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Item 1. Cover Page
1841 Huntingdon Pike
Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
215-881-7700
https://pcmadvisors.com/
March 18, 2025
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of
Pennsylvania Capital Management. If you have any questions about the contents of this
brochure, please contact us at 215-881-7700 or irvin@pcmadvisors.com. The information
in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and
Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or by any state securities authority.
Pennsylvania Capital Management is a SEC registered investment adviser. Registration of
an Investment Adviser does not imply any level of skill or training. The oral and written
communications of an Adviser provide you with information about which you determine to
hire or retain an Adviser.
Additional information about Pennsylvania Capital Management is also available on the
SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Item 2. Material Changes
There have been no material changes made to Pennsylvania Capital Management, Inc.’s
(herein referred to as “PCM” or “the Firm”) Brochure since our last annual amendment filing
on March 29, 2024.
https://pcmadvisors.com/
Our current brochure may be requested by contacting Donna Zanetti, Manager of Client
Services at 215-881-7700 or donna@pcmadvisors.com. Our brochure is also available free
of charge, on our web site, at
Additional information about Pennsylvania Capital Management is available by accessing
the SEC’s web site at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The SEC’s web site also provides
information about any persons affiliated with Pennsylvania Capital Management who are
registered, or are required to be registered, as investment adviser representatives of the
Firm.
Item 3. Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Item 1. Cover Page ............................................................................................................................................ 1
Item 2. Material Changes ................................................................................................................................. 2
Item 3. Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................. 3
Item 4. Advisory Business ................................................................................................................................. 4
Item 5. Fees and Compensation ..................................................................................................................... 17
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ................................................................. 21
Item 7. Types of Clients .................................................................................................................................. 21
Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ........................................................... 22
Item 9. Disciplinary Information ..................................................................................................................... 29
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .......................................................................... 29
Item 11. Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading .................... 30
Item 12. Brokerage Practices .......................................................................................................................... 31
Item 13. Review of Accounts .......................................................................................................................... 33
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation ....................................................................................... 34
Item 15. Custody ............................................................................................................................................. 35
Item 16. Investment Discretion ...................................................................................................................... 36
Item 17. Voting Client Securities .................................................................................................................... 36
Item 18. Financial Information ....................................................................................................................... 36
Privacy Policy .................................................................................................................................................. 37
Item 4. Advisory Business
Pennsylvania Capital Management, Inc. (“PCM” or “the Firm”) is a SEC-registered
investment adviser that was founded 1995. The principal owner of the Firm is Irvin G.
Schorsch, III, President, and the Firm’s main office is located in Huntingdon Valley,
Pennsylvania.
PCM offers a wide range of services to its clients. In particular, clients look to PCM for
guidance in the following areas:
•
Investment Policy Formulation
• Asset Allocation Design and Analysis
•
•
Investment Program Planning
Investment Manager Analysis and Selection and/or Performance
Analysis and Review
• Client Meetings and Reporting
After PCM is able to assess the client’s financial situation, PCM will recommend to the client
an implementation package that matches the client’s investment objectives with the
investment objectives, style, and strengths of one or more independent money managers,
Investment Consulting Services
publicly managed funds (i.e., mutual funds), or PCM will manage the client’s assets in-house.
Should the client choose independent money managers and/or public investment
companies (mutual funds) for management of his/her assets, PCM will provide services on
an investment consulting services basis (“Consulting Services”). The client will be charged
a Consulting Services fee by PCM for the selection and monitoring services provided to the
client. Fees will vary among clients and will be determined by such factors as portfolio
manager mix, fees being paid by the client to the independent manager(s), the coordination
of assets required, the frequency with which the client requests performance reports and
meetings with PCM, the size of the account, and additional compensation anticipated to be
received by PCM or its related persons related to the management of the account.
A growing portion of PCM’s Consulting Services is providing investment consulting or
education for companies and employees of companies offering pension plans such as
401(k) and 403(b) plans. PCM will receive a fee for the design, communication and
assistance in the establishment of the administration services to be rendered to
participants in these pension plans. Fees will be determined based upon such factors as the
number of participants and the number of investment alternatives made available to the
participants.
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PCM will not have discretion with respect to assets managed by an independent portfolio
manager, however, on occasion, PCM may communicate on the client’s behalf with the
independent portfolio manager regarding such matters as portfolio performance and
stated account objectives. The client is not obligated to accept the recommendations of
PCM. Should the client choose not to accept any of the recommendations of PCM, then the
client will be billed on an hourly basis for the time expended by PCM in developing and
Investment Management Services
formulating the recommended Investment Program.
PCM provides individualized investment advice to clients based upon the client's specific
needs. Through personal consultations, PCM gathers specific financial data to develop a
client’s personalized profile, which includes a client’s investment objectives, current
financial position, risk profile, investment time horizon, tax situation and liquidity needs.
PCM reviews the client's personalized profile and based upon this review, determines an
appropriate asset allocation for the client. Such allocation takes into account the client's
existing investments, liquidity needs, portfolio goals, tax objectives and risk tolerance. PCM
then recommends any necessary re-positioning of a client’s investments or makes
recommendations for new investments to implement the client's recommended asset
allocation. This Investment Management Service is typically available for those who prefer
the personal touch and the in-house capabilities of PCM staff members. Assets will be
monitored on a continuous and ongoing basis and may be managed on a discretionary or
non-discretionary basis, at the client’s option.
Separately Managed Account Programs
PCM may allocate (and/or recommend that the client allocate) a portion of a client’s
investment assets among unaffiliated Separately Managed Account programs including
those offered by Coho Partners, an unaffiliated investment adviser firm, in accordance with
the client’s designated investment objective(s). In such situations, the Separately Managed
Account Manager shall have day-to-day responsibility for the active discretionary
management of the allocated assets.
PCM shall continue to render investment advisory services to the client relative to the
ongoing monitoring and review of account performance, asset allocation and client
investment objectives. Factors which PCM shall consider in recommending Separately
Managed Account programs include the client’s designated investment objective(s) as
applied to the Separately Managed Account program: management style, performance,
reputation, financial strength, reporting, pricing, and research.
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Tactical Asset Management
In some cases, PCM and a client may determine that all or a portion of the client’s assets
would be best managed pursuant to a discretionary tactical allocation strategy for fixed
income securities or other appropriate investment products. In these cases, PCM will
utilize the services of a third-party investment adviser who will provide buy and sell signals
to PCM based on a technical methodology for trading high-yield bond mutual funds or other
investment products.
PCM will manage these accounts on a discretionary basis, and will use the information
provided by the third-party adviser to determine an appropriate investment and trading
strategy for a client’s investments. PCM will select the investment products that will be
included in the trading strategy and will receive advice from a third-party manager as to
the timing of buy and sell strategies. PCM will not be obligated to act upon the advice of the
third-party manager for any given client account, nor will PCM be obligated to manage
client’s assets in a manner consistent with the methodology or technical signals provided
by the third-party investment adviser. PCM will compensate the third-party adviser for the
technical advice given to PCM; therefore, tactical asset management may cost a client more
than traditional asset management services provided by PCM.
PCM has engaged Brian Carruthers & Associates, an unaffiliated registered investment
adviser (“Carruthers”), to provide trading signals in connection with PCM’s Tactical Asset
Management Services, as described above. Carruthers is not responsible for the trading of
PCM clients’ assets. Instead, PCM may choose whether or not any guidance provided by
Carruthers will be acted upon.
Financial Planning and Other Services
PCM may also provide to its clients financial, strategic, or tactical planning services which
would be outside of the customary investment management services. These services may
or may not include matters relating to securities and will be performed at a
negotiated fixed fee or an hourly rate. A fixed fee will be determined after a
preliminary review of Client's financial situation, and will be calculated based on such
factors as the complexity of the services required by PCM in order to provide services to
client, the number of client meetings anticipated, PCM staff involvement to provide
services to client, and an estimation of the time to be expended on behalf of the client in
meetings with client’s other advisors, such as accountants and attorneys.
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Private Investment Funds
PCM may provide investment advice regarding unaffiliated private investment funds,
including offerings managed by Norwich Partners of Florida, LLC (“Norwich Partners
Offerings”). PCM’s role relative to the private investment funds shall be limited to its
initial and ongoing due diligence and investment monitoring services. If a client
determines to become a private fund investor, the amount of assets invested in the
fund(s) shall be included as part of “assets under management” for purposes of PCM
calculating its investment advisory fee. PCM’s clients are under absolutely no obligation to
consider or make an investment in any private investment fund(s), including Norwich
Partners Offerings.
Alternative Fees: Clients who elect to participate in Norwich Partners Offerings may enter
into separate advisory agreements with PCM for each offering in which they agree to pay
an alternative advisory fee.
Private Fund Risk Factors: Private investment funds generally involve various risk factors,
including, but not limited to, potential for complete loss of principal, liquidity constraints
and lack of transparency, a complete discussion of which is set forth in each fund’s offering
documents, which will be provided to each client for review and consideration. Unlike liquid
investments that a client may own, private investment funds do not provide daily liquidity
or pricing. Each prospective client investor will be required to complete a Subscription
Agreement, pursuant to which the client shall establish that they are qualified for
investment in the fund, and acknowledge and accept the various risk factors that are
associated with such an investment.
Private Fund Valuation: In the event that PCM references private investment funds owned
by the client on any supplemental account reports prepared by PCM, the value(s) for all
private investment funds owned by the client shall reflect the most recent valuation
provided by the fund sponsor. The current value of any private investment fund could be
significantly more or less than the original purchase price or the price reflected in any
supplemental account report.
General Information Regarding Investment Advice
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For any of the investment advisory services offered by PCM, the Firm does not limit its
investment recommendations to any specific type of product or security. A client’s individual
needs and objectives are analyzed to determine appropriate investments and products for the
client. Since different types of investments typically involve different types of risk, the Firm
conducts a risk analysis of the client and his/her overall portfolio, before recommending a
certain investment or strategy. PCM manages assets on either a non-discretionary or
discretionary basis. Either way, the client is always free to place restrictions on the types of
investments the Firm recommends for the client’s portfolio. For non-discretionary
investment management, the client may also decline to implement any of the
recommendations made by the Firm.
In general, the Firm utilizes equity investments in individual stocks, mutual funds, and
exchange traded funds. PCM also provides recommendations on fixed income investments,
including individual bond positions, bond mutual funds, certificates of deposit, and fixed
income exchange traded funds. In addition, PCM provides advice related to real estate,
leasing, or oil & gas limited partnerships, and may also provide advice on other products as
appropriate for the specific client, including non-securities products.
PCM may also provide clients with advice regarding covered options or other investment
assets, such as art, antiques, real estate or other investment holdings. PCM may also
recommend that clients purchase shares of private offerings of common stock, or may
occasionally provide advice on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).
As part of its comprehensive approach to investment advisory services, PCM may refer clients
to unaffiliated third-party service providers for specific areas for which a client may need
advice. Examples of these referrals may include local CPAs or attorneys. PCM offers this
referral service as a convenience to clients only, and any decision to engage a third-party
service provider lies solely with the client. PCM is not responsible or liable for any of the
services provided by these unaffiliated third-parties.
PCM Automated Strategies
To a limited extent, PCM may recommend that clients engage PCM to provide investment
management services utilizing the iRebal™ Portfolio Rebalancing Program, relative to
investment accounts with market values of at least $5,000 under the PCM Automated
Strategies (“PCMAS”). iRebal™ is an automated online investment management platform
offered by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. for use by independent investment advisers. iRebal™
offers a flexible tax harvesting feature for taxable accounts that allows PCM to set various
loss thresholds, total loss targets for portfolios, and choose a replacement security for each
harvested security. Once the thresholds have been set, iRebal™ identifies eligible losses in
selected accounts, and shows PCM the securities that fit the criteria that you have defined.
Neither PCM nor Schwab represent that any particular tax consequences will be obtained.
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Tax-loss harvesting involves certain risks including unintended tax implications. In
particular, certain tax-loss harvesting may be subject to the wash sale rules if the account
holder owns substantially identical stocks or securities in accounts not included in iRebal™.
Notwithstanding the wash sale rules, certain losses may be deferred by other provisions of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Through PCMAS, we offer clients a range of
investment strategies we have constructed and manage. The client’s portfolio is held in a
brokerage account opened by the client at Schwab. PCM is independent of and not owned by,
affiliated with, or sponsored or supervised by Schwab or their affiliates.
PCM, and not Schwab, is the client’s investment advisor and primary point of contact with
respect to PCMAS. PCM is solely responsible, and Schwab is not responsible, for determining
the appropriateness of PCMAS for the client, choosing a suitable investment strategy and
portfolio for the client’s investment needs and goals, and managing that portfolio on an
ongoing basis.
PCM has contracted with Schwab to provide the iRebal™ platform and related trading and
account management services for PCMAS. This platform enables us to make PCMAS available
to clients online and includes a system that automates certain key parts of our investment
process. iRebal™ includes an online questionnaire that helps us determine the client’s
investment objectives and risk tolerance and select an appropriate investment strategy and
portfolio. PCM will work in concert with the client to develop the appropriate risk profile,
time horizon and any relevant client priorities to determine the appropriate allocation
utilizing the institutional intelligent portfolio program. iRebal™ also includes an automated
investment engine through which PCM manages the client’s portfolio on an ongoing basis
through automatic rebalancing and tax-loss harvesting (if the client is eligible and elects).
PCM does not receive a portion of a wrap fee for our services to clients through PCMAS.
Clients do not pay fees to Schwab in connection with PCMAS, but PCM charges clients a
fee for its services as described below at Item 5. PCM’s fees are not set or supervised by
Schwab. Clients do not pay brokerage commissions or any other fees to Schwab as part
of PCMAS. Schwab does receive other revenues in connection with PCMAS, which are
described in the “Compensation to Schwab Under PCMAS” section below
PCM does not pay Schwab fees for the Platform so long as it maintains $100 million in
client assets in accounts at Schwab that are not enrolled in PCMAS. If PCM does not meet
this condition, then it must pay Schwab an annual licensing fee of 0.10% of the value of
its clients’ assets in PCMAS. This arrangement presents a conflict of interest, as it
provides an incentive for PCM to recommend that clients maintain their accounts at
Schwab. Notwithstanding, PCM may generally recommend to its clients that they
maintain investment management accounts at Schwab. based on the considerations
discussed in Item 12 below, which mitigates but does not eliminate this conflict of
interest.
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Clients enrolled in PCMAS are limited in the universe of investment options available to
them. For example, the investment options available are limited to ETFs or mutual
funds, whereas PCM recommends various other types of securities in its other services.
PCMAS are designed to provide guidance and professional assistance to individuals who
are beginning the process of accumulating wealth. Clients will have access to their
accounts and a financial interface online but will also have the opportunity to confer
with PCM on an ongoing basis with respect to their account.
Rebalancing
iRebal™ will rebalance a client’s account periodically by generating instructions to Schwab
to buy and sell shares of funds and deposit or withdraw funds through the “Sweep
Program”, considering the asset allocation for the client’s investment strategy. Rebalancing
trade instructions can be generated by iRebal™ when (i) the percentage allocation of an
asset class varies by a set parameter established by PCM, (ii) PCM decides to change asset
allocation percentages for an investment strategy or (iii) PCM decides to change a client’s
investment strategy, which could occur, for example, when a client makes changes to their
investment profile or imposes or modifies restrictions on the management of their account.
Sweep Program
Each investment strategy involves a cash allocation (“Cash Allocation”) that will be held in
a sweep program at Charles Schwab Bank (the “Sweep Program”). The Cash Allocation will
be a minimum of 4% of an account’s value to be held in cash, and may be higher, depending
on the investment strategy chosen for a client. The Cash Allocation will be accomplished
through enrollment in the Sweep Program, a program sponsored by CS&Co. By enrolling in
PCMAS, clients consent to having the free credit balances in their brokerage accounts at
CS&Co. swept into deposit accounts (“Deposit Accounts”) at Charles Schwab Bank
(“Schwab Bank”) through the Sweep Program. Schwab Bank is an FDIC-insured depository
institution that is a Schwab affiliate.
The Sweep Program is a required feature of PCMAS. If the Deposit Account balances exceed
the Cash Allocation for a client’s investment strategy, the excess over the rebalancing
parameter will be used to purchase securities as part of rebalancing. If clients request cash
withdrawals from their accounts, this likely will require the sale of fund positions in their
accounts to bring their Cash Allocation in line with the target allocation for their chosen
investment strategy. If those clients have taxable accounts, those sales may generate
capital gains (or losses) for tax purposes. In accordance with an agreement with CS&Co.,
Schwab Bank has agreed to pay an interest rate to depositors participating in the Sweep
Program that will be determined by reference to an index.
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Miscellaneous
Planning and Non-Investment
Consulting/Implementation
Limitations of Financial
Services
.
As indicated above, to the extent requested by a client, PCM may provide financial
planning and related consulting services. Neither PCM nor its investment adviser
representatives assist clients with the implementation of any financial plan, unless they
have agreed to do so in writing. PCM does not monitor a client’s financial plan unless
engaged to do so, and it is the client’s responsibility to revisit the financial plan with PCM, if
desired.
Furthermore, although PCM may provide recommendations regarding non-investment
related matters, such as estate planning, tax planning and insurance, PCM does not serve as
an attorney or accountant, and no portion of its services should be construed as legal or
accounting services. Accordingly, PCM does not prepare estate planning documents or tax
returns.
To the extent requested by a client, PCM may recommend the services of other
professionals for certain non-investment implementation purpose (i.e., attorneys,
accountants, insurance agents, etc.), including representatives of PCM in their separate
individual capacities as licensed insurance agents. The client is under no obligation to
engage the services of any such recommended professional and the client retains absolute
discretion over all such implementation decisions and is free to accept or reject any
recommendation from PCM and/or its representatives.
If the client engages any recommended unaffiliated professional, and a dispute arises
thereafter relative to such engagement, the client agrees to seek recourse exclusively from
and against the engaged professional. At all times, the engaged licensed professional[s] (i.e.,
attorney, accountant, insurance agent, etc.), and not PCM, shall be responsible for the
quality and competency of the services provided.
Retirement Plan Rollovers – No Obligation / Conflict of Interest
: A client or prospective
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client leaving an employer typically has four options regarding an existing retirement plan
(and may engage in a combination of these options): (i) leave the money in the former
employer’s plan, if permitted, (ii) roll over the assets to the new employer’s plan, if one is
available and rollovers are permitted, (iii) roll over to an Individual Retirement Account
(“IRA”), or (iv) cash out the account value (which could, depending upon the client’s age,
result in adverse tax consequences). If PCM recommends that a client roll over their
retirement plan assets into an account to be managed by PCM, such a recommendation
creates a conflict of interest if PCM will earn new (or increase its current) compensation as
a result of the rollover. If PCM provides a recommendation as to whether a client should
engage in a rollover or not, PCM is acting as a fiduciary within the meaning of Title I of the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act and/or the Internal Revenue Code, as applicable,
which are laws governing retirement accounts. No client is under any obligation to roll over
retirement plan assets to an account managed by PCM, whether it is from an employer’s
plan or an existing IRA.
Non-Discretionary Service Limitations
: Clients that determine to engage PCM on a non-
discretionary investment advisory basis must be willing to accept
that PCM cannot effect
any account transactions without obtaining prior consent to any such transaction(s) from
the client. Therefore, in the event that PCM would like to make a transaction for a client’s
account, and client is unavailable, PCM will be unable to effect the account transaction (as it
would for its discretionary clients) without first obtaining the client’s consent.
Use of Mutual Funds / Exchange Traded Funds
: While PCM may recommend allocating
investment assets to mutual funds that are not available directly to the public, PCM may also
recommend that clients allocate investment assets to publicly-available mutual funds and
exchange traded funds that the client could obtain without engaging PCM as an investment
adviser. However, if a client or prospective client determines to allocate investment assets
to publicly-available mutual funds or exchange traded funds without engaging PCM as an
investment advisor, the client or prospective client would not receive the benefit of PCM’s
initial and ongoing investment advisory services.
Interval Funds/Risks and Limitations
: Where appropriate, PCM may utilize interval
funds. An interval fund is a non-traditional type of closed-end mutual fund that periodically
offers to buy back a percentage of outstanding shares from shareholders. Investments in an
interval fund involve additional risk, including lack of liquidity and restrictions on
withdrawals.
During any time periods outside of the specified repurchase offer window(s), investors will
be unable to sell their shares of the interval fund. There is no assurance that an investor will
be able to tender shares when or in the amount desired. There can also be situations where
an interval fund has a limited amount of capacity to repurchase shares, and may not be able
to fulfill all purchase orders. In addition, the eventual sale price for the interval fund could
be less than the interval fund value on the date that the sale was requested.
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While an internal fund periodically offers to repurchase a portion of its securities, there is
no guarantee that investors may sell their shares at any given time or in the desired
amount. As interval funds can expose investors to liquidity risk, investors should consider
interval fund shares to be an illiquid investment. Typically, the interval funds are not listed
on any securities exchange and are not publicly traded. Therefore, there is no secondary
market for the fund’s shares.
Because these types of investments involve certain additional risk, these funds will only be
utilized when consistent with a client’s investment objectives, individual situation,
suitability, tolerance for risk and liquidity needs. Investment should be avoided where an
investor has a short-term investing horizon and/or cannot bear the loss of some, or all, of
the investment. There can be no assurance that an interval fund investment will prove
profitable or successful. In light of these enhanced risks, a client may direct PCM, in writing,
not to employ any or all such strategies for the client’s account
Portfolio Activity
. PCM has a fiduciary duty to provide services consistent with the client’s
best interest. As part of its investment advisory services, PCM will review client portfolios
on an ongoing basis to determine if any changes are necessary based upon various factors,
including, but not limited to, investment performance, fund manager tenure, style drift,
account additions/withdrawals, and/or a change in the client’s investment objective. Based
upon these factors, there may be extended periods of time when PCM determines that
changes to a client’s portfolio are neither necessary nor prudent. Clients nonetheless remain
subject to the fees described in Item 5 below during periods of account inactivity.
ByAllAccounts and eMoney
. PCM, in conjunction with the services provided by
ByAllAccounts, Inc. or eMoney Advisor, may also provide periodic comprehensive reporting
services which can incorporate all of the client’s investment assets, including those
investment assets that are not part of the assets managed by PCM (the “Excluded Assets”).
The client and/or their other advisor(s) that maintain trading authority, and not PCM, shall
be exclusively responsible for the investment performance of the Excluded Assets. Unless
otherwise specifically agreed to, in writing, PCM’s service relative to the Excluded Assets is
limited to reporting only. The sole exception to the above shall be if PCM is specifically
engaged to monitor and/or allocate the assets within the client’s 401(k) account maintained
away at the custodian directed by the client’s employer. As such, except with respect to the
client’s 401(k) account (if applicable), PCM does not maintain any trading authority for the
Excluded Assets. Rather, the client and/or the client’s designated other investment
professional(s) maintain supervision, monitoring and trading authority for the Excluded
Assets. If PCM is asked to make a recommendation as to any Excluded Assets, the client is
under absolutely no obligation to accept the recommendation, and PCM shall not be
responsible for any implementation error (timing, trading, etc.) relative to the Excluded
Assets. In the event the client desires that PCM provide investment management services
for the Excluded Assets, the client may engage PCM to do so pursuant to the terms and
conditions of the agreement between PCM and the client.
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Socially Responsible (ESG) Investing Limitations
. Socially Responsible Investing
involves the incorporation of Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) considerations
into the investment due diligence process. PCM does not maintain or advocate an ESG
investment strategy but will seek to employ ESG if directed by a client to do so. If
implemented, PCM shall rely upon the assessments undertaken by the unaffiliated mutual
fund, exchange traded fund or separate account portfolio manager to determine that the
fund’s or portfolio’s underlying company securities meet a socially responsible mandate.
ESG investing incorporates a set of criteria/factors used in evaluating potential
investments: Environmental (i.e., considers how a company safeguards the environment);
Social (i.e., the manner in which a company manages relationships with its employees,
customers, and the communities in which it operates); and Governance (i.e., company
management considerations). The number of companies that meet an acceptable ESG
mandate can be limited when compared to those that do not and could underperform broad
market indices.
Investors must accept these limitations, including potential for underperformance.
Correspondingly, the number of ESG mutual funds and exchange-traded funds are limited
when compared to those that do not maintain such a mandate. As with any type of
investment (including any investment and/or investment strategies recommended and/or
undertaken by PCM), there can be no assurance that investment in ESG securities or funds
will be profitable or prove successful.
Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency, and Digital Assets
. For clients who want exposure to Bitcoin,
cryptocurrencies, or digital assets, PCM, will advise the client to consider a potential
investment in corresponding exchange traded securities, or an allocation to separate
account managers and/or private funds that provide cryptocurrency exposure. Bitcoin and
cryptocurrencies are digital assets that can be used for various purposes, including
transactions, decentralized applications, and speculative investments. Most digital assets
use blockchain technology, an advanced cryptographic digital ledger to secure transactions
and validate asset ownership. Unlike conventional currencies issued and regulated by
monetary authorities, cryptocurrencies generally operate without centralized control, and
their value is determined by market supply and demand. While regulatory oversight of
digital assets has evolved significantly since their inception, they remain subject to variable
regulatory treatment globally, which may impact their risk profile and liquidity.
14
Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and digital asset investments are speculative and subject to
extreme price volatility, liquidity constraints, and the potential for total loss of principal.
The speculative nature of digital assets notwithstanding, PCM may (but is not obligated to)
utilize crypto exposure in one or more of its asset allocation strategies for diversification
Investment in Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, or digital assets carry the potential for
purposes.
liquidity constraints, extreme price volatility, regulatory risk, technological risk, security
and custody risk, and complete loss of principal.
Cash Positions
.
PCM treats cash as an asset class. As such, all cash positions (money
markets, etc.) shall be included as part of assets under management for purposes of
calculating PCM’s advisory fee. At any specific point in time, depending upon perceived or
anticipated market conditions/events (there being no guarantee that such anticipated
market conditions/events will occur),
PCM may maintain cash positions for defensive
purposes. In addition, while assets are maintained in cash, such amounts could miss market
advances. Depending upon current yields, at any point in time, PCM’s advisory fee could
exceed the interest paid by the client’s money market fund.
Cash Sweep Accounts
. Certain account custodians can require that cash proceeds from
account transactions or new deposits, be swept to and/or initially maintained in a
specific custodian designated sweep account. The yield on the sweep account will generally
be lower than those available for other money market accounts. When this occurs, to help
mitigate the corresponding yield dispersion PCM shall (usually within 30 days
thereafter) generally (with exceptions) purchase a higher yielding money market fund (or
other type security) available on the custodian’s platform, unless PCM reasonably
anticipates that it will utilize the cash proceeds during the subsequent 30-day period to
purchase additional investments for the client’s account. Exceptions and/or modifications
can and will occur with respect to all or a portion of the cash balances for various reasons,
including, but not limited to the amount of dispersion between the sweep account and a
money market fund, the size of the cash balance, an indication from the client of an
imminent need for such cash, or the client has a demonstrated history of writing checks
from the account.
The above does not apply to the cash component maintained within a PCM actively managed
investment strategy (the cash balances for which shall generally remain in the custodian
designated cash sweep account), an indication from the client of a need for access to such
cash, assets allocated to an unaffiliated investment manager and cash balances maintained
for fee billing purposes.
The client shall remain exclusively responsible for yield dispersion/cash balance decisions
and corresponding transactions for cash balances maintained in any PCM unmanaged
accounts.
Client Obligations
. In performing its services, PCM shall not be required to verify any
information received from the client or from the client’s other designated professionals, and
15
is expressly authorized to rely thereon. Moreover, each client is advised that it remains their
responsibility to promptly notify PCM if there is ever any change in their financial situation
or investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing, evaluating or revising PCM’s previous
recommendations and/or services.
Cybersecurity Risk
. The information technology systems and networks that PCM and its
third-party service providers use to provide services to PCM’s clients employ various
controls that are designed to prevent cybersecurity incidents stemming from intentional or
unintentional actions that could cause significant interruptions in PCM’s operations and/or
result in the unauthorized acquisition or use of clients’ confidential or non-public personal
information.
In accordance with Regulation S-P, PCM is committed to protecting the privacy and security
of its clients' non-public personal information by implementing appropriate administrative,
technical, and physical safeguards. PCM has established processes to mitigate the risks of
cybersecurity incidents, including the requirement to restrict access to such sensitive data
and to monitor its systems for potential breaches. Clients and PCM are nonetheless subject
to the risk of cybersecurity incidents that could ultimately cause them to incur financial
losses and/or other adverse consequences.
Although PCM has established processes to reduce the risk of cybersecurity incidents, there
is no guarantee that these efforts will always be successful, especially considering that PCM
does not control the cybersecurity measures and policies employed by third-party service
providers, issuers of securities, broker-dealers, qualified custodians, governmental and
other regulatory authorities, exchanges, and other financial market operators and providers.
In compliance with Regulation S-P, PCM will notify clients in the event of a data breach
involving their non-public personal information as required by applicable state and federal
laws.
Disclosure Statement
: A copy of PCM’s written Brochure and Client Relationship
Summary, as set forth on Part 2 of Form ADV and Form CRS respectively, shall be provided
to each client prior to, or contemporaneously with, the execution of the Investment
Advisory Agreement or Financial Planning and Consulting Agreement.
Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, PCM was providing regular and continuous Investment
Management services for 1,033 accounts, and the total value of assets under management in
these accounts was $523,893,474 on a discretionary basis and $235,143,161 on a non-
discretionary basis).
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Item 5. Fees and Compensation
Investment Consulting Services
See
Fee Differentials* below) This asset based fee for
Fees will vary among clients and will be determined by such factors as portfolio manager
mix, fees being paid by the client to the independent manager(s), the coordination of assets
required, the frequency with which the client requests performance reports and meetings
with PCM, the size of the account, and additional compensation anticipated to be received by
PCM or its related persons related to the management of the account. Fees are calculated
based upon a percentage of the managed assets or may be a negotiated flat fee. The standard
used for determining the annual fee would be a range from 1.50% of the asset value down to
0.75%, for assets up to $5 million. (
Investment Consulting Services is based on the market value of the managed portfolio as of
the last business day of the preceding billing period and is payable either quarterly or semi-
annually, in advance of services rendered.
Fees payable upon establishment and termination of the Consulting Services will be
prorated for the portion of the billing period during which PCM is retained by the client.
Investment Consulting Services may be canceled by either party at any time by written
notice. If the agreement is canceled within the first five (5) days after the signing of the
agreement, then the client is entitled to a full refund of any fees paid.
The client is responsible to pay PCM’s Consulting fee in addition to any fee charged by the
independent portfolio manager or mutual fund for the investment advisory services
rendered to the client. Client should refer to the product prospectus or other disclosure
document for a complete description of all fees. The client is also responsible for the
transaction and execution costs associated with any transaction effected in the account(s),
unless an agreement stating otherwise is made with the portfolio manager or PCM.
Should the client choose not to accept any of the recommendations of PCM, then the client
will be billed on an hourly basis for the time expended by PCM in developing and
formulating the recommended Investment Program. Such billing will be at an hourly rate
not to exceed $750.00 per hour, or $275 per hour for an associate planner, with
administrative charges not to exceed $125 per hour, plus expenses.
PCM’s asset-based fees are payable quarterly, in advance, immediately following presentation
of an invoice. Clients may also give PCM express written permission to deduct fees from their
custodial account, if a client so chooses. While PCM has established the above referenced fee
schedule, the Firm may negotiate fees under certain, limited circumstances, at its sole
discretion.
17
Factors considered when determining whether a different fee will be negotiated include,
among other things, the complexity of the client’s financial situation, related accounts under
management, portfolio style, and the provision of other services provided to the client. In
some cases, clients may be subject to a different fee schedule in effect at the time their account
was established and specified in their Advisory Agreement with PCM. These different fee
schedules may be higher or lower than current fee arrangements. PCM may, in its sole
discretion, determine when, if ever, previous fee schedules will or will not apply to existing
clients. Clients will receive advance written notice of any change in their applicable fee
schedules.
Investment Management Services
See
The annual management fee for investment management services is based on the market
value of the portfolio as of the last business day of the preceding billing period and is payable
quarterly or semi-annually, in advance of services being rendered. The fee may range from
Fee
1.35% down to 0.50% of the total value of the assets for accounts up to $5 million. (
Differentials* below) In certain circumstances, PCM may charge a lower fee at its sole
discretion.
This fee is exclusive of all transaction costs, which client will incur separately. Transactions
will generally be executed through one of the following: Charles Schwab & Co., TIAA, or
National Advisors Trust Co. (see Item 12 later in this brochure). Client will be responsible for
paying all execution and/or transaction costs associated with trade execution and/or account
custody. If mutual funds are purchased, client should refer to the product prospectus for a
complete discussion of the fees associated with the product.
Some mutual fund shares may pay on-going 12b-1 management fees. Neither PCM nor any
representative of PCM will receive or participate in any such 12b-1 fee. The investment
management fee charged is determined based upon such factors as the anticipated custodial
charges, if applicable, the style of management to be employed, and the level of performance
measurement services to be given to the client, as well as any additional services provided to
the client. Fees are negotiable at the sole discretion of PCM. The investment management fee
schedule may be higher or lower than that normally charged in the industry.
Fees payable upon establishment and termination of Investment Management Services will
be prorated for the portion of the billing period during which PCM is retained by the client.
Investment Management Services may be canceled by either party at any time by written
notice. If the agreement is canceled within the first five (5) business days after the signing of
the agreement, then the client is entitled to a full refund of any fees paid.
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Tactical Asset Management Services
See
Fee Differentials* below) In certain circumstances, PCM may charge a lower fee
The annual management fee for tactical investment management services is based on the
market value of the portfolio as of the last business day of the preceding billing period and is
payable quarterly or semi-annually, in advance of services being rendered. The fee may
range from 1.95% down to 1.30% of the total value of the assets for accounts up to $5
million. (
at its sole discretion. The specific fee will be disclosed to Client on an Addendum to the
Tactical Asset Allocation Investment Management Agreement that Client will execute. This
fee is exclusive of all transaction costs, which client will incur separately. Client will be
responsible for paying all execution and/or transaction costs associated with trade execution
and/or account custody.
If mutual funds are purchased, client should refer to the product prospectus for a complete
discussion of the fees associated with the product. Some mutual fund shares may pay on-
going 12b-1 management fees. Neither PCM nor any representative of PCM will receive or
participate in any such 12b-1 fee. The investment management fee charged is determined
based upon such factors as the anticipated custodial charges, if applicable, the style of
management to be employed, and the level of performance measurement services to be given
to the client, as well as any additional services provided to the client. Fees are negotiable at
the sole discretion of PCM. The investment management fee schedule may be higher or lower
than that normally charged in the industry.
As discussed above, PCM has engaged Carruthers to provide trading signals in connection
with PCM’s Tactical Asset Management Services. Clients will not incur, nor are they
responsible for any additional fee payable to Carruthers in connection with this service.
*Fee Differentials
. As indicated above, PCM shall receive an investment advisory fee
based upon a percentage (%) of the market value of the assets placed under
management/advisement. However, fees shall vary depending upon various objective and
subjective factors, including but not limited to: the representative assigned to the account,
the amount of assets to be invested, the complexity of the engagement, the anticipated
number of meetings and servicing needs, related accounts, future earning capacity,
anticipated future additional assets, and negotiations with the client. As a result, similarly
situated/invested clients could pay different fees, which will correspondingly impact a
client’s net account performance. Moreover, the services to be provided by PCM to any
particular client could be available from other advisers at lower fees. All clients and
prospective clients should be guided accordingly.
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Financial Planning and Other Services
Financial planning services may or may not include matters relating to securities and will be
performed at a negotiated fixed fee or an hourly rate not to exceed $750.00 per hour, or $275
per hour for an associate planner, with administrative charges not to exceed $125 per hour,
plus expenses. A fixed fee will be determined after a preliminary review of Client's financial
situation, and will be calculated based on such factors as the complexity of the services
required by PCM in order to provide services to client, the number of client meetings
anticipated, PCM staff involvement to provide services to client, and an estimation of the time
to be expended on behalf of the client in meetings with client’s other advisors, such as
accountants and attorneys.
General Information Regarding Fees and Account Termination
As part of its approach to investment advisory services, PCM may refer clients to unaffiliated
third-party service providers for specific areas for which a client may need advice. Examples
of these referrals may include local CPAs or attorneys. In these cases, clients may be subject
to additional fees charged by the third-party service provider to whom the client has been
referred. PCM does not receive any portion of the fees charged by these third-party service
providers. In addition, PCM offers this referral service as a convenience to clients only, and
any decision to engage a third-party service provider lies solely with the client. PCM is not
responsible or liable for any of the services provided by these unaffiliated third-parties.
PCM’s fees are generally negotiable at the sole discretion of PCM. In some cases, fees may be
reduced based on factors that may include the complexity of the relationship, other business
activities with which PCM and the client are engaged, client or business referrals made by a
client, or other factors as determined by PCM.
Clients may terminate Advisory Agreements at any time upon prior written notice. If an
Agreement is terminated within the first five (5) business days, clients are entitled to a full
refund of any fees paid. If an Advisory Agreement is terminated after more than five (5)
business days, clients are assessed fees on a pro-rata basis, based on the number of days that
investment advisory services were provided. Any pre-paid fees will be refunded on a pro-
rata basis, based on the number of days advisory services were provided.
PCM and its representatives do not accept compensation for the sale of securities or other
investment products.
PCM shall make billing adjustments based upon inflows and outflows during each billing
period that exceed $25,000.
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PCM Automated Strategies (PCMAS)
Should a client choose to engage PCM to provide discretionary investment advisory services
on a fee-only basis through PCMAS, our annual fee shall range from 1.0% up to 1.5% of the
market value of the assets placed under PCM’s management depending on the amount of
assets under management and the overall complexity of the client’s situation.
For purposes of determining value, securities and other instruments traded on a market for
which actual transaction prices are publicly reported are valued at the last reported sale
price on the principal market in which they are traded. In certain circumstances, fees may
be negotiable.
Compensation to Schwab Under PCMAS
Clients do not pay fees to SPT or brokerage commissions or other fees to CS&Co. as part of
PCMAS. Schwab does receive other revenues, including (i) the profit earned by Charles
Schwab Bank, a Schwab affiliate, on the allocation to the Program described in the Schwab
Disclosure Statement; (ii) investment advisory and/or administrative service fees (or
unitary fees) received by Charles Schwab Investment Management, Inc., a Schwab affiliate,
from Schwab ETFs™ Schwab Funds® that PCM selects to buy and hold in the client’s
brokerage account; (iii) fees received by Schwab from third-party ETFs that participate in
the Schwab ETF OneSource™ program and mutual funds in the Schwab Mutual Fund
Marketplace® (including certain Schwab Funds) in the client’s brokerage account for
services Schwab provides; and (iv) remuneration Schwab may receive from the market
centers where it routes ETF trade orders for execution.
Item 6. Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
PCM does not charge performance-based fees.
Item 7. Types of Clients
PCM provides investment advisory services to individuals, high-net worth individuals,
pension and profit sharing plans, corporations or other businesses, trust, estates and
charitable organizations. PCM typically provides its investment advisory services to clients
with at least $1,000,000 of assets. PCM, in its sole discretion, may reduce or waive its
minimum asset requirement based upon certain criteria (i.e., anticipated future earning
capacity, anticipated future additional assets, dollar amount of assets to be managed,
related accounts, account composition, negotiations with client, etc.).
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Item 8. Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
There are general standards of education and business experience which PCM requires of
those involved in determining or giving investment advice to its clients. PCM Consultants
are required to have the technical knowledge in the areas of securities portfolio
management and investment manager evaluation in order for a Consultant to provide PCM
services. They are also expected to have, or be in the process of attaining, advanced asset
portfolio management training through earning of a professional designation, such as the
Certified Investment Management Analyst or Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation.
PCM uses various methods of analysis in formulating the investment advice offered on
behalf of the Firm. PCM takes a holistic approach to evaluate an overall portfolio strategy
and asset allocation that meets a client’s needs and objectives. Rather than focusing on
specific investments, PCM Consultants identify an appropriate mix of securities, fixed
income investments, cash and other investments, to build a portfolio that is suitable for a
client’s investment needs, objectives and risk tolerance. Portfolios are typically made up of
various mutual funds, fixed income securities, exchange traded funds, and exchange traded
funds. Portfolios may also include individual equity or bond positions, certificates of
deposits, and limited partnership products.
PCM conducts its research on the investments it recommends using publicly available
performance information. PCM also conducts on-site corporate inspections and attends due
diligence meetings presented by product sponsors or issuers. PCM currently utilizes
Bloomberg and Morningstar, among others, for its research. PCM evaluates the experience
and track record of money or product managers, to determine whether a manager has
demonstrated the ability to manage assets under varying economic situations. PCM also
evaluates the underlying investments in a mutual fund or exchange traded fund, to
determine whether the manager invests in a manner that is consistent with the fund’s
investment objective.
A risk associated with this type of analysis is that past performance is not a guarantee of
future results. While a manager may have demonstrated a certain level of success in past
economic times, he or she may not be able to replicate that success in future markets. In
addition, just because a manager may have invested in a certain manner in past years, such
manager may deviate from his/her strategy in future years. To mitigate this risk, PCM
attempts to select investments from companies with proven track records that have
demonstrated a consistent level of performance and success. PCM also relies on an
assumption that the rating agencies it uses to evaluate investments are providing accurate
and unbiased analysis.
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PCM uses investment management strategies that it feels best meet its clients’ needs and
objectives. Such strategies typically include long-term investment strategies of asset
allocation and diversification. While this strategy typically meets the needs and objectives
of our clients, long-term investment strategies may include the risk of not taking advantage
of short-term gains that could be profitable to a client. In addition, all securities
investments involve risk and clients may lose all or part of their investment. Clients who
elect to invest in securities must be willing to bear this risk. For this reason, PCM takes care
to determine an appropriate risk tolerance of its clients. Investment recommendations are
made with this risk tolerance in mind.
Investment Risk
. Different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and it
should not be assumed that future performance of any specific investment or investment
strategy (including the investments and/or investment strategies recommended or
undertaken by PCM) will be profitable or equal any specific performance level(s). At any
time, PCM may add, remove, or modify any of the strategies it employs, and this includes
any of the strategies discussed above. These methods, strategies, and investments involve
risk of loss to Clients that Clients should be prepared to bear.
Counterparty Risk
: Counterparty risk is the risk to each party of a contract that the
counterparty will not live up to its contractual obligations. Clients could potentially incur a
significant loss as a result of counterparty credit exposure should the counterparty fail to
fulfill its obligations.
Credit Risk:
Credit risk is the risk that the issuer of a security may be unable to make
interest payments and/or repay principal when due. A downgrade to an issuer’s credit
rating or a perceived change in an issuer’s financial strength may affect a security’s value,
and thus, impact performance. Credit risk is greater for fixed income securities with ratings
below investment grade (BB or below by Standard & Poor’s Rating Group or Ba or below by
Moody’s Investors Service, Inc.). Fixed income securities that are below investment grade
involve higher credit risk and are considered speculative.
Equity Securities
: Equity securities fluctuate in value in response to many factors,
including the activities, results of operations, and financial condition of individual
companies; the business market in which individual companies compete; industry market
conditions; interest rates; and general economic environments. In addition, events such as
domestic and international political instability, terrorism and natural disasters may be
unforeseeable and contribute to market volatility in ways that may adversely affect
investments made by a Client.
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Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
: ETFs are marketable securities that are designed to
Variance from Benchmark Index
track, before fees and expenses, the performance or returns of a relevant index, commodity,
bonds or basket of assets, like an index fund. Unlike mutual funds, ETFs trade like common
stock on a stock exchange. ETFs experience price changes throughout the day as they are
bought and sold. In addition to the general risks of investing, there are specific risks to
consider with respect to an investment in ETFs, including, but not limited to:
i.
. ETF performance may differ from the
performance of the applicable index for a variety of reasons. For
example, ETFs incur operating expenses and portfolio transaction costs
not incurred by the benchmark index, may not be fully invested in the
securities of their indices at all times, or may hold securities not
included in their indices. In addition, corporate actions with respect to
the equity securities underlying ETFs (such as mergers and spin-offs)
may impact the variance between the performances of the ETFs and
applicable indices.
Passive Investing Risk
ii.
. Passive investing differs from active investing in
that ETF managers are not seeking to outperform their benchmark. As a
result, ETF managers may hold securities that are components of their
underlying index, regardless of the current or projected performance of
the specific security or market sector. Passive managers do not attempt
to take defensive positions based upon market conditions, including
declining markets. This approach could cause a passive vehicle’s
performance to be lower than if it employed an active strategy.
Secondary Market Risk
iii.
. ETFs shares are bought and sold in the
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secondary market at market prices. Although ETFs are required to
calculate their net asset values (“NAV”) on a daily basis, at times the
market price of an ETF’s shares may be more than the NAV (trading at a
premium) or less than the NAV (trading at a discount). Given the
differing nature of the relevant secondary markets for ETFs, certain
ETFs may trade at a larger premium or discount to NAV than shares of
other ETFs depending on the markets where such ETFs are traded. The
risk of deviation from NAV for ETFs generally is heightened in times of
market volatility or periods of steep market declines. For example,
during periods of market volatility, securities underlying ETFs may be
unavailable in the secondary market, market participants may be unable
to calculate accurately the NAV per share of such ETFs, and the liquidity
of such ETFs may be adversely affected. This kind of market volatility
may also disrupt the ability of market participants to create and redeem
shares in ETFs. Further, market volatility may adversely affect,
sometimes materially, the prices at which market participants are
willing to buy and sell shares of ETFs. As a result, under these
circumstances, the market value of shares of an ETF may vary
substantially from the NAV per share of such ETF, and the client may
incur significant losses from the sale of ETF shares
Exchange-Traded Notes (ETNs):
Exchange-traded notes are subject to credit risk, do not
make periodic interest payments, and may impose fees and expenses on the Client’s
investment advisory account.
Inflation Risk:
When any type of inflation is present, a dollar today will not buy as much as
a dollar next year, because purchasing power is eroding at the rate of inflation.
Interest-rate Risk
: Fluctuations in interest rates may cause investment prices to fluctuate.
For example, when interest rates rise, yields on existing bonds become less attractive,
causing their market values to decline.
Liquidity Risk
: Liquidity is the ability to readily convert an investment into cash.
Generally, assets are more liquid if many traders are interested in a standardized product.
For example, Treasury Bills are highly liquid, while real estate properties are not.
Market Risk
: The price of a security, bond, or mutual fund may drop in reaction to tangible
and intangible events and conditions. This type of risk may be caused by external factors
independent of the fund’s specific investments as well as due to the fund’s specific
investments. Additionally, each security’s price will fluctuate based on market movement
and emotion, which may, or may not be due to the security’s operations or changes in its
true value. For example, political, economic and social conditions may trigger market
events which are temporarily negative, or temporarily positive.
Mutual Fund Risk
: Mutual funds are funds that are operated by an investment company
that raises money from shareholders and invests it in stocks, bonds, and/or other types of
securities. The fund will have a manager that trades the fund's investments in accordance
with the fund's investment objective. The mutual funds charge a separate management fee
for their services. The returns on mutual funds can be reduced by the costs to manage the
funds. While mutual funds generally provide diversification, risks can be significantly
increased if the fund is concentrated in a particular sector of the market. Funds that are
sold through brokers are called load funds, and those sold to investors directly from the
fund companies are called no-load funds. Mutual funds come in many varieties. Some invest
aggressively for capital appreciation, while others are conservative and are designed to
generate income for shareholders. Investors should carefully assess their tolerance for risk
before they decide which fund is suitable for their account.
Regulatory Risk:
Changes in laws and regulations from any government can change the
market value of companies subject to such regulations. Certain industries are more
susceptible to government regulation. Changes in zoning, tax structure or laws impact the
25
return on these investments.
Risks Related to Investment Term
: Securities do not follow a straight line up in value. All
securities will have periods of time when the current price of the security is not what we
believe it is truly worth. If you require us to liquidate your portfolio during one of these
periods, you will not realize as much value as you would have had the investment had the
opportunity to regain its value.
Value Investment Risk:
Value stocks may perform differently from the market as a whole
and following a value-oriented investment strategy may cause the portfolio to at times
underperform growth stocks.
Currently, PCM primarily allocates client investment assets among various individual
equity (stocks), debt (bonds) and fixed income securities, and/or mutual funds on a
discretionary basis in accordance with the client’s designated investment objective(s). PCM
frequently uses mutual funds, exchange traded funds, and exchange traded notes to satisfy
asset allocation requirements. These funds are themselves subject to numerous risks that
are outlined in each fund’s prospectus and/or annual reports.
Margin Accounts: Risks/Conflict of Interest.
margin account
PCM does not typically recommend the use
is a brokerage account
that allows
of margin for investment purposes. A
investors to borrow money to buy securities and/or for other non-investment borrowing
purposes. The broker/custodian charges the investor interest for the right to borrow
money and uses the securities as collateral. By using borrowed funds, the customer is
employing leverage that will magnify both account gains and losses. Should a client
determine to use margin, and the PCM includes the entire market value of the margined
assets when computing its advisory fee, the PCM’s fee shall be based upon a higher
margined account value, resulting in PCM earning a correspondingly higher advisory fee. As
a result, the potential of conflict of interest arises since PCM may have an economic
disincentive to recommend that the client terminate the use of margin.
The use of margin can cause significant adverse financial consequences in the event of a
market correction.
Borrowing Against Assets/Risks
. A client who has a need to borrow money could
determine to do so by using:
• Margin
-The account custodian or broker-dealer lends money to the client. The
custodian charges the client interest for the right to borrow money, and uses the
assets in the client’s brokerage account as collateral; and,
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• Pledged Assets Loan
- In consideration for a lender (i.e., a bank, etc.) to make a loan
to the client, the client pledges its investment assets held at the account custodian
as collateral;
These above-described collateralized loans are generally utilized because they typically
provide more favorable interest rates than standard commercial loans. These types of
collateralized loans can assist with a pending home purchase, permit the retirement of
more expensive debt, or enable borrowing in lieu of liquidating existing account positions
and incurring capital gains taxes. However, such loans are not without potential material
risk to the client’s investment assets. The lender (i.e., custodian, bank, etc.) will have
recourse against the client’s investment assets in the event of loan default or if the assets
fall below a certain level. For this reason, PCM does not typically recommend such
borrowing unless it is for specific short-term purposes (i.e., a bridge loan to purchase a new
residence). PCM does not recommend such borrowing for investment purposes (i.e., to
invest borrowed funds in the market). Regardless, if the client was to determine to utilize
margin or a pledged assets loan, the following economic benefits would inure to PCM:
•
•
•
by taking the loan rather than liquidating assets in the client’s account, PCM
continues to earn a fee on such Account assets; and,
if the client invests any portion of the loan proceeds in an account to be managed by
PCM, PCM will receive an advisory fee on the invested amount; and,
if PCM’s advisory fee is based upon the higher margined account value, PCM will
earn a correspondingly higher advisory fee. This could provide PCM with a
disincentive to encourage the client to discontinue the use of margin.
Options Strategies
The use of options transactions as an investment strategy involves a high level of
inherent risk. Option transactions establish a contract between two parties
concerning the buying or selling of an asset at a predetermined price during a specific
period of time. During the term of the option contract, the buyer of the option gains
the right to demand fulfillment by the seller. Fulfillment may take the form of either
selling or purchasing a security depending upon the nature of the option contract.
Generally, the purchase or the recommendation to purchase an option contract by
PCM shall be with the intent of offsetting/”hedging” a potential market risk in a
client’s portfolio.
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Although the intent of the options-related transactions that may be implemented by
PCM is to hedge against principal risk, certain of the options-related strategies (i.e.,
straddles, short positions, etc.), may, in and of themselves, produce principal volatility
and/or risk. Thus, a client, utilizing option strategies, must be willing to accept these
enhanced volatility and principal risks associated with such strategies. In light of
these greater risks, client may direct PCM, from time to time, in writing, to
discontinue any or all such strategies for their accounts.
Covered Call Writing
Covered call writing is the sale of in-, at-, or out-of-the-money call options against a long
security position held in a client portfolio. This type of transaction is intended to generate
income. It also serves to create partial downside protection in the event the security
position declines in value. Income is received from the proceeds of the option sale. Such
income may be reduced or lost to the extent it is determined to buy back the option
position before its expiration. There can be no assurance that the security will not be called
away by the option buyer, which will result in the client (option writer) to lose ownership
in the security and incur potential unintended tax consequences. Covered call strategies are
generally better suited for positions with lower price volatility.
Risks Specific to PCMAS
. ETFs in which the strategy may invest involve certain inherent
risks generally associated with investments in a portfolio of securities, including the risk
that the general level of security prices may decline, thereby adversely affecting the value
of each unit of the ETF. Moreover, an ETF may not fully replicate the performance of its
benchmark index because of the temporary unavailability of certain index securities in the
secondary market or discrepancies between the ETF and the index with respect to the
weighting of securities or the number of securities held.
ETFs in which the strategies invest have their own fees and expenses as set forth in the ETF
prospectuses. ETFs may have exposure to derivative instruments, such as futures contracts,
forward contracts, options, and swaps. There is a risk that a derivative may not perform as
expected. The main risk with derivatives is that some types can amplify a gain or loss,
potentially earning or losing substantially more money than the actual cost of the
derivative, or that the counterparty may fail to honor its contract terms, causing a loss for
the ETF.
Use of these instruments may also involve certain costs and risks such as liquidity risk,
interest rate risk, market risk, credit risk, management risk, and the risk that an ETF could
not close out a position when it would be most advantageous to do so. Some ETFs available,
including Schwab ETFs™, are less than 10 years old. Accordingly, there is limited data
available to use when assessing the investment risk of some of these ETFs. As a result, one
or more of the following may occur: (i) poor liquidity in or limited availability of the ETFs,
or (ii) lack of market depth causing the ETFs to trade at excessive premiums or discounts.
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Item 9. Disciplinary Information
Registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any
legal or disciplinary events that would be material to your evaluation of PCM or the
integrity of PCM’s management. PCM has no reportable information applicable to this
Item.
Item 10. Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Licensed Insurance Agents
. Irvin G. Schorsch, III, in his individual capacity, is a licensed
insurance agent, and may recommend the purchase of certain insurance-related products on
a commission basis. Clients can also engage Mr. Schorsch, as a licensed insurance agent, to
effect insurance transactions on a commission basis.
Conflict of Interest
: The recommendation by Mr. Schorsch that a client purchase an
insurance commission product presents a conflict of interest, as the receipt of commissions
may provide an incentive to recommend investment products based on commissions
received, rather than on a particular client’s need. No client is under any obligation to
purchase any commission products from Mr. Schorsch. Clients are reminded that they may
purchase insurance products recommended by PCM through other, non-affiliated insurance
agents. PCM’s Chief Compliance Officer, Irvin G. Schorsch, III, remains available to address
any questions that a client or prospective may have regarding the above conflicts of interest.
Irvin G. Schorsch, III, President of PCM, actively writes investment-related blogs for several
reputable web sites. Mr. Schorsch does this as a contributor only, and is not compensated
for his postings. In some cases, however, PCM may be listed as a preferred or recommended
provider of advisory services on the sites for which Mr. Schorsch is a contributor.
PCM may also refer clients to certain unaffiliated investment advisers such as TIAA, under
fully disclosed arrangements. Services provided by these third-party investment advisers
may include customized portfolio design, quarterly performance reports, and so on. In
such cases, PCM will provide monitoring of the managers selected by the client. In other
cases, PCM may refer clients to an unaffiliated third-party service provider for specific
services such as legal or accounting services. PCM is not compensated for these referrals
but instead makes these referrals when it feels it is in the client’s best interest to do so,
based on the specific needs and objectives of the client. Clients are under no obligation to
engage the services of the third-party service provider and clients do so at their own
discretion. PCM is not liable or responsible for any of the services provided by an
unaffiliated third-party service provider.
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Item 11. Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading
PCM has adopted a Code of Ethics to promote the principles of honesty and integrity in its
business practices, and to maintain PCM’s reputation as a firm that operates with the
highest level of professionalism. PCM recognizes its fiduciary responsibilities to its clients,
and its duty and pledge to place clients’ interests first and foremost. In connection with this
duty, all employees of PCM are subject to the Firm’s Code of Ethics, and are required to
acknowledge their understanding of its terms. A copy of the PCM Code of Ethics will be
provided to any client or prospective client upon request.
PCM’s Code of Ethics establishes procedures for employees to report personal securities
transactions and personal securities holdings. The Code sets forth procedures for
management review of these reports. In some cases, PCM’s employees may be required to
obtain pre-approval for certain personal securities transactions or refrain from certain
transactions altogether. PCM’s Code of Ethics also sets forth the obligation of all PCM
employees to comply with applicable state and federal securities laws, and the duty to
cooperate in any investigation or inquiry conducted on or by PCM. Finally, PCM’s Code of
Ethics establishes procedures for the reporting of any potential violation of the Firm’s Code.
PCM or its owners, officers and employees may buy or sell securities that are the same or
different than those they recommend to clients. While buying or selling the same security
as a client would be incidental, it may represent a conflict of interest, which would be fully
disclosed to the client. PCM or its owners, officers and employees may not sell securities
from their accounts directly to a client, nor may they purchase securities directly from a
client. PCM, its owners, officers and employees are prohibited from trading on material
nonpublic information. PCM does not trade ahead of clients, but instead puts clients’
interests first. Employees may not purchase or sell any security prior to a transaction being
implemented for an advisory client, unless the timing of such transaction was done without
the employee’s knowledge of a client’s transaction. PCM endeavors to ensure that the
personal trading activities of its owners, officers and employees do not interfere with the
decision making process for client investment recommendations. PCM also endeavors to
ensure that the personal trading activities of its owners, officers and employees do not
interfere with the implementation of investment recommendations made to clients.
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Occasionally PCM may take a position in a certain security and later sell that security to a
client (principal transactions). This would be in rare and unique circumstances, such as
when an open-end mutual fund is closing to new investors. PCM will sell shares to clients
at the market price on the day of the transaction. Clients will receive written disclosure
about the details of the transaction, including the date of the transaction, the price at
which the transaction will occur, whether more favorable pricing exists somewhere else,
and whether PCM will be compensated in any way for the transaction. Clients will be
asked to sign an acknowledgment for any transaction of this nature. Conflicts of interest
may exist in these types of transactions, however PCM endeavors at all times to act in the
best interest of its clients.
Item 12. Brokerage Practices
PCM provides investment advisory services on either a non-discretionary or discretionary
basis. Clients are generally free to implement or decline investment recommendations
made by PCM, unless PCM is acting in a discretionary role. In addition, clients are free to
implement investment recommendations at firms of their choice; however, if clients choose
to implement transactions at firms other than those recommended by PCM, the Firm may be
unable to provide investment advisory services for those assets.
PCM recommends that clients execute recommended brokerage transactions through
certain broker/dealers. PCM may recommend the brokerage and custodial services of one
or more of the following firms: Charles Schwab & Company, Inc. (“Schwab”), TIAA, and
National Advisors Trust Co., all of whom are independent and unaffiliated broker-dealers or
investment advisers. PCM, as an investment adviser, can provide through the institutional
arms of these broker dealer/custodians such services as custody of securities, trade
execution, clearance and settlement of transactions, institutional commission rates, access
to mutual funds with no transaction fees and to certain institutional money managers, daily
portfolio valuations, and portfolio reporting system support. Schwab, National Advisors
Trust Co., and TIAA also provide to the client the ability to have PCM’s advisory fees
automatically deducted from the client’s account. Clients must agree in writing to the
services that PCM may perform on behalf of the client. PCM receives some benefits from
these independent broker-dealer/custodians through its participation in institutional
programs offered by these firms. For example, PCM receives duplicate Client statements
and confirmations, research-related products and tools, consulting services, access to a
trading desk serving investment advisor participants, access to block trading, electronic
Client order-entry, discounts on practice management products or services. These products
and services may assist PCM in managing Client accounts or develop its business. The
benefits received do not depend on the amount of brokerage transactions directed to the
particular broker- dealer/custodian but the receipt of these additional economic benefits
may create a conflict of interest in that they may indirectly influence PCM in its choice of
custodians. PCM endeavors at all times to place clients’ interest first and foremost.
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While PCM cannot guarantee that the execution services provided by the above referenced
broker/dealers are the best executions available, the Firm feels that that the overall quality
of execution services provided by these firms is in the clients’ best interests.
As stated previously, PCM routinely recommends that clients utilize the brokerage and
custodial services offered by Schwab, National Advisors Trust Co. or TIAA, unlike other
advisors who may permit clients to direct brokerage to any firm of their choice. PCM may
be unable to negotiate specific transaction costs for transaction execution. Transactions
executed by these firms will be subject to the transaction and commission fee schedule in
effect at the time of execution.
PCM does attempt to negotiate commission rates or volume discounts; however,
brokerage and investment advisory services offered by PCM may cost a client more or less
than similar investment advisory services offered by another firm, or by purchasing
similar services separately. Higher transaction costs adversely impact account
performance. Transactions for directed accounts will generally be executed following the
execution of portfolio transactions for non-directed accounts.
Through its relationships with Schwab and National Advisors Trust Co., PCM has access to
free research, software, account administrative support, record keeping, brokerage,
custodial and other related services that are intended to support advisers in conducting an
investment advisory business. PCM also has access to an extensive list of product offerings
from which client recommendations can be made, and may have the ability to execute
client no-load or low-load mutual fund transactions without transaction charges or with
nominal transaction charges. PCM also has access to Schwab’s SchwabLink program
which provides PCM with a software downlink of daily transaction, balance and position
information on client accounts held at such custodians.
PCM may accept reimbursement for marketing costs, such as expenses related to meetings
held by, or attended by PCM Consultants. Such costs will be associated with “due diligence”
trips that allow PCM to better analyze a company and/or investment manager. The
acceptance of reimbursement will not be contingent upon any commitment by PCM to
place client assets with a product sponsor or investment manager, and will not influence
PCM’s decision to select a product or investment manager for its clients, other than to allow
PCM’s associated persons an opportunity to gain further knowledge.
Brokerage Practices Under PCMAS
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Client accounts enrolled in PCMAS are maintained at, and receive the brokerage services of,
Schwab, a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a FINRA/SIPC member. While clients
are required to use CS&Co. as custodian/broker to enroll in PCMAS, the client decides
whether to do so and opens its account with Schwab by entering into a brokerage account
agreement directly with Schwab. If the client does not wish to place his or her assets with
CS&Co., then PCM cannot manage the client’s account through PCMAS. Schwab may
aggregate purchase and sale orders for ETFs across accounts enrolled in PCMAS, including
both accounts for PCM’s clients and accounts for clients of other independent investment
advisory firms using the Platform.
Schwab Advisor Services™ is Schwab’s business serving independent investment advisory
firms like PCM. Through Schwab Advisor Services, Schwab provides PCM and its clients,
both those enrolled in PCMAS and clients not enrolled in PCMAS, with access to its
institutional brokerage services— trading, custody, reporting, and related services—many
of which are not typically available to Schwab retail customers. Schwab also makes
available various support services. Some of those services help PCM manage or administer
its clients’ accounts, while others help it manage and grow its business. Schwab’s support
services described below are generally available on an unsolicited basis (PCM does not
have to request them) and at no charge to PCM. The availability of Schwab’s products and
services to PCM is not based on PCM giving particular investment advice, such as buying
particular securities for its clients. Here is a more detailed description of Schwab’s support
services:
Schwab’s institutional brokerage services include access to a broad range of investment
products, execution of securities transactions, and custody of client assets. The investment
products available through Schwab include some to which PCM might not otherwise have
access or that would require a significantly higher minimum initial investment by PCM’s
clients. Schwab’s services described in this paragraph generally benefit the client and the
client’s account.
Schwab also makes available to PCM other products and services that benefit PCM but may
not directly benefit the client or its account. These products and services assist PCM in
managing and administering PCM’s clients’ accounts. They include investment research,
both Schwab’s own and that of third parties. PCM may use this research to service all or
some substantial number of PCM’s clients’ accounts, including accounts not maintained at
Schwab in addition to investment research, Schwab also makes available software and
other technology.
Item 13. Review of Accounts
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Consulting and Investment Management accounts are continuously monitored by the
President of PCM. Each account is reviewed in light of the client’s specific needs, goals,
objectives, asset mix and overall market conditions. Special reviews with clients are made
in the case of substantial changes in market conditions or changes in the client’s
investment objectives. Accounts are compared against general market conditions and the
strongest industry benchmark indicators to monitor account performance in light of the
client’s investment objectives. Non-consulting and non-management accounts are
reviewed at least annually or at the request of the client.
PCM provides Performance Measurement Reports to Consulting and Management clients
not less frequently than annually, with the determination of annual, semi-annual or
quarterly reports agreed upon, in writing, at the signing of the Investment Consulting
Agreement or Investment Management Agreement. The nature of performance
information provided will depend upon the type of client and the needs of the client. In-
house managed accounts will receive PCM prepared reports. Consulting clients will
receive reports from either PCM or the independent portfolio manager(s). All clients will
receive normal and customary brokerage or custodial statements, which they should
compare against any information provided by PCM. Statements should be reviewed
carefully.
Non-Consulting and non-Management clients will not generally receive periodic reports
unless a determination is made to provide them. However, all clients will receive
statements and confirms from their respective custodian(s) on no less than a quarterly
basis. Additionally, clients may receive statement directly from their third-party money
manager(s).
Item 14. Client Referrals and Other Compensation
In some cases, PCM may refer clients to a third-party service provider for specific services.
PCM is not compensated for these referrals. PCM makes these referrals when it feels it is in
the client’s best interest to do so, based on the specific needs and objectives of the client.
Clients are under no obligation to engage the services of the third-party service provider
and clients do so at their own discretion. PCM is not liable or responsible for any of the
services provided by an unaffiliated third-party service provider.
PCM may, from time to time, accept reimbursement for costs associated with on-site
inspections of product sponsors or investment managers to which clients’ assets may or
may not be directed. Such costs will be associated with “due diligence” trips that allow
associated persons of PCM to better analyze a company and/or investment manager. The
acceptance of reimbursement will not be contingent upon any commitment by PCM to
place client assets with a product sponsor or investment manager, and will not influence
PCM’s decision to select a product or investment manager for its clients, other than to allow
PCM’s associated persons an opportunity to gain further knowledge.
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As stated previously, PCM participates in the institutional programs made available to
advisers by certain broker-dealer/custodians. Please see Item 12 for a discussion of the
brokerage firms with which PCM does business. Through its participation in these
institutional programs, PCM receives economic benefits that may not be available to retail
customers. For example, PCM may receive duplicate Client statements and confirmations,
research-related products and tools, consulting services, access to a trading desk serving
investment advisor participants, access to block trading, electronic Client order-entry,
discounts on practice management products or services. These products and services may
assist PCM in managing Client accounts or develop its business. The benefits received do
not depend on the amount of brokerage transactions directed to the particular broker-
dealer/custodian but the receipt of these additional economic benefits may create a
conflict of interest in that they may indirectly influence PCM in its choice of custodians.
PCM endeavors at all times to place clients’ interest first and foremost.
PCM engages promoters to introduce new prospective clients to PCM consistent with the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940, its corresponding. Rules, and applicable state regulatory
requirements. If the prospect subsequently engages PCM, the promoter shall generally be
compensated by PCM for the introduction. Because the promoter has an economic
incentive to introduce the prospect to PCM, a conflict of interest is presented. The
promoter’s introduction shall not result in the prospect’s payment of a higher investment
advisory fee to PCM (i.e., if the prospect was to engage PCM independent of the promoter’s
introduction)
Item 15. Custody
PCM does not maintain custody of client funds or securities except to the extent that it has
the ability to debit advisory fees directly from client accounts, as agreed to in writing by the
client. Clients receive normal and customary custodial account statements at least
quarterly, which detail the amount of advisory fees debited from an account. Clients are
strongly encouraged to review all statements carefully. Clients, not account custodians, are
responsible for verifying the accuracy of all fees.
To the extent that PCM provides clients with periodic account statements or reports, the
client is urged to compare any statement or report provided by PCM with the account
statements received from the account custodian. The account custodian does not verify the
accuracy of PCM’s advisory fee calculation.
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Custody via Third Party Standing Letters of Authorization: PCM engages in other practices
and/or services on behalf of its clients that require disclosure at ADV Part 1, Item 9. In
particular, certain Clients have signed asset transfer authorizations that permit the
qualified custodian to rely upon instructions from PCM to transfer client funds to “third
parties.” However, these practices and/or services are not subject to an annual surprise
CPA examination in accordance with the guidance provided in the SEC’s February 21, 2017
Investment Adviser Association No-Action Letter.
Item 16. Investment Discretion
PCM accepts discretionary authority to manage securities accounts on behalf of clients,
upon express written permission from the client. Clients will execute required custodial
applications granting discretion to PCM. Clients will also execute discretionary Investment
Management Agreements.
Clients who engage PCM on a discretionary basis may, at any time, impose restrictions,
in writing, on PCM’s discretionary authority (i.e., limit the types/amounts of particular
securities purchased for their account, exclude the ability to purchase securities with an
inverse relationship to the market, limit or proscribe PCM’s use of margin, etc.).
PCM also offers non-discretionary asset management, so clients may choose the best
options for their situations.
Item 17. Voting Client Securities
PCM does not vote client proxies. Clients maintain exclusive responsibility for: (1)
directing the manner in which proxies solicited by issuers of securities beneficially
owned by the client shall be voted, and (2) making all elections relative to any
mergers, acquisitions, tender offers, bankruptcy proceedings or other type events
pertaining to the client’s investment assets.
Clients will receive their proxies or other solicitations directly from their custodian.
Clients may contact PCM to discuss any questions they may have with a particular
solicitation.
Item 18. Financial Information
PCM does not require or solicit prepayment of more than $1,200 in advisory fees more than
six months in advance of services rendered. PCM is therefore not required to include a
financial statement or balance sheet with this brochure.
PCM does not have any financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair its ability to
meet contractual commitments to clients. PCM has not been the subject of any bankruptcy
petition.
PCM’s Chief Compliance Officer, Irvin Schorsch, III, remains available to address any
questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the above disclosures
and arrangements.
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Privacy Policy
PCM maintains a specific Privacy Policy that is distributed to each client at the time an
account is opened and annually thereafter. PCM collects nonpublic information about
clients from the following sources: information the Firm receives from clients verbally, on
applications or other forms and information about client transactions with others or the
Firm.
PCM may have to share non-public client information with unaffiliated firms in order to
service client accounts. Additionally, PCM may have to provide information about clients to
regulatory agencies as required by law. Otherwise, PCM will not disclose any client
information to an unaffiliated entity unless a client has given express permission for the
Firm to do so.
PCM is committed to protecting client privacy. The firm restricts access to clients’ personal
and account information to those employees who need to know the information. PCM also
maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that the Firm believes comply
with Federal standards to protect against threats to the safety and integrity of client records
and information.
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