appreciation. The strategy aims to maintain a full investment in equity securities.
The program is derived from the investment philosophies of three of the top
professional money managers in history: Benjamin Graham, John Neff, and Joel
Greenblatt. This approach is coupled with a proprietary stock scoring system
designed to build a comprehensive value portfolio.
All-Cap
Core
All-Cap Core is a strategic long-term growth strategy focused on capital appreciation.
Utilizing a proprietary stock scoring system, the strategy seeks stockswith “growth-at-
a- reasonable-price,” a style known as GARP. The strategy is grounded in its long-
term growth objective and remains fully invested in equities throughout market
cycles. The program actively searches for stocks that show consistent earnings growth
above broad market levels while exhibiting attractive valuations and entry points.
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Global Country
Select
Global Country Select is an actively managed investment strategy designed to
generate long-term growth. The strategy utilizes a proprietary scoring and selection
process to actively allocate across global country ETFs. The strategy invests in
countries with higher risk-adjusted return potential and reduces or eliminates
exposure to countries with lower risk-adjusted return potential.
SectorSelect
Sector Select is an actively managed investment strategy designed to generatelong-
term growth. The strategy utilizes a proprietary scoring and selection process to
actively allocate across U.S. sector ETFs. The strategy invests in sectors with higher
risk-adjusted return potential and reduces or eliminates exposure to sectors with lower
risk-adjusted return potential.
Dividend
Equity
Dividend Equity is a long-term, tax-efficient growth strategy that invests in
companies with a consistent dividend policy. The strategy is based on the belief that
these companies will continue to grow regardless of challenging market conditions.
Additionally, positions are managed using a proprietary stock scoring system, which
is designed to build a comprehensive portfolio
Income
Municipal
Income
Municipal Income is an ETF ladder strategy built with a diversified portfolio of state
and local bonds. These ETFs provide regular interest payments and distribute a final
payout at each ETF’s stated maturity date. At maturity, original principal and earned
interest are reinvested into the next ladder segment.
Treasury
Income
Treasury Income is an ETF ladder strategy built with a diversified portfolio of U.S.
Treasury Bonds. These ETFs provide regular interest payments and distribute a final
payout at each ETF’s stated maturity date. At maturity, original principal and earned
interest are reinvested into the next ladder segment.
Core Fixed
Income
Core Fixed Income is a long-term income generation strategy focused on capital
preservation by managing principal risk. Core Fixed Income invests in a diversified
basket of global ETFs across the income spectrum using U.S. bonds, global bonds,
corporate bonds, mortgages, and other asset classes. The portfolio seeks to produce
long-term returns above the bond aggregate market.
Dynamic
Income
Dynamic Income is a fully tactical investment strategy designed to produce income
while managing principal risk. The strategy invests in a diversified basket of global
ETFs across the income spectrum using U.S. bonds, international bonds, corporate
bonds, mortgages, and U.S. and international dividend equities. The strategy seeks a
target yield of inflation +2-3%, protection against rising interest rates & inflation with
real assets, potential for appreciation through growth assets, and downside protection
through a tactical allocation to yield sources with diversification benefits.
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Dynamic Asset Allocation
Dynamic Hedged
Equity
Dynamic Hedged Equity is a tactical, long-term growth strategy focused on
capital appreciation with a secondary objective of downside protection. The
strategy invests in leading growth stocks during favorable equityenvironments
and scales to cash to preserve gains when bear market risk is high.The strategy
adheres to a flexible investment mandate that allows for allocationshifts that
range between 0%-100% exposure to equities. Positions are managed
(purchased and liquidated) through a proprietary stock scoring system designed
to build a comprehensive growthportfolio.
Dynamic Hedged
International
Equity
Dynamic Hedged International Equityis a tactical, long-term growth strategy
focused on capital appreciation with a secondary objective of downside
protection. The strategy invests in leading international growthequities in the
form of American Depository Receipts (ADRs) and Exchange- Traded Funds
(ETFs) during favorable equity environments and scales to cashto preserve
gains when bear market risk is high. Positions are managed (purchased and
liquidated) through a proprietary security scoring system designed to build a
comprehensive growth portfolio.
Dynamic Hedged
Equity: SRI
Dynamic Hedged Equity: SRI is a socially responsible long-term tactical
growth strategy focused on capital appreciation. Socially responsible investing
(SRI) avoids industries with generally negative impacts on society and seeks out
companies that are pioneers in environmental, social and corporate governance
(ESG) operations. The strategy incorporates restrictions on these industries and
ESG analysis from a third party with proprietary market outlook and stock
scoring models. It invests in leading growth stocks during favorable equity
environments and scales to cash to preserve gains when bear market risk is high.
Adhering to a flexible investment mandate allows for allocation shifts that range
between 0%-100% exposure to equities.
NorthCoast
Growth
NorthCoast Growth is a tactical, long-term growth strategy focused on capital
appreciation with a secondary objective of downside protection. The strategy
invests in leading growth stocks during favorable equity environments and scales
to cash to preserve gains when bear market risk is high. The strategy adheres to
a flexible investment mandate that allows for allocation shifts that range
between0%-100% exposure to equities. Positions are managed (purchased and
liquidated) through a proprietary stock scoring system designed to build a
comprehensive growth portfolio.
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Dynamic Hedged
Equity: Tax-
Managed
Dynamic Hedged Equity: Tax-Managed is a long-term tactical growth strategy
focused on capital appreciation with a mandate to reduce the impact of tax
consequences. The strategy invests in leading growth stocks during favorable
equity environments and scales to cash to preserve gains when bear market risk
is high. The strategy adheres to a flexible investment mandate that allows for
allocation shifts that range between 0%-100% exposure to equities. Positions are
managed (purchasedand liquidated) through a proprietary stock scoring system
with tax considerations designed to build a comprehensive growth portfolio.
Dynamic Hedged
Equity: Values
Dynamic Hedged Equity: Values is a long-term tactical growth strategy focused
on equal-weighted, tax-efficient capital appreciation with a mandate to restrict
specific holdings based on values investing The strategy invests in leading
growth stocks during favorable equity environments and scales to cash to
preserve gains when bear market riskis high. The strategy adheres to a flexible
investment mandate that allows for allocation shifts that range between 0%-
100% exposure to equities. Positions aremanaged (purchased and liquidated)
through a proprietary stock scoring systemwith values-based considerations
designed to build a comprehensive hedged/defensive equity portfolio.
Dynamic
Aggressive Equity
Dynamic Aggressive Equity is a hedged equity strategy focused on capital
appreciation. Invests in leading ETFs in favorable market environments.
Aggressively scales to cash to preserve gains when unfavorable market risk
moves higher. Positions are managed through a proprietary scoring system
designed to build a comprehensive portfolio.
Dynamic Asset
Allocation
Dynamic Asset Allocation is a fully tactical investment strategy designed to
generate long-term growth. The strategy invests in a diversified basket of
global ETFs across the asset class spectrum using global equities, global
bonds, real estate,alternative investments, and cash equivalents. The primary
objective is long- term capital appreciation with a secondary objective of
capital preservation.
SectorSelect
Hedged
Sector Select Hedged is a fully tactical investment strategy designed to generate
long-term growth with downside risk protection. The strategy utilizes a
proprietary scoring and selection process to actively allocate across U.S. sector
ETFs. The strategy invests in sectors with higher risk-adjusted return potential
and reduces or eliminates exposure to sectors with lower risk-adjusted return
potential while applying defensive cash scaling risk controls designed to reduce
volatility and mitigate significant loss.
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Options Strategies
Defined Outcome Strategies
Buffer 10
Designed to track the return of the S&P 500 Price Index (up to a predetermined cap)
whilebuffering Clients against a decline of approximately 10% of losses over the
Outcome Period, from -5% to -15%, before fees and expenses. Client is exposed to
loss approximately between 0% and -5%, and -15% and beyond.
Buffer 20
Designed to track the return of the S&P 500 Price Index (up to a predetermined cap)
whilebuffering Clients against a decline of approximately 20% of losses over the
Outcome Period, from -5% to -25%, before fees and expenses. Client is exposed to
loss approximately between 0% and -5%, and -25% and beyond.
Growth
If the S&P 500 Price Index return is negative for the outcome period, the strategy
is designed to track the S&P 500 Price Index before fees and expenses. If the S&P
500 PriceIndex return is positive for the outcome period, the strategy is designed to
return a multipleof the return of S&P 500 Price Index before fees and expenses.
Usually at 1.5 times. Outcome Period is approximately 2+ years.
Balanced
If the S&P 500 Price Index return is positive for the outcome period, the strategy is
designedto track the S&P 500 Price Index before fees and expenses. If the S&P 500
Price Index return is negative for the outcome period, the strategy is designed to
return a multiple of thereturn of S&P 500 Price Index before fees and expenses.
Usually at 0.7 times. Outcome Period is approximately 2+ years.
Accelerated
Upside
Accelerated Upside is designed to maintain the significant upside appreciation
potential of the position through the systematic purchase of call options against the
underlying stock position. The cost of the call options is financed through a
corresponding sale of call options against the underlying stock position, thereby
capping the maximum return.
Preservation
Upside Capped
Preservation Upside Capped is an S&P 500 participation strategy combined with
an option overlay with the goal to protect against downside loss and participate in
market upside to a variable capped percentage.
Preservation Upside Participation is an S&P 500 participation strategy combined
with an option overlay with the goal to protect against downside loss and participate
in market upside at a variable percentage of the S&P 500.
Preservation
Upside
Participation
Protection 10
Designed to track the return of the S&P 500 Price Index (up to a predetermined cap)
whileprotecting against any decline greater than 10% of S&P 500 price index at the
end of the Outcome Period, before fees and expenses. Outcome Period is
approximately 2+ years.
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Protection
High Yield
Designed to generate High Yield Income while protecting against any decline
greater than10% of the High Yield index at the end of the Outcome Period, before
fees and expenses. Outcome Period is approximately 1+ years.
Income &
Buy the Dip
10%
Designed to generate income and track the return of the S&P 500 Price Index below
a predetermined amount. Client is exposed to loss beyond the predetermined
amount. Predetermined amount is typically -10% and Outcome Period is
approximately 1+ quarter.
Income &
Buy the Dip
20%
Designed to generate income and track the return of the S&P 500 Price Index below
a predetermined amount. Client is exposed to loss beyond the predetermined
amount. Predetermined amount is typically -20% and Outcome Period is
approximately 1+ quarter.
Index Income
Index Income is a defined outcome options strategy designed to generate income
through dividends and option premiums on the S&P 500 to a cap of 10% over 1
year.
Option Overlays – Concentrated Stock and Portfolio Solutions
Proxy Hedge
Covered Call
Goal is to generate income (and maintain partial upside appreciation potential of
position) while reducing volatility exposure of an illiquid or otherwise difficult-to-
trade concentrated position by generating an independent investment return stream
through the systematic sale of call options against a substitute security or an index.
Proxy Hedge
Collar
Goal is to lower the ongoing volatility exposure of an illiquid or otherwise difficult-
to-trade concentrated position. This strategy will attempt to apply the income
generated through the sale of call options on a substitute security or index towards
the purchase of put options on the same substitute security or index on an ongoing
basis to provide partial protection against large declines in the value of the
concentrated position.
Designed to lower the ongoing volatility of a security or a basket of stocks and
provide partial protection against large declines in value.
Proxy Hedge
Put
Covered Call
Upside
Goal is to generate some income (and greater upside appreciation potential of the
position) while lowering overall volatility exposure of the concentrated position by
generating an independent investment return stream through the systematic sale of
call options against the underlying stock position.
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Goal is to maintain significant upside appreciation potential of the position through
the systematic purchase of call options against the underlying stock position. The
cost of the call options is financed through a corresponding sale of call options
against the underlying stock position, thereby capping the maximum return.
Covered Call
Accelerated
Upside
Goal is to generate income (and maintain partial upside appreciation potential of
position) while lowering overall volatility exposure of the concentrated position by
generating an independent investment return stream through the systematic sale of
call options against the underlying stock position.
Covered
Strategic Call
Liquidation
Covered Call
Accelerated
Liquidation
Goal is to generate income while lowering overall volatility exposure of the
concentrated position by generating an independent investment return stream
through the systematic sale of an at-the-money call option against the underlying
stock position. This strategy is expected to accelerate the timeframe for liquidating
the concentrated stock position.
Collar
Goal is to lower the ongoing volatility exposure of the concentrated stock position.
This strategy will attempt to apply the income generated through the sale of call
options on the concentrated equity position toward the purchase of put options on
the concentrated equity position on an ongoing basis in an attempt to provide partial
protection against large declines in the value of the concentrated stock position.
Protective Put
Protective Put is used to help protect against potential losses in a concentrated stock
position. The approach involves buying a put option while simultaneously holding
the concentrated stock position. By purchasing a put option, the client gains the
ability to sell the stock at the strike price, regardless of how much the stock’s price
may decline in the future.
Exchange Fund
Replication
Exchange Fund Replication is an options overlay strategy that helps a client
exchange single concentrated stock risk for market risk. This strategy helps protect
the existing concentrated position by purchasing put options and financing
downside protection by selling call options. The strategy also involves buying call
options on a market index to attempt to gain upside exposure and selling put options
on that index to help finance that upside exposure.
Alternatives
in U.S.
Premium
Equity Income
Premium Equity Income is a strategy designed to generate income through
large-cap stocks
investing
dividends and option premiums by
complemented with covered call liquidation options.
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Premium Overlay Income is a strategy designed to generate income through option
premiums by selling put options on select U.S. large-cap stocks.
Premium
Overlay Income
Tax-Exempt
Fixed Income
Tax-Exempt Fixed Income is an actively managed investment strategy designed to
maximize tax-exempt returns while prioritizing the safety of principal. This
approach emphasizes the use of core bonds as the stabilizing foundation of an
investment portfolio. To achieve optimal performance, the strategy focuses on
mitigating credit risk and minimizing sensitivity to interest rate fluctuations,
ensuring a balanced and secure investment environment.
Long/Short
Rotation
Long/Short Rotation is designed to generate returns with controlled volatility and a
tax-efficient long/short construction. The strategy pairs actively managed ETFs
with a hedged overlay, allocating across factor and thematic signals.
Private
Credit
Private Credit is an interval fund designed to generate income, with a secondary
objective of capital preservation, by investing primarily in a diversified portfolio of
U.S. middle-market private credit investments. Investments in the fund involve a
high degree of risk and are generally suitable only for long-term investors who can
tolerate limited liquidity and potential loss of capital.
Private
Equity
Private Equity is an interval fund designed to provide long-term capital
appreciation, with a secondary objective of income, by investing primarily in a
diversified portfolio of private equity and equity-related investments. Investments
in the strategy involve substantial risks, and are generally suitable only for long-
term investors who can tolerate limited liquidity and the potential loss of capital.
Private Real
Estate
Private Real Estate is an interval fund designed to generate current income, with a
secondary objective of capital preservation, by investing primarily in a diversified
portfolio of private real estate credit investments. The strategy focuses on senior
secured loans and other debt instruments backed by commercial real estate.
Investments in the strategy involve significant risks and are generally suitable only
for long-term investors who can tolerate limited liquidity and potential loss of
capital.
Option Strategies Risk Factors:
The Strategy may be based upon proprietary option overlay evaluation, trading and execution
techniques developed or licensed by NorthCoast and identified and monitored by NorthCoast.
NorthCoast will evaluate the liquidity of the option market for the underlying concentrated stock
position in consultation with client.
Advisor or Subadvisor will continually monitor all option positions and will look to manage the
continued rolling forward of positions at maturity or by sale and repurchase of new positions prior
to option maturities, and may rely on its proprietary system. Advisor or Subadvisor may use
proprietary rules and quantitative analysis to determine when to sell calls and / or purchase puts. In
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an attempt to manage the risk of options trades, Subadvisor may employ quantitative probability
analysis based upon market volatility information or other options investment techniques.
Normally, call options sold will be at various "out of the money" (above current price of security)
execution or strike prices and different maturities ranging from three to six to nine months. The
sale of call options against the underlying stock position generates premium income. This strategy,
however, may effectively cap the upside market appreciation of the stock position if its price rises
above the option strike price before option maturity. Client understands and acknowledges that this
strategy may result in reduced or limitedparticipation in future appreciation of the concentrated
stock position. Client also acknowledges and understands that call options can be assigned, meaning
part or all of their underlying stock positions could be sold to generate cash to settle options at
maturity resulting in the realization of taxable gains. Client also understands that American-style
options can be exercised early, requiring the client to sell the specified number of shares of the
underlying stock to the buyer of the call option at the time of the exercise.
While Advisor or Subadvisor will attempt to manage all options positions to enhance portfolio
returns and protect against assignment and the realization of taxable gains and will also attempt to
purchase shares for short settlement as described above in the event of assignment, Client
acknowledges their understanding that no assurances can be made that such taxable gains will not
occur.
With respect to certain Client accounts, it may be necessary to sell a portion of the underlying stock
positions to satisfy expected tax liability, post margin or purchase additional options.
The Collar approach will purchase put options on an ongoing basis with the goal of providing partial
protection based upon the risk, cost and duration criteria to be determined upon the implementation
of the strategy by the Client and as such may be adjusted going forward. The Collar will attempt to
balance the call option premium over time versus put option expense. Client understands and
acknowledges that the relationship between price movements of securities and various put and call
options on the same security may vary greatly and that no assurances can be made that the perceived
protection to be provided when a put option is purchased will actually result. In addition, declines
in portfolio values may result even when the stock price is stable or rising due to the decline of
option values as they decay in value as they approach maturity. Maintaining the desired level of
protection through time will require an occasional rebalancing of the option positions. Depending
on client’s access to margin account, option trading level permissions and extreme market
conditions, rebalancing transactions may cause the client to temporarily deviate from the target
level of protection. The decision to purchase Put options will be solely at the direction of the Client,
in consultation with Advisor and Subadvisor, when choosing the Collar strategy. The Collar
approach will not necessarily purchase put options on an ongoing basis but selectively with the goal
of providing partial protection based upon the risk, cost and duration criteria to be determined upon
the implementation of the strategy by the Client and as such may be adjusted going forward. The
goal of the Collar is to provide selective, partial protection against large declines in value of the
underlying security while attempting to provide a positive net income of call option premium
overtime versus put option expense. A Collar strategy involves applying the income generated
throughthe sale of call options to pay for the desired level of put protection. Client understands and
acknowledges that the relationship between price movements of securities and various put and
calloptions on the same security may vary greatly and that no assurances can be made that the
perceived protection to be provided when a put option is purchased will actually result. Put options
are often more expensive than comparable call options. As a result, the sale of call options (riskingthe
loss of part of or all of potential price appreciation of the security) to generate premium incomeoften
does not result in enough income to pay for the put protection on
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the entire stock position. In addition, declines in portfolio values may result even when the stock
price is stable or rising dueto the decline of option values as they decay in value as they approach
maturity.
Client accounts will typically include:
• Holding concentrated stock position
• Sale of Call Options (attempt to generate short term capital gains) against
concentrated equity position or substitute security or index. Calls may be
repurchased prior to maturity or be allowed to expire at maturity.
• Purchase of Protective Put Options – usually laddered over several expiration
dates (attempt to create the limited downside protection) against concentrated
equity positions or substitute security or index. Puts may be repurchased prior
to maturity or be allowed to expire at maturity.
• Strategic selling of client concentrated stock position (if elected)
Options change the risk profile of the portfolio. The sale of Call options may effectively cap the
total upside of the Stock position, entail possible loss of principal in a rising market and can offset
gains in the long Stock position. The purchase of Puts entails an expense and can be a drag on
portfolio returns.
Account Considerations
The Strategy may not be able to be deployed in the same manner in either an IRA or a non-IRA
account. The Strategy does not use margin to borrow or create any actual portfolio leverage.
However, the Strategy does use options and options can be used to create ‘implied leverage’.
Implied leverage is when you use an option to control more shares than you could control just
buying the underlying security. The collar does not use options to create implied leverage.
Generally, a margin account is required to trade options. Subadvisor is responsible for the placing
of all purchase and sale orders in the Client’s segregated account and providing instructions
concerning the delivery of cash or securities for the settlement of option trades.
Client should consult with their tax advisor to address the income tax consequences of options
trading strategies. Client also acknowledges their responsibility to notify Subadvisor and Advisor
in writing of any restrictions or prohibited transactions related to the concentrated securities in their
account.
Defined Outcome Strategies Risk FactorsOutcome Period
The Initial Outcome Period is approximately 1-year long for the buffered strategies and
Preservation High Yield strategy, 1-quarter long for the Income & Buy the Dip strategy, and greater
than 2 years otherwise, from the Client’s onboarding until the date at which the next Outcome
Period begins.
Following the Initial Outcome Period, each subsequent Outcome Period will begin on the day new
options positions are implemented in the account.
The Strategy will not automatically terminate after the conclusion of the Outcome Period. After the
conclusion of an Outcome Period, another Outcome Period will begin.
Strategy Parameters
Upside participation, downside participation/protection, and buffer levels are fixed for the Outcome
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Period and should be considered before investing in the Strategy.
The Cap and downside participation/protection will change based upon prevailing market
conditions at the beginning of each Outcome Period. The Buffer reference points may rise or fall
from one Outcome Period to the next. The Strategy cap represents the maximum return available,
before fees and expenses, if held to the end of the current Outcome Period. This means that if the
S&P 500 Price Index experiences gains for the Outcome Period beyond the Cap, a Client will not
realize those excess gains. The cap does not imply the Strategy will achieve its maximum potential
return. The benchmark index may need to rise higher or lower than the stated cap.
The S&P 500 Price Index does not provide for dividends, as such the Options on the Index do not
provide for upside exposure to dividends.
Similarly, the buffer that the Strategy seeks to provide is only operative against the percentage (i.e.,
10%, 20% after the initial 5%) of S&P 500 Price Index losses for the applicable Strategy’s Outcome
Period. Once the buffer has been breached, the Strategy can lose value significantly. Thebuffer may
not be realized on a 1:1 basis compared to the benchmark index.
The preservation strategies are designed to offer protection, before fees and expenses, against losses
in excess of a predetermined percentage of the S&P 500 Price Index or High Yield Index losses for
the applicable Strategy’s Outcome Period. This predetermined percentage of the S&P 500 Price
Index or High Yield Index losses changes based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning
of each Outcome Period. Similarly, for the growth and balanced strategy the parameters change
based upon prevailing market conditions at the beginning of each Outcome period.
Intra-Period and Correlation Risks
It is important to note that Clients allocated to the Strategy for less than the entire Outcome period
will experience different results that deviate from the projected outcome.
The strategy seeks to meet the objectives for an entire Outcome Period and the objectives are likely
to be met only at the end of the Outcome Period. The value of the Strategy account might fluctuate
intra-Period and may not be identical to the End-of-Period pattern, but moves toward it as the Period
progresses. Intra-period, the options value is based on a daily mark to market, which may result in
an intra-Period value deviating from the End-of-Period value.
Depending upon market conditions at the time of purchase, a Client who adds or withdraws from
the account after the Outcome Period has begun may also lose their entire investment. For instance,if
the Outcome Period has begun and the Strategy has decreased in value beyond the pre- determined
percentage buffer, a Client may not benefit from the buffer. Similarly, if the OutcomePeriod has
begun and the Strategy has increased in value, a Client adding to the strategy may not benefit from
the buffer until the Index value has decreased to its value at the commencement of the Outcome
Period.
Minimum Account Size, Increments and Rounding Risk
Option contracts typically give exposure to a certain quantity of underlying. In the case of S&P 500
Price Index options, one contract gives notional exposure to 100 times the Index; it has a contract
multiplier of $100.
At the end of an Outcome Period, ETF/Mutual Fund holdings might need to be liquidated to offset
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any remaining option positions. The ending value of the account might not coincide with the
minimum account size or increments as it might have at the beginning of the Outcome Period.
Rounding can thus occur for the next Outcome Period while it was not in effect for the previous
Outcome Period.
In the case of SPY ETF Options, the minimums are lower than SPX index options by approximately
a factor of 10. This is because the price of SPX is approximately 10 times that of SPY. The
information provided here is for illustration purposes only and with the marketconditions and time
the min values shall change. In addition to the minimums mentioned above, NorthCoast could
employ a minimum account value requirement, which is independent of the market conditions and
type of options employed.
Option Contract Availability, Liquidity and Settlement
At the beginning of a new Outcome Period, Option contract availability can limit optimal
implementation of the Strategy. Advisor will determine alternative choices and may adjust some
parameters of the strategy including but not limiting to: length of Outcome Period, Buffer Amount,
Start of Buffer, Cap Amount, type of options, choice of underlying.
In the event that trading in the underlying Options is limited or absent, the value of the Options
may decrease. There is no guarantee that a liquid secondary trading market will exist for the
Options. The trading in Options may be less deep and liquid than the market for certain other
securities. A less liquid trading market may adversely affect the value of the Options.
At the end of an Outcome Period, lack of liquidity can negatively affect the Strategy during its
normal course of trading. Such issues can trigger delays in the start of the new Outcome Period,
options might be required to be settled at maturity, requiring unexpected liquidation of other
holdings in the account.
ETF Risks
The Strategy may rely on ETFs. ETFs face numerous market trading risks, including the potential
lack of an active market for Strategy, losses from trading in secondary markets, periods of high
volatility and disruption in the creation/redemption process. ETFs may trade at a premium or
discount to their net asset value. ETFs are bought and sold at market price and not individually
redeemed from the Strategy.
Mutual Fund Risks
The strategy may rely on Passive Mutual funds. Passive Mutual funds face numerous risks such as,
but not limited to, market trading risks, market volatility, Issuer-specific changes, correlation to
Index, passive management risk and securities lending risk. An investment in the fund is not a
deposit of a bank and is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or
any other government agency. You could lose money by investing in the fund. Mutual funds are
traded end of day vs intraday trading for options. This can create a mismatch and can create
additional losses. Any difference between the dividends received from the mutual fund and the
underlying index can negatively influence the outcome of the strategy.
Dividend Risk
Dividend payments may fluctuate as market conditions change. The strategy relies on future
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dividend payments to determine an upside cap. Any difference between expected dividends and
dividends received can negatively impact the outcome of the strategy. Also, any difference between
the dividends received from the mutual fund and the underlying index can negatively influence the
outcome of the strategy.
Account Considerations, Borrowing and Leverage
The Strategy may not be able to be deployed in the same manner in accounts with restrictions (IRA
accounts).
The Strategy does use options and options can be used to create ‘implied leverage’. Implied
leverage is when you use an option to control more shares than you could control just buying the
underlying security. Generally, a margin account is required to trade options.
The Strategy may borrow money, use margin or leverage. Any such measures are intended to be
temporary. However, under certain market conditions, including periods of customer cash
withdrawal, low demand or decreased liquidity, such measures might be outstanding for longer
periods of time. The strategy can face margin calls or other arbitrary risk limits from the custodian,
forcing the Strategy to be partially or fully liquidated before the end of the period. Such disposal of
assets can occur on unfavorable terms.
The Buffer strategy and Preservation Max 10 cannot be implemented in an IRA. Other strategies
such as Growth, Balanced and Preservation no cap, Preservation High Yield, Income & Buy the
Dip could be implemented in an IRA with several limitations. These strategies rely on future
expected dividends to finance the purchase of options. Typically, the financing happens through
margin and later is paid back through dividends received. Please look at our Dividend risk section
of this document for more details on this. However, IRA accounts are not permitted to operate on
margin. Due to this limitation, the account is required to hold the expected future dividends in cash
to finance the options. Typically for a 2+ years outcome period, the estimated dividends can be
more than 6% of the account value. In case the initial cash is not available the advisor might sell
the S&P 500 equivalent ETF or mutual fund that is held in the account. Also, the client
acknowledges not to sell any securities that are managed by the advisor and in an event the client
sells any securities managed by the advisor, the client assumes full responsibility of any
consequences.
Options on Indices and/or ETF’s
The Options in which the Strategy invests could be options on an index, the S&P 500 Price Return
Index (the “S&P 500 Price Index”), or options on an ETF, SPY (S&P 500 ETF) HYG (iBoxx High
Yield Corporate Bond ETF). An index or an ETF fluctuates with changes in the market values of
the securities included in the index or ETF. Options on indices give the holder the right to receive
an amount of cash upon exercise of the option. Receipt of this cash amount will depend upon the
closing level of the index upon which the option is based being greater than (in the case of a call)
or less than (in the case of put) the exercise price of the option.
Options on ETF’s give the holder the right to receive an amount of shares of the ETF upon exercise
of the option. Options on ETF’s can be exercised by the holder at any time before the expiration.
Client also acknowledges and understands this assignment might terminate earlier the Outcome
Period and might influence the nature of the Outcome, along with a potential realization of taxable
gains.
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Each of the options exchanges has established limitations governing the maximum number of call
or put options on the same index or the same ETF that may be bought or written by a single Client,
whether acting alone or in concert with others (regardless of whether such options are written on
the same or different exchanges or are held or written on one or more accounts or through one or
more brokers). Under these limitations, option positions of all customers advised by Advisor are
combined for purposes of these limits. Pursuant to these limitations, an exchange may order the
liquidation of positions and may impose other sanctions or restrictions. These positions limits may
restrict the number of listed options that Advisor may buy or sell.
Puts and calls on indices are similar to puts and calls on securities except that all settlements are in
cash and gain or loss depends on changes in the index in question rather than on price movements
in individual securities.
Puts and calls on ETFs are similar to puts and calls on securities except that gain or loss depends
on changes in the ETF price in question rather than on price movements in individual securities.
Risks of Options on Indices and/or ETF’s
Positions in equity options can reduce equity market risk, but can limit the opportunity to profit
from an increase in the market value of stocks in exchange for upfront cash at the time of selling
the call option. Unusual market conditions or the lack of a ready market for any particular option
at a specific time may reduce the effectiveness of option strategies and could result in losses.
Utilizing a strategy with a diversified equity portfolio and derivatives, with a Put/Spread Collar
options overlay, may not provide greater market protection than other equity investments nor
reduce volatility to the desired extent, as unusual market conditions or the lack of a ready option
market could result in losses. Derivatives expose the Strategy to risks of mispricing or improper
valuation and the Strategy may not realize intended benefits due to underperformance. When used
for hedging, the change in value of a derivative may not correlate as expected with the risk being
hedged.
Short-Term Instruments and Temporary Investments (non-principal investment).
The Strategy may invest in short-term instruments, including money market instruments, on an
ongoing basis to provide liquidity or for other reasons.
Alternative Investments
Alternative investments are appropriate only for clients who are prepared to invest funds for which
they will have no near-term liquidity need. While certain alternative investments offer quarterly
liquidity, the ability to redeem the investment is not guaranteed. Alternative investments are
considered illiquid and investors should not expect to be able to sell their shares. In addition,
investors who are able to sell their shares may receive a redemption price that is materially lower
than the net asset value previously provided in statements from the investment manager. With any
alternative investment, clients should only invest an amount they are prepared to lose. There is the
possibility that the investment will produce no return at all or a loss of all or a portion of the client’s
investment. Alternative investments are speculative and often use leverage, which will magnify any
losses. Each alternative investment has an offering document containing a detailed written
description of the risks and fees and expenses associated with the investment. Clients are
encouraged to review these documents carefully.
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General Risk Factors
NorthCoast has developed and implemented trading programs which were built using the combined
experience and training of its employees. No single employee has the sole responsibility for
determining securities investment advice.
NorthCoast requires that those employees involved in determining or giving investment advice to
clients are knowledgeable and experienced in the use of these systems.
While research is thorough, clients must be prepared for the risk of loss. All investments in
securities risk the loss of capital. In addition, we identify four principal types of risk:
1) Risk that the stock market declines or the price of individual securities
decline whilethe true long-term value of the company may be unchanged
or possibly even higher;
2) Faulty analysis;
3) External events negatively affecting the value of a specific company; and
4) Fraud, in which case no amount of analysis could have been sufficient.
Cybersecurity
The computer systems, networks and devices used by NorthCoast and service providers to us and
our clients to carry out routine business operations employ a variety of protections designed to
prevent damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures, computer and
telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches. Despite the
various protections utilized, systems, networks, or devices potentially can be breached. A client
could be negatively impacted as a result of a cybersecurity breach.
Cybersecurity breaches can include unauthorized access to systems, networks, or devices; infection
from computer viruses or other malicious software code; and attacks that shut down, disable, slow,
or otherwise disrupt operations, business processes, or website access or functionality.
Cybersecurity breaches may cause disruptions and impact business operations, potentially resulting
in financial losses to a client; impediments to trading; the inability by us and other service providers
to transact business; violations of applicable privacy and other laws; regulatory fines, penalties,
reputational damage, reimbursement or other compensation costs, or additional compliance costs;
as well as the inadvertent release of confidential information.
Similar adverse consequences could result from cybersecurity breaches affecting issuers of
securities in which a client invests; governmental and other regulatory authorities; exchange and
other financial market operators, banks, brokers, dealers, and other financial institutions; and other
parties. In addition, substantial costs may be incurred by these entities in order to prevent any
cybersecurity breaches in the future.
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Item 9 – Disciplinary Information
There have been no disciplinary actions or events regarding NorthCoast or any of its employees.
Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Focus Financial Partners
As noted above in response to Item 4, certain investment vehicles affiliated with CD&R collectively
are indirect majority owners of Focus LLC, and certain investment vehicles affiliated with Stone
Point are indirect owners of Focus LLC. Because NorthCoast is an indirect, wholly-owned
subsidiary of Focus LLC, CD&R and Stone Point investment vehicles are indirect owners of
NorthCoast.
UPTIQ Credit and Cash Management Solutions
We offer clients the option of obtaining certain financial solutions from unaffiliated third-party
financial institutions through UPTIQ Treasury & Credit Solutions, LLC (together with UPTIQ, Inc.
and its affiliates, “UPTIQ”). These third-party financial institutions are banks and non-banks that
offer credit and cash management solutions to our clients, as well as certain other unaffiliated third
parties that provide administrative and settlement services to facilitate UPTIQ’s cash management
solutions. UPTIQ acts as an intermediary to facilitate our clients’ access to these credit and cash
management solutions.
We are a wholly owned subsidiary of Focus Financial Partners, LLC (“Focus”). Focus is a minority
investor in UPTIQ, Inc. UPTIQ is compensated by sharing in the revenue earned by such third-
party financial institutions for serving our clients. The revenue paid to UPTIQ also benefits UPTIQ,
Inc.’s investors, including Focus. When legally permissible, UPTIQ also shares a portion of this
earned revenue with our affiliate, Focus Solutions Holdings, LLC (“FSH”). For securities-backed
lines of credit (“SBLOCs”) made to our clients, UPTIQ will share with FSH up to 75% of all
revenue it receives from such third-party financial institutions. For other loans (except residential
mortgage loans) made to our clients, UPTIQ will share with FSH up to 25% of all revenue it
receives from such third-party financial institutions. For cash management products and services
provided to our clients, UPTIQ will share with FSH up to 33% of all revenue it receives from the
third-party financial institutions and other intermediaries that provide administrative and settlement
services in connection with this program. Although the amount of these revenue-sharing payments
to FSH is not charged directly in the calculation of the interest rate paid by clients on credit solutions
facilitated by UPTIQ or the yield earned by clients on cash management solutions facilitated by
UPTIQ, the compensation earned by UPTIQ is an expense of the third-party financial institutions
that informs the interest rate paid by clients on credit solutions and the yield earned by clients on
cash management solutions. FSH distributes this revenue to us when we are licensed to receive
such revenue (or when no such license is required) and the distribution is not otherwise legally
prohibited. This revenue is also revenue for FSH’s and our common parent company, Focus.
Additionally, the volume generated by our clients’ transactions allows Focus to negotiate better
terms with UPTIQ, which benefits Focus and us. Accordingly, we have a conflict of interest when
recommending UPTIQ’s services to clients because of the compensation to us and to our affiliates,
FSH and Focus, and the transaction volume to UPTIQ. We mitigate this conflict by: (1) fully and
fairly disclosing the material facts concerning the above arrangements to our clients, including in
this Brochure; and (2) offering UPTIQ’s solutions to clients on a strictly nondiscretionary and fully
disclosed basis, and not as part of any discretionary investment services. Additionally, we note that
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clients who use UPTIQ’s services will receive product-specific disclosures from the third-party
financial institutions and other unaffiliated third-party intermediaries that provide services to our
clients.
We have an additional conflict of interest when we recommend credit solutions to our clients
because our interest in continuing to receive investment advisory fees from client accounts gives
us a financial incentive to recommend that clients borrow money rather than liquidate some or all
of the assets we manage.
Credit Solutions
Clients retain the right to pledge assets in accounts generally, subject to any restrictions imposed
by clients’ custodians. While credit solution programs that we offer facilitate secured loans through
third-party financial institutions, clients are free instead to work directly with institutions outside
such programs. Because of the limited number of participating third-party financial institutions,
clients may be limited in their ability to obtain as favorable loan terms as if the client were to work
directly with other banks to negotiate loan terms or obtain other financial arrangements.
Clients should also understand that pledging assets in an account to secure a loan involves
additional risk and restrictions. A third-party financial institution has the authority to liquidate all
or part of the pledged securities at any time, without prior notice to clients and without their consent,
to maintain required collateral levels. The third-party financial institution also has the right to call
client loans and require repayment within a short period of time; if the client cannot repay the loan
within the specified time period, the third-party financial institution will have the right to force the
sale of pledged assets to repay those loans. Selling assets to maintain collateral levels or calling
loans may result in asset sales and realized losses in a declining market, leading to the permanent
loss of capital. These sales also may have adverse tax consequences. Interest payments and any
other loan-related fees are borne by clients and are in addition to the advisory fees that clients pay
us for managing assets, including assets that are pledged as collateral. The returns on pledged assets
may be less than the account fees and interest paid by the account. Clients should consider carefully
and skeptically any recommendation to pursue a more aggressive investment strategy in order to
support the cost of borrowing, particularly the risks and costs of any such strategy. More generally,
before borrowing funds, a client should carefully review the loan agreement, loan application, and
other forms and determine that the loan is consistent with the client’s long-term financial goals and
presents risks consistent with the client’s financial circumstances and risk tolerance.
We use UPTIQ to facilitate credit solutions for our clients.
Cash Management Solutions
For cash management programs, certain third-party intermediaries provide administrative and
settlement services to our clients. Engaging the third-party financial institutions and other
intermediaries to provide cash management solutions does not alter the manner in which we treat
cash for billing purposes. Clients should understand that in rare circumstances, depending on
interest rates and other economic and market factors, the yields on cash management solutions
could be lower than the aggregate fees and expenses charged by the third-party financial
institutions, the intermediaries referenced above, and us. Consequently, in these rare
circumstances, a client could experience a negative overall investment return with respect to those
cash investments. Nonetheless, it might still be reasonable for a client to participate in a cash
management program if the client prefers to hold cash at the third-party financial institutions rather
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than at other financial institutions (e.g., to take advantage of FDIC insurance).
We use UPTIQ to facilitate cash management solutions for our clients.
Focus Risk Solutions
We help our clients obtain certain insurance solutions by introducing clients to our affiliate, Focus
Risk Solutions, LLC (“FRS”), a wholly owned subsidiary of our parent company, Focus Financial
Partners, LLC (“Focus”).
FRS assists our clients with regulated insurance sales activity by advising our clients on insurance
matters and placing insurance products for them and/or referring our clients to certain third-party
insurance brokers (the “Brokers”), with whom FRS has agreements, which either separately or
together with FRS place insurance products for them. If FRS places an insurance product or refers
one of our clients to a Broker and there is a subsequent purchase of insurance through the Broker,
then FRS will receive a portion of the upfront and/or ongoing commissions associated with the sale
by the insurance carrier with which the policy was placed. The amount of revenue earned by FRS
for the sale of these insurance products will vary over time in response to market conditions and
will also differ based on the type of insurance product sold and which Broker placed the policy.
The amount of insurance commission revenue earned by FRS is considered for purposes of
determining the amount of additional compensation that certain of our financial professionals are
entitled to receive. This revenue is also revenue for our and FRS’s common parent company, Focus.
Additionally, in exchange for allowing certain of the Brokers to participate in the FRS platform
and, thereby, to offer their services to our clients and certain of our affiliates’ clients, FRS receives
periodic fees (the “Platform Fees”) from such Brokers. The Platform Fees are expected to change
over time. Such Platform Fees are revenue for FRS and, ultimately, for our common parent
company, Focus, but we do not share in such revenue. FRS also indirectly benefits from our clients’
use of the services insofar as such use incentivizes the Brokers to maintain their relationship with
FRS and to continue paying Platform Fees to FRS, which could also support increases in the overall
amount of the Platform Fee rates in the future.
Accordingly, we have a conflict of interest when recommending FRS’s services to clients because
of the compensation to certain of our financial professionals and to our affiliates, FRS and Focus.
We address this conflict by: (1) fully and fairly disclosing the material facts concerning the above
arrangements to our clients, including in this Brochure; (2) offering FRS solutions to clients on a
strictly nondiscretionary and fully disclosed basis, and not as part of any discretionary investment
services; and (3) not sharing in any portion of the Platform Fees. Additionally, we note that clients
who use FRS’s services will receive product-specific disclosure from the Brokers and insurance
carriers and other unaffiliated third-party intermediaries that provide services to our clients.
The insurance premium is ultimately dictated by the insurance carrier, although in some
circumstances the Brokers or FRS may have the ability to influence an insurance carrier to lower
the premium of the policy. The final rate may be higher or lower than the prevailing market rate,
and may be higher than if the policy was purchased directly through the Broker without the
assistance of FRS. We can offer no assurances that the rates offered to you by the insurance carrier
are the lowest possible rates available in the marketplace.
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We have been retained by other Focus partner firms through a subadvisory agreement in order to
provide investment subadvisory services to certain clients of these Focus partner firms. We provide
these services to such clients pursuant to a subadvisory agreement and in exchange for a fee paid
by Focus partner firms’s clients. Focus partner firms, like us, is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary
of Focus LLC and is therefore under common control with us. The allocation of Focus partner
firms’ clients’ assets to us pursuant to a subadvisory arrangement, rather than to an unaffiliated
investment manager, increases our compensation and the revenue to Focus LLC, relative to a
situation in which Focus partner firms’ clients’ assets are managed by an unaffiliated manager. As
a consequence, Focus LLC has a financial incentive to encourage Focus partner firms to recommend
that a portion of their clients’ assets be subadvised by us, which creates a conflict of interest with
those Focus partner firm clients who are subadvised by us.
More information about Focus LLC can be found at www.focusfinancialpartners.com. We believe
this conflict is mitigated because of the following factors: (1) our retention as a subadviser is based
on Focus partner firms’ judgment that such retention is in the best interest of its affected clients;
(2) we have met the due diligence standards that these Focus partner firms apply to outside
investment managers; (3) these Focus partner firms are willing and able to terminate our services,
in part or in whole, if our services become unsatisfactory in the judgment of, and at the sole
discretion of, each of the Focus partner firms; and (4) we have fully and fairly disclosed the material
facts regarding this relationship, including in this Brochure, to the Focus partner firm clients for
whom we act as subadviser, and such clients have therefore given their informed consent to this
conflict.
BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
NorthCoast and the following companies are both advisory firms owned by Focus LLC. NorthCoast
and these companies have an agreement in place whereby NorthCoast serves as a subadvisor for
certain clients. Generally, NorthCoast is responsible for managing the accounts, upon engagement,
when hired by a below company and receives a portion of the advisory fee paid to the referring
company. The referral of clients to NorthCoast, rather than to an unaffiliated investment adviser,
increases the NorthCoast's compensation and the revenue to Focus LLC relative to a situation in
which these companies referred these clients to an unaffiliated investment adviser. As a consequence,
Focus LLC has a financial incentive to cause the companies to refer certain clients to NorthCoast,
which creates a conflict of interest with those clients who agree to leverage NorthCoast’s investment
management.
• Cardinal Point Capital Management, ULC (“Cardinal Point”)
• Badgley Phelps Wealth Managers, LLC (“Badgley Phelps”)
• Cornerstone Wealth Group, LLC (“Cornerstone”)
• Focus Partners Wealth, LLC (“FPW”)
• Coastal Bridge Advisers, LLC (“Coastal Bridge”)
NorthCoast has a business relationship with the following companies that is material to our advisory
business or to our clients. Under certain circumstances we offer our clients the opportunity to invest
in pooled investment vehicles managed by these companies. OIG, OCA and SCS provide these
services to such clients pursuant to limited liability company agreement or limited partnership
agreement documents and in exchange for a fund-level management fee and performance fee paid by
our clients and not by us. These companies, like NorthCoast, are each an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of Focus LLC and are therefore under common control with NorthCoast. The allocation
of NorthCoast client assets to OIG, OCA and SCS’s private investment vehicles, rather than to an
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information
about Focus LLC
can
be
found
unaffiliated private investment vehicle, increases OIG, OCA and SCS’s compensation and the
revenue to Focus LLC relative to a situation in which our clients are excluded from OIG, OCA and
SCS’s private investment vehicles or invested in an unaffiliated third party’s private investment
vehicles. As a consequence, Focus LLC has a financial incentive to cause us to recommend that our
clients invest in OIG, OCA and SCS’s private investment vehicles, which creates a conflict of interest
with NorthCoast clients who invest, or are eligible to invest, in OIG, OCA and SCS’s pooled
investment
at
vehicles. More
www.focusfinancialpartners.com.
• Origin Investments Group, LLC (“OIG”)
• Origin Credit Advisers, LLC (“OCA”)
• SCS Capital Management LLC (“SCS”)
We believe this conflict is mitigated because of the following factors: (1) this arrangement is based
on our reasonable belief that investing a portion of NorthCoast’s clients’ assets in OIG, OCA and
SCS’s investment vehicles is in the best interests of the clients; (2) OIG, OCA and SCS and their
investment vehicles have met the due diligence and performance standards that we apply to outside,
unaffiliated investment managers; (3) clients will invest in the pooled investment vehicles on a
nondiscretionary basis through the completion of subscription documentation; (4) subject to
redemption restrictions, we are willing and able to reallocate NorthCoast client assets to other
unaffiliated or affiliated investment vehicles, in part or in whole, if OIG, OCA or SCS’s services
become unsatisfactory in our judgment and at our sole discretion; and (5) we have fully and fairly
disclosed the material facts regarding this relationship to you, including in this Brochure, and
NorthCoast clients who invest in OIG, OCA or SCS’s pooled investment vehicles have given their
informed consent to those investments.
Item 11 – Code of Ethics, Participation in Client Transactions and PersonalTrading
NorthCoast has adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code”) pursuant to SEC Rule 204A-1, which
requires each employee to comply with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations. The
Code makes clear that business will be conducted consistent with the highest standards of
commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. The trust of NorthCoast customers and
the firm's reputation are of paramount importance. To that end, although employeesare entitled to
invest in the same securities that clients may hold, the Code requires each employeeto avoid any
action that results in a conflict of interest with the firm and its clients, prohibits outside business
activities without the consent of Compliance department, prohibits trading on the basis of material
non-public information and prohibits accepting extravagant gifts or entertainmentfrom the firm’s
business relationships. Employees are required to report all personal securities transactions to the
firm, are not permitted to participate in initial public offerings, and must obtainthe approval of the
Compliance department to participate in any private offering.
The Code must be read, acknowledged and agreed to annually by every employee. The objective
of the Code is to subject all business dealings and securities transactions undertaken by personnel,
whether for clients or for personal purposes, to the highest ethical standards. NorthCoast personnel
are expected to use fundamental principles of openness, integrity, honesty and trust. The Code
requires that personnel protect the confidentiality of the information about the firm and its clients,
act appropriately as a fiduciary toward clients, avoid any illegal or unethical activities, avoid
conflicts of interest and comply with the personal trading policy, which is part of the Code.
The firm provides its Code of Ethics to any client or prospective client upon request.
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NorthCoast recommends that certain of our clients invest in a private investment fund managed by
an affiliated Focus partner firm. Please refer to Items 4, 5 and 10 for additional information.
Item 12 – Brokerage Practices
In most cases, NorthCoast does not select broker-dealers for client transactions in individually
managed accounts. In the rare event that NorthCoast is asked to recommend broker-dealers, clients
must approve the recommendation which is based upon the execution capabilities and performance
and commission rates to be paid, which will vary from broker to broker.
With few exceptions, clients use the brokerage services of Fidelity Brokerage Services, Morgan
Stanley, Wells Fargo, Stifel- Nicolaus & Company, Inc, RBC Wealth Management, DA Davidson,
LPL, BNY, Pershing, Instinet, Barclays Capital, JP Morgan, and Charles Schwab., each a member
FINRA/SIPC. Per NorthCoast policy, no commissions are used to pay for research or any other
services.
NorthCoast evaluates brokers by considering the ability of a broker to provide trading platforms
relevant to accounts they will custody, the broker’s client service ability, and the reasonableness of
the fees it charges. Reasonableness of fees is determined by comparing fees charged by a broker to
market providers for similar services.
As further discussed below in Item 14, the Firm participates in the Fidelity Wealth Advisor
Solutions® Program (the “WAS Program”), through which Focus Partners receives referrals from
Strategic Advisers LLC (“Strategic Advisers”), a registered investment adviser and Fidelity
Investments company. We may have an incentive to select or recommend a broker-dealer based
on our interest in receiving client referrals, rather than on our clients’ interest in receiving most
favorable execution. Please see item 14 for a discussion of this conflict, as well as other conflicts
of interest related to these arrangements.
NorthCoast does not publish research reports or sell newsletters, nor does it charge for financial
planning, however, it does work with clients’ accountants and attorneys when appropriate to discuss
estate planning, generation skipping and tax efficiency. NorthCoast does not engage in other
business activities.
NorthCoast has no soft dollar or research arrangements. Our goal is to obtain best execution for
each client transaction. While quality of execution at the best price is an important determinant,
best execution does not necessarily mean lowest/highest price (whether buying/selling) and it is not
the sole consideration. NorthCoast considers a number of factors and may opt to trade through
broker/dealers that execute with mark-ups/mark-downs that are reflected in the buy/sell price within
the client account.
Item 13 – Review of Accounts
NorthCoast receives periodic reports and monthly summaries from the various custodians. Frank
Ingarra, Chief Operating Officer, and Megan Hall, Senior Vice President, Operations, are
responsible for review of client accounts. By use of internal exception reports, designated firm
persons review all accounts at various intervals and more frequently if (1) new transactions have
been entered into for the account, (2) any discrepancy appears in daily reconciliation of the
account’s activities, or (3) there is a client inquiry. Daily reconciliations are performed by the
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operations personnel and results are organized to isolate any individual account problems that may
arise for review by Ms. Hall or Mr. Ingarra.
NorthCoast may provide a monthly or quarterly (depending on specific client agreement) report
showing the percentage performance of the account. Also, a monthly or quarterly client report
shows the net asset value at the end of the period and advisory fees charged for the period.
Item 14 – Client Referrals and Other Compensation
NorthCoast’s parent company is Focus Financial Partners, LLC (“Focus”). From time to time,
Focus holds partnership meetings and other industry and best-practices conferences, which
typically include NorthCoast, other Focus firms and external attendees. These meetings are first
and foremost intended to provide training or education to personnel of Focus firms, including
NorthCoast. However, the meetings do provide sponsorship opportunities for asset managers, asset
custodians, vendors and other third-party service providers. Sponsorship fees allow these
companies to advertise their products and services to Focus firms, including NorthCoast. Although
the participation of Focus firm personnel in these meetings is not preconditioned on the
achievement of a sales target for any conference sponsor, this practice could nonetheless be deemed
a conflict as the marketing and education activities conducted, and the access granted, at such
meetings and conferences could cause NorthCoast to focus on those conference sponsors in the
course of its duties. Focus attempts to mitigate any such conflict by allocating the sponsorship fees
only to defraying the cost of the meeting or future meetings and not as revenue for itself or any
affiliate, including NorthCoast. Conference sponsorship fees are not dependent on assets placed
with any specific provider or revenue generated by such asset placement.
The following entities have provided conference sponsorship to Focus between January 1, 2025 and
February 1, 2026:
• Addepar, Inc.
• AQR Capital Management, LLC
• Bigelow LLC
• BlackRock, Inc.
• BOWS Administrator LLC (Brookfield Oaktree Wealth Solutions)
• Capital Integration Systems LLC (CAIS)
• Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
• Cliffwater LLC
• Dimensional Fund Advisors LP
• Dinsmore Compliance Services, LLC (DCS)
• Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (includes Parametric Portfolio Associates)
• Edgewood Partners Insurance Center (EPIC) (includes Vanbridge)
• Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC (includes FIAM and Wealthscape)
• Flourish Financial LLC
• Franklin Templeton Distributors LLC (includes O’Shaughnessy Asset Management,
L.L.C. (OSAM) and CANVAS)
Jackson National Life Distributors LLC
•
• K&L Gates LLP
• Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC
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• Nuveen Securities, LLC
• Orion Advisor Solutions, Inc.
• Pacific Investment Management Company LLC (PIMCO)
• Pinnacle Insurance & Financial Services, LLC
• Practifi, Inc.
• Quantinno Capital Management LP (includes TaxEdge and DEALS (Direct Equity
Active Long Short))
• RedBlack Software, LLC (includes intelliflo)
• SmartAsset Advisors LLC
• Stone Ridge Asset Management LLC
• The Vanguard Marketing Corporation, Inc.
• T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc.
• TriState Capital Bank
• VRGL Inc.
You can access updates to the list of conference sponsors on Focus’ website through the following
link: https://www.focusfinancialpartners.com/conference-sponsors
Participation in Fidelity Wealth Advisor Solutions®. NorthCoast participates in the Fidelity
Wealth Advisor Solutions® Program (the “WAS Program”), through which NorthCoast receives
referrals from Strategic Advisers LLC (Strategic Advisers), a registered investment adviser and
Fidelity Investments company. NorthCoast is independent and not affiliated with Strategic Advisers
or any Fidelity Investments company. Strategic Advisers does not supervise or control NorthCoast,
and Strategic Advisers has no responsibility or oversight for NorthCoast’s provision of investment
management or other advisory services.
Under the WAS Program, Strategic Advisers acts as a solicitor for NorthCoast, and NorthCoast
pays referral fees to Strategic Advisers for each referral received based on NorthCoast’s assets
under managementattributable to each client referred by Strategic Advisers or members of each
client’s household. The WAS Program is designed to help investors find an independent investment
adviser, and any referral from Strategic Advisers to NorthCoast does not constitute a
recommendation by Strategic Advisers of NorthCoast’s particular investment management services
or strategies. More specifically, NorthCoast pays the following amounts to Strategic Advisers for
referrals: the sum of (i) an annual percentageof 0.10% of any and all assets in client accounts where
such assets are identified as “fixed income”assets by Strategic Advisers and (ii) an annual percentage
of 0.25% of all other assets held in client accounts.In addition, NorthCoast has agreed to pay
Strategic Advisers an annual program fee of $50,000 to participate in the WAS Program. These
referral fees are paid by NorthCoast, not by the client.
To receive referrals from the WAS Program, NorthCoast must meet certain minimum participation
criteria, but NorthCoast may have been selected for participation in the WAS Program as a result
of its other business relationships with Strategic Advisers and its affiliates, including Fidelity
Brokerage Services, LLC (“FBS”). As a result of its participation in the WAS Program, NorthCoast
may havea potential conflict of interest with respect to its decision to use certain affiliates of
Strategic Advisers, including FBS, for execution, custody and clearing for certain client accounts,
and NorthCoast may have a potential incentive to suggest the use of FBS and its affiliates to its
advisory clients, whether or not those clients were referred to NorthCoast as part of the WAS
Program.
Under an agreementwith Strategic Advisers, NorthCoast has agreed that it will not charge clients
more than the standard range of advisory fees disclosed in its Form ADV Part 2A Brochure to cover
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solicitation fees paid to Strategic Advisers as part of the WAS Program. Pursuant to these
arrangements, NorthCoast has agreed not to solicit clients to transfer their brokerage accounts from
affiliates of Strategic Advisers or establish brokerageaccounts at other custodians for referred clients
other than when NorthCoast’s fiduciary duties would so require, and NorthCoast has agreed to pay
Strategic Advisers a one-time fee equal to 0.75% of the assetsin a client account that is transferred
from Strategic Advisers’ affiliates to another custodian; therefore, NorthCoast may have an
incentive to suggest that referred clients and their household members maintain custody of their
accounts with affiliates of Strategic Advisers However, participation in the WAS Program does not
limit NorthCoast’s duty to select brokers on the basis of best execution.
We have agreements with unaffiliated third parties called promoters, who refer clients to NorthCoast.
We pay these third parties a portion of the investment management fees we receive for managing the
accounts of the referred clients. Referral arrangements inherently give rise to potential conflicts of
interest, particularly when the person recommending the adviser receives an economic benefit for
doing so. Rule 206(4)-1 of the Advisers Act addresses this conflict of interest by, among other things,
requiring disclosure of whether the promoter is a client or a non-client and a description of the
material conflicts of interest and material terms of the compensation arrangement with the promoter.
Accordingly, we require promoters to disclose to referred clients, in writing: whether the promoter is
a client or a non-client; that the promoter will be compensated for the referral; the material conflicts
of interest arising from the relationship and/or compensation arrangement; and the material terms of
the compensation arrangement, including a description of the compensation to be provided for the
referral. Additionally, NorthCoast employees refer clients to NorthCoast and receive compensation
for the referral. NorthCoast employees disclose to the prospect at the time of referral that they are an
employee of NorthCoast, which is accomplished by various means (business card, communication
from NorthCoast email, etc.)
NorthCoast also has agreements with other solicitors, who have our permission to present our
programs to potential investors who might not otherwise know about our services, in return for a
portion of our management fee. In all cases NorthCoast has a solicitation agreement with such
individuals and requires that they provide any prospect with our ADV Brochure, and obtain a signed
acknowledgement that the prospect is aware of the fee sharing arrangement.
NorthCoast may compensate third parties for client referrals or marketing Services. Clients do not
pay any additional fees as a result of these arrangements.
BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS
The following companies are advisory firms owned by Focus LLC. NorthCoast and these
companies have an agreement in place whereby NorthCoast serves as a subadvisor for certain
clients. The affiliation between NorthCoast and these companies is disclosed to the clients referred to
NorthCoast.
• Cardinal Point Capital Management, ULC (“Cardinal Point”)
• Badgley Phelps Wealth Managers, LLC (“Badgley Phelps”)
• Cornerstone Wealth Group, LLC (“Cornerstone”)
• Focus Partners Wealth, LLC (“FPW”)
• Coastal Bridge Advisors, LLC (“Coastal Bridge”)
The following companies are advisory firms owned by Focus LLC. NorthCoast and these companies
have an agreement in place whereby NorthCoast allows certain client of NorthCoast to invest in
certain private investment vehicles managed by these companies. The affiliation between NorthCoast
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and these companies is disclosed to the clients referred to NorthCoast.
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• Origin Investments Group, LLC (“OIG”)
• Origin Credit Advisers, LLC (“OCA”)
• SCS Capital Management LLC (“SCS”)
Item 15 – Custody
NorthCoast’s agreement and/or the separate agreement with any financial institution may authorize
NorthCoast through such financial institution to debit the client’s account for the amount of
NorthCoast’s fee and to directly remit that management fee to NorthCoast in accordance with
applicable custody rules.
All client account assets are held by a qualified custodian. These qualified custodians will deliver
directly to clients monthly or quarterly account statements summarizing the activity in their
accounts and return on their investments. These reports are in addition to the statements clients
receive directly from NorthCoast. NorthCoast urges clients to carefully review the statement
received from the qualified custodians and compare those to the reports received from NorthCoast.
Item 16 – Investment Discretion
Virtually, all client assets are managed on a discretionary basis. Clients opening accounts are
required to execute an investment advisory agreement that, among other things, grants NorthCoast
the authority to manage their assets on a discretionary basis. Clients must establish their own
custodial arrangements if they do not wish to use the custodian NorthCoast suggests and provide
the custodian with a letter granting NorthCoast the authority to manage their assets. NorthCoast
clients can ask to use a broker other than one suggested by NorthCoast by opening a brokerage
account with the broker of their choice and providing NorthCoast with written instructions that
includes account information. Clients who choose to direct brokerage to a particular broker-dealer
should be aware of the following:
inability to negotiate commission rates and other terms on behalf of such clients;
•
• opportunities to obtain lower transaction costs and better prices by aggregating (batching)
•
the client’s orders with orders for other clients could be limited; and
the client could receive less favorable prices on securities transactions.
Clients wishing to restrict their accounts from holding certain companies or types of companies
must provide written instructions containing a list of the relevantrestrictions. All restrictions are
handled on a ‘best efforts’ basis.
Item 17 – Voting Client Securities
NorthCoast has retained the services of, an independent proxy-voting service provider, to provide
research, recommendations and other proxy voting services for client proxies. Absent a
determination by NorthCoast to override the independent service provider’s guidelines and/or
recommendations, we will vote all client proxies in accordance with the independent service
provider’s guidelines and recommendations which, per their policies,vote all proxies in the best
economic interest of our clients. NorthCoast also retains the independent service provider for its
turn-key voting agent service to administer its proxy voting operation. As such, the independent
service provider is responsible forsubmitting all proxies in a timely manner and for maintaining
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NorthCoast Asset Management
Disclosure Brochure
appropriate records of proxy votes.NorthCoast has established a Proxy Committee consisting of
three managers who have a broad range of experience in the financial services industry to
periodically review these policies and procedures. Additionally, in the event that the independent
service provider is unable to complete/provide its research regarding a security on a timely basis or
NorthCoast has made a determination that it is in the best interests of its clients for NorthCoast to
vote the proxy, the Proxy Committee will determine how to vote that proxy.
NorthCoast has engaged independent service provider to handle all class action litigation on behalf
of NorthCoast accounts.
Item 18 – Financial Information
NorthCoast derives all of its income from advisory fees as detailed above. The firm does not have
any outside or conflicting business interests, nor do its principals or employees hold directorships
or board seats in any other businesses. No balance sheet is needed as no advance fees over $1200
are collected.
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