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Item 1
FORM ADV PART 2A DISCLOSURE BROCHURE
July 1, 2025
Chief Compliance Officer: Jeffrey S. Naylor
400 East Water Street · Elmira · NY ·14901
447 East Water Street · Elmira · NY · 14901
(607) 734-2665
(866) 734-2665
www.valicenti.com
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Valicenti Advisory Services,
Inc. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at 607-734-2665. The
information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission or by any state securities authority. This brochure is not, and is not intended to be, a marketing
brochure, nor is it designed to provide detailed information about all aspects of Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc.’s
business.
Additional information about Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. is also available on the SEC's website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
Item 2: Material Changes
This disclosure brochure contains information relating to VASI's business. This information
includes types of services offered, fees, type of clients served, methods of analysis,
educational and business backgrounds of management and employees connected to clients'
accounts, brokers used, conflicts of interest, etc.
There have been no material changes to this Part 2A Brochure since Valicenti Advisory
Services, Inc.’s (“VASI”) last annual filing dated March 14, 2024. VASI has made certain
disclosure enhancements below regarding cash sweep accounts and confirming that VASI
continues to charge on accrued income.
ANY QUESTIONS: VASI’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jeffrey Naylor, remains
available to address any questions regarding this Part 2A.
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
Item 3:
Item 4: Advisory Business
Page 3
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Page 8
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side By Side Management
Page 10
Item 7: Types of Clients
Page 10
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk Loss
Page 11
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Page 13
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Page 13
Item 11: Code of Ethics
Page 14
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Page 15
Item 13: Review of Accounts
Page 18
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Page 18
Item 15: Custody
Page 18
Item 16: Investment Discretion
Page 19
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Page 19
Item 18: Financial Information
Page 19
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
Item 4: Advisory Business
VASI was founded in 1984 and is currently owned by Joseph M. Valicenti and Jeffrey S.
Naylor.
VASI offers to provide its clients (individuals, business entities, trusts, estates, charitable
organizations, etc.) with discretionary investment advisory services, financial planning
services to the extent specifically requested by a client, tax preparation services, and
insurance services through its affiliated insurance agency, Valicenti Insurance Services, Inc.
as more fully discussed below.
The principal business of VASI consists of furnishing investment supervisory services to
clients. This activity can include the continued advice concerning investment of monies
consistent with the circumstances, preferences and objective(s) of each client. This includes
an assessment of each client's objective(s), needs, restrictions and portfolio holdings. We
attempt to structure each client's investments to coincide with these considerations.
To the extent specifically requested by an existing investment advisory client, VASI’s
annual investment advisory fee described in Item 5 below (with exceptions at the
discretion of VASI) shall generally include financial planning and related consulting
services*. In the event that the client requires extraordinary planning and/or consultation
services (to be determined in the sole discretion of VASI), VASI may determine to
charge for such additional services, the dollar amount of which shall be set forth in a
separate written notice to the client. *Please Note. VASI believes that it is important for
the client to address financial planning issues on an ongoing basis. VASI’s advisory fee,
as set forth at Item 5 below, will remain the same regardless of whether or not the client
determines to address financial planning issues with VASI. See Miscellaneous below
Financial Planning and Consulting (Stand-Alone)
Depending upon the type and scope of the issues presented, VASI may determine to
provide financial planning and/or consulting services (including investment and non-
investment related matters, including estate planning, insurance planning, etc.) on a
stand-alone separate fee basis, the amount of which fee shall be dependent upon the level
and scope of the service(s) required and the professional(s) rendering the service(s).
Prior to engaging VASI to provide planning or consulting services, clients are generally
required to enter into a Financial Planning and Consulting Agreement with VASI setting
forth the terms and conditions of the engagement (including termination), describing the
scope of the services to be provided, and the portion of the fee that is due from the client
prior to VASI commencing services. VASI does not serve as an attorney, and no portion
of our services should be construed as legal services. VASI does not prepare estate
planning or any other type of legal documents. If requested by the client, VASI may
recommend the services of other professionals for implementation purposes, (i.e.
attorneys, accountants, insurance agents, etc.), including itself for tax preparation services
(see below), and insurance services through its affiliated insurance agency, Valicenti
Insurance Services, Inc. (See disclosure at Item 10 below) per the terms and conditions
of a separate engagement and compensation. The client is under no obligation to engage
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
implementation decisions and
is free
the services of any such recommended professional. The client retains absolute discretion
over all such
to accept or reject any
recommendation from VASI. Please Note: If the client engages any such unaffiliated
recommended 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 unaffiliated licensed professional(s) (i.e. attorney, accountant,
insurance agent, etc.) and not VASI shall be responsible for the quality and competency
of the services provided. Please Also Note: It remains the client’s responsibility to
promptly notify VASI if there is ever any change in his/her/their/its financial situation or
investment objectives for the purpose of reviewing/evaluating/revising VASI’s previous
recommendations and/or services.
Miscellaneous
Non-Investment Consulting/Implementation Services As indicated above, to the
extent requested by an existing investment advisory client, VASI shall generally (subject
to exception at the discretion of VASI as stated above) provide financial planning and
related consulting services including non-investment related matters, such as estate
planning, tax planning, insurance, etc. inclusive of its advisory fee as set forth at Item 5
below*. Neither VASI, nor any of its representatives, serves as an attorney and no
portion of VASI’s services should be construed as legal services. VASI does not prepare
estate planning or any other type of legal documents. To the extent requested by a client,
VASI may recommend the services of other professionals for certain non-investment
implementation purposes (i.e. attorneys, accountants, insurance agents, etc.), including
itself for tax preparation services (see below), and insurance services through its affiliated
insurance agency, Valicenti Insurance Services, Inc. (See disclosure at Item 10 below)
per the terms and conditions of a separate engagement and compensation. The client is
under no obligation to engage the services of any such recommended professional. The
client retains absolute discretion over all such implementation decisions and is free to
accept or reject any recommendation from VASI. *Please Note. VASI believes that it is
important for the client to address financial planning issues on an ongoing basis. VASI’s
advisory fee, as set forth at Item 5 below, will remain the same regardless of whether or
not the client determines to address financial planning issues with VASI.
Tax Preparation Services: A client can engage VASI for tax preparation services per a
separate agreement and fee (generally between $250-$5,000 depending upon the
complexity of the return). Because VASI earns an additional fee for tax preparation
services, the recommendation that a client engage VASI to provide tax preparation
services presents a conflict of interest. No client is under any obligation to engage VASI
for tax preparation services. Please Note: VASI is not a certified public accounting
firm. ANY QUESTIONS: VASI’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jeffrey S. Naylor,
remains available to address any questions regarding this conflict of interest.
Bookkeeping and Payroll Services: Business entities can engage VASI for
bookkeeping and payroll services. VASI can engage a third-party vendor to assist
with its payroll services.
Please Note: Fee-Based services. VASI provides investment advisory services on a fee-
basis. VASI does not receive any transaction/commission-based compensation for its
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
investment advisory services. VASI’s only compensation is derived from fees paid to it
by its clients as discussed in this written disclosure Brochure. However, because VASI is
affiliated with Valicenti Insurance Services, Inc., a New York insurance agency that is
licensed to offer insurance products on a commission basis, VASI cannot hold itself out
as a "fee-only" advisory firm. Please see Item 4 above and Item 10 below for Additional
disclosure pertaining to Valicenti Insurance Services, Inc.
Please Note: Retirement Rollovers-Potential for Conflict of Interest: A client or
prospective 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 VASI recommends that a
client roll over their retirement plan assets into an account to be managed by VASI, such
a recommendation creates a conflict of interest if VASI will earn new (or increase its
current) compensation as a result of the rollover. When acting in such capacity, VASI
serves as a fiduciary under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), or
the Internal Revenue Code, or both. No client is under any obligation to rollover
retirement plan assets to an account managed by VASI. ANY QUESTIONS:
VASI’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jeffrey Naylor remains available to address any
questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the potential for
conflict of interest presented by such rollover recommendation.
ERISA PLAN ENGAGEMENTS: VASI can be engaged to provide investment
advisory services to ERISA retirement plans, whereby the Firm shall manage Plan assets
consistent with the investment objective(s) designated by the Plan sponsor. In such
engagements, the Firm will serve as an investment fiduciary as that term is defined under
The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). The Firm will
generally provide services on an “assets under management” fee basis per the terms and
conditions of an Investment Advisory Agreement between the Plan and the Firm.
Participant Directed Retirement Plans VASI can also be engaged to provide
investment advisory and consulting services to participant directed retirement plans per
the terms and conditions of a Retirement Plan Services Agreement between VASI and the
plan. For such engagements, VASI shall assist the Plan sponsor with the selection of an
investment platform from which Plan participants shall make their respective investment
choices, and, to the extent engaged to do so, provide corresponding education to assist the
participants with their decision-making process.
Client Retirement Plan Assets. If requested to do so, VASI shall provide investment
advisory services relative to 401(k) plan assets maintained by the client in conjunction
with the retirement plan established by the client’s employer. In such event, VASI shall
allocate (or recommend that the client allocate) the retirement account assets among the
investment options available on the 401(k) platform. VASI’s ability shall be limited to
the allocation of the assets among the investment alternatives available through the plan.
VASI will not receive any communications from the plan sponsor or custodian, and it
shall remain the client’s exclusive obligation to notify VASI of any changes in
investment alternatives, restrictions, etc. pertaining to the retirement account. Unless
expressly indicated by VASI to the contrary, in writing, the client’s 401(k) plan assets
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
shall be included as assets under management for the purposes of VASI calculating its
advisory fee.
Please Note: Non-Discretionary Service Limitations Clients that continue to determine
to engage VASI on a non-discretionary investment advisory basis must be willing to
accept that VASI cannot effect any account transactions without obtaining prior consent
to any such transaction(s) from the client. Thus, in the event that VASI would like to
make a transaction for a client's account and the client is unavailable, VASI will be
unable to effect the account transaction (as it would for its discretionary clients) without
first obtaining the client’s consent.
Please Note-Use of Mutual and Exchange Traded Funds: Most mutual funds and
exchange traded funds are available directly to the public. Thus, a prospective client can
obtain many of the funds that may be utilized by VASI independent of engaging VASI as
an investment advisor. However, if a prospective client determines to do so, he/she will
not receive VASI’s initial and ongoing investment advisory services. In addition to
VASI’s investment advisory fee described below, and transaction and/or custodial fees
discussed below, clients will also incur, relative to all mutual fund and exchange traded
fund purchases, charges imposed at the fund level (e.g. management fees and other fund
expenses).
Please Note: Cash Positions VASI continues to treat cash as an asset class. As such,
unless determined to the contrary by VASI all cash positions (money markets, etc.) shall
continue to be included as part of assets under management for purposes of calculating
the VASI’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), VASI 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, VASI’s advisory
fee could exceed the interest paid by the client’s money market fund. ANY
QUESTIONS: VASI’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jeffrey Naylor, remains available
to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the
above fee billing practice.
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, VASI 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 VASI
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, an indication from the client of an imminent need for
such cash, or the client has a demonstrated history of writing checks from the
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
account. Please Note: The above does not apply to the cash component maintained
within a VASI 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. Please Also Note: The
client shall remain exclusively responsible for yield dispersion/cash balance decisions
and corresponding transactions for cash balances maintained in any VASI unmanaged
accounts. ANY QUESTIONS: VASI’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jeffrey Naylor,
remains available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have
regarding the above.
Charles Schwab & Co. Inc.: As discussed below at Item 12, when requested to
recommend a broker-dealer/custodian for client accounts, VASI generally recommends
that Schwab serve as the broker-dealer/custodian for client investment management
assets. Broker-dealers such as Schwab charge brokerage commissions, transaction, and/or
other type fees for effecting certain types of securities transactions (i.e., including
transaction fees for certain mutual funds, and mark-ups and mark-downs charged for
fixed income transactions, etc.). The types of securities for which transaction fees,
commissions, and/or other type fees (as well as the amount of those fees) shall differ
depending upon the broker-dealer/custodian (while certain custodians, including Schwab,
do not currently charge fees on individual equity transactions, (including ETFs), others
do). Please Note: there can be no assurance that Schwab will not change its transaction
fee pricing in the future. When beneficial to the client, individual fixed‐income and/or
equity transactions may be effected through broker‐dealers with whom VASI and/or the
client have entered into arrangements for prime brokerage clearing services, including
effecting certain client transactions through other SEC registered and FINRA member
broker‐dealers (in which event, the client generally will incur both the transaction fee
charged by the executing broker‐dealer and a “trade-away” fee charged by Schwab).
These fees/charges are in addition to VASI’s investment advisory fee at Item 5 below.
VASI does not receive any portion of these fees/charges. ANY QUESTIONS: VASI’s
Chief Compliance Officer, Jeffrey Naylor, remains available to address any
questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the above.
Portfolio Activity VASI has a fiduciary duty to provide services consistent with the
client’s best interest. As part of its investment advisory services, VASI 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, market conditions,
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 VASI determines that changes to a client’s portfolio are neither necessary nor
prudent. VASI’s advisory fee shall remain payable during such periods of portfolio
inactivity. Of course, as indicated below, there can be no assurance that investment
decisions made by VASI will be profitable or equal any specific performance level(s).
Cybersecurity Risk. The information technology systems and networks that VASI and
its third-party service providers use to provide services to VASI’s clients employ various
controls that are designed to prevent cybersecurity incidents stemming from intentional
or unintentional actions that could cause significant interruptions in VASI’s operations
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
and/or result in the unauthorized acquisition or use of clients’ confidential or non-public
personal information. Clients and VASI are nonetheless subject to the risk of
cybersecurity incidents that could ultimately cause them to incur financial losses and/or
other adverse consequences. Although VASI has established processes to reduce the risk
of cybersecurity incidents, there is no guarantee that these efforts will always be
successful, especially considering that VASI 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.
situation
or
investment
objectives
for
the
Client Obligations: In performing its services, VASI shall not be required to verify any
information received from the client or from the client’s other professionals, and is
expressly authorized to rely thereon. Please Also Note: It remains the client’s
responsibility to promptly notify VASI if there is ever any change in his/her/their/its
financial
of
purpose
reviewing/evaluating/revising VASI’s previous recommendations and/or services.
strategy
(including
the
investments and/or
investment
Please Note: 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
strategies
investment
recommended or undertaken by VASI) will be profitable or equal any specific
performance level(s).
Disclosure Brochure: A copy of VASI’s written Brochure as set forth on Part 2A of
Form ADV shall be provided to each client prior to, or contemporaneously with, the
execution of the Investment Advisory Agreement or Financial Planning and Consulting
Agreement.
VASI does not participate in wrap fee programs.
As of December 31, 2024 VASI managed $695,159,921 discretionary assets and
$6,177,981 non-discretionary assets.
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
The client can determine to engage VASI to provide discretionary investment advisory
services on a fee basis. VASI's annual investment advisory fee shall be based upon a
percentage (%) of the market value of the assets placed under our management (between
0.25% and 1.00%), as set forth on the fee schedule on the Investment Advisory Agreement
between VASI and the client. VASI's standard fee schedule is 1% of the first $750,000,
3/4 of 1% on the next $750,000, and 1/2 of 1% on the remaining balance. VASI, in its
sole discretion, may charge a lesser annual investment advisory fee, charge a flat fee, or
waive its fee entirely 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, complexity of the engagement, grandfathered fee
schedules, VASI employees and family members, courtesy accounts, competition
negotiations with client, etc.). PLEASE NOTE: As result of the above, similarly
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
situated clients could pay different fees. In addition, similar advisory services may be
available from other investment advisers for similar or lower fees. ANY QUESTIONS:
VASI’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jeffrey Naylor, remains available to address any
questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding advisory fees.
Clients may elect to have VASI’s advisory fees deducted from their custodial account.
Both VASI's Investment Advisory Agreement and the custodial clearing agreement may
authorize the custodian to debit the account for the amount of VASI's investment
advisory fee and to directly remit that management fee to VASI in compliance with
regulatory procedures. In the limited event that VASI bills the client directly, payment is
due upon receipt of VASI's invoice. The Investment Advisory Agreement between VASI
and the client will continue in effect until terminated by either party by written notice in
accordance with the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement. VASI's annual
investment advisory fee shall be prorated and paid quarterly, in arrears, based upon the
market value of the assets on the last business day of the previous quarter. Upon
termination, VASI shall debit the client’s account for the pro-rated portion of the unpaid
advisory fee based upon the number of days that services were rendered during the billing
quarter. In the event that VASI is unable to deduct its fee, the client shall remain
obligated to directly remit payment to VASI upon receipt of an invoice.
As discussed above at Item 4 and below at item 12, unless the client directs otherwise or
an individual client’s circumstances require, VASI shall generally recommend that
Charles Schwab and Co., Inc. (“Schwab”) serve as the broker-dealer/custodian for client
investment management assets. Broker-dealers such as Schwab charge brokerage
commissions, transaction, and/or other type fees for effecting certain types of securities
transactions (i.e., including transaction fees for certain mutual funds, and mark-ups and
mark-downs charged for fixed income transactions, etc.). The types of securities for
which transaction fees, commissions, and/or other type fees (as well as the amount of
those fees) shall differ depending upon the broker-dealer/custodian (while certain
custodians, including Schwab, do not currently charge fees on individual equity
transactions, (including ETFs), others do). The fees charged by Schwab, or any broker-
dealer/custodian directed by the client, are in addition to VASI’s advisory fee referenced
in Item 5 above.
Please Note-Accrued Interest/Dividends: The market value reflected on periodic
account statements issued by the account custodian may differ from the value used by
VASI for its advisory fee billing process. VASI includes the accrued value of certain
month or quarter-end interest and/or dividend payments when calculating client advisory
fees, which amounts may not yet be reflected on the custodian statement as having
been received by the account.
Tradeaway/Prime Broker Fees As indicated at Item 4 above, when in the reasonable
determination of VASI that it would be beneficial for the client, individual fixed income
transactions may be effected through broker-dealers other than the account custodian, in
which event, the client generally will incur both the fee (commission, mark-up/mark-
down) charged by the executing broker-dealer and a separate “tradeaway” and/or prime
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
broker fee charged by the account custodian (Schwab). VASI’s Chief Compliance
Officer, Jeffrey S. Naylor, remains available to address any questions that a client or
prospective client may have regarding the above.
None of VASI’s supervised persons receives selling compensation for the sale of
securities or other investment products, including asset-based sales charges or service
fees from the sale of mutual funds, including asset-based sales charges or service fees
from the sale of mutual funds.
Margin Accounts: Risks/Conflict of Interest. VASI does not recommend the use of
margin for investment purposes. A margin account is a brokerage account that allows
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, VASI will include the entire market value of the margined
assets when computing its advisory fee. Accordingly, VASI’s fee shall be based upon a
higher margined account value, resulting in VASI earning a correspondingly higher
advisory fee. As a result, the potential of conflict of interest arises since VASI may have
an economic disincentive to recommend that the client terminate the use of margin.
Please Note: The use of margin can cause significant adverse financial consequences in
the event of a market correction. ANY QUESTIONS: Our Chief Compliance Officer,
Jeffrey Naylor, remains available to address any questions that a client or
prospective client may have regarding the use of margin.
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side By Side Management
VASI does not accept performance-based fees or manage accounts that are charged a
performance-based fee.
Item 7: Types of Clients
VASI offers to provide discretionary investment advisory services and financial services
to the extent specifically requested by a client. VASI provides service to individuals,
banks, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, pension and profit sharing plans,
corporations and business entities. As indicated above at Item 5, VASI, in its sole
discretion, may charge a lesser investment advisory fee, charge a flat fee, or waive its fee
entirely 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, complexity of the engagement, grandfathered fee schedules, VASI
employees and family members, courtesy accounts, competition, negotiations with client,
etc.). Please Note: As result of the above, similarly situated clients could pay different
fees. In addition, similar advisory services may be available from other investment
advisers for similar or lower fees.
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
The process VASI uses to manage investments is complex but rational. It begins with a
thorough understanding of the client's financial needs, short-term and long-term financial
goals and lifestyle. Then an investment portfolio is developed to meet the goals of
preservation of capital, capital appreciation and income.
As a balanced investment manager, VASI uses four investment objectives to accomplish
the goals: Conservative, Moderate, Growth and Aggressive Growth. Each contains an
asset mix of equities, fixed income and cash relative to the investment objective. An
asset mix is comprised of a variety of security types, which may include common and
preferred stocks, corporate, municipal and government bonds, mutual funds, covered
equity options, exchange traded funds and money markets.
VASI emphasizes the concepts of Modern Portfolio Theory. VASI uses a "top-down"
approach when developing our portfolios. We first look at the current and the expected
future condition of the overall economy and the interest rate environment. Then, the
sectors that we believe will perform best on a risk adjusted basis are selected. Next, we
identify within the chosen sectors, those industries and the companies which are expected
to provide the best returns.
VASI uses a combination of technical and fundamental methods to assess risks in the
capital markets.
VASI may utilize the following investment strategies when implementing investment
advice given to clients:
Long Term Purchases (securities held at least a year)
Short Term Purchases (securities sold within a year)
Trading (securities sold within thirty (30) days)
Short Sales (contracted sale of borrowed securities with an obligation to
make the lender whole)
Margin Transactions (use of borrowed assets to purchase financial
instruments)
Options (contract for the purchase or sale of a security at a predetermined
price during a specific period of time)
strategy
(including
the
investments and/or
investment
Please Note: 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
strategies
recommended or undertaken by VASI) will be profitable or equal any specific
performance level(s). Please Also Note: Investing in securities involves risk of loss that
clients should be prepared to bear.
VASI’s methods of analysis and investment strategies do not present any significant or
unusual risks.
However, every method of analysis has its own inherent risks. To perform an accurate
market analysis, VASI must have access to current/new market information. VASI has no
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
control over the dissemination rate of market information; therefore, unbeknownst to
VASI, certain analyses may be compiled with outdated market information, limiting the
value of VASI’s analysis. Furthermore, an accurate market analysis can only produce a
forecast of the direction of market values. There can be no assurances that a forecasted
change in market value will materialize into actionable and/or profitable investment
opportunities.
VASI’s primary investment strategies - Long Term Purchases, Short Term Purchases,
and Trading - are fundamental investment strategies. However, every investment strategy
has its own inherent risks and limitations. For example, longer term investment strategies
require a longer investment time period to allow for the strategy to potentially develop.
Shorter term investment strategies require a shorter investment time period to potentially
develop but, as a result of more frequent trading, may incur higher transactional costs
when compared to a longer-term investment strategy. Trading, an investment strategy
that requires the purchase and sale of securities within a thirty (30) day investment time
period involves a very short investment time period but will incur higher transaction costs
when compared to a short term investment strategy and substantially higher transaction
costs than a longer-term investment strategy.
In addition to the fundamental investment strategies discussed above, VASI may also
implement and/or recommend – short selling, use of margin, and/or options transactions.
Each of these strategies has a high level of inherent risk. (See discussion below).
Short selling is an investment strategy with a high level of inherent risk. Short selling,
involves the selling of assets that the investor does not own. The investor borrows the
assets from a third party lender (i.e. Broker-Dealer) with the obligation of buying
identical assets at a later date to return to the third party lender. Individuals who engage
in this activity shall only profit from a decline in the price of the assets between the
original date of sale and the date of repurchase. Conversely, the short seller will incur a
loss if the price of the assets rises. Other costs of shorting may include a fee for
borrowing the assets and payment of any dividends paid on the borrowed assets.
Margin is an investment strategy with a high level of inherent risk. A margin transaction
occurs when an investor uses borrowed assets to purchase financial instruments. The
investor generally obtains the borrowed assets by using other securities as collateral for
the borrowed sum. The effect of purchasing a security using margin is to magnify any
gains or losses sustained by the purchase of the financial instruments on margin. Please
note: To the extent that a client authorizes the use of margin, and margin is thereafter
employed by VASI in the management of the client’s investment portfolio, the market
value of the client’s account and corresponding fee payable by the client to VASI may be
increased. As a result, in addition to understanding and assuming the additional principal
risks associated with the use of margin, clients authorizing margin are advised of the
potential whereby the client’s decision to employ margin, may correspondingly increase
the management fee payable to VASI. As a result, the potential of conflict of interest
arises since VASI may have an economic disincentive to recommend that the client
terminate the use of margin. Please note: The use of margin can cause significant
adverse financial consequences in the event of a market correction.
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
Accordingly, the decision as to whether to employ margin is left totally to the discretion
of client.
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 VASI shall be with the intent of
offsetting/“hedging” a potential market risk in a client’s portfolio. Please Note: Although
the intent of the options-related transactions that may be implemented by VASI 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 must be willing to accept these enhanced volatility and principal risks associated
with such strategies. In light of these enhanced risks, client may direct VASI, in writing,
not to employ any or all such strategies for his/her/their/its accounts. Please Also Note:
There can be no assurance that the security owned by the client will not be called away
by the option buyer, which will result in the client (option writer) to lose ownership in the
security and to incur potential unintended and/or undesired tax consequences (i.e.,
incurring a capital gains tax).
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
VASI does not have any pending legal or disciplinary events.
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
None of VASI’s management persons are registered, or have an application pending to
register, as a broker-dealer or a registered representative of a broker-dealer.
None of VASI’s management persons are registered, or have an application pending to
register, as a futures commission merchant, commodity pool operator, a commodity
trading advisor, or an associated person of the foregoing entities.
VASI does not recommend or select other investment advisers for our clients nor does
VASI have any other business relationships with advisers of our clients.
Licensed Insurance Agency and Agents: As disclosed at Item 4 above, VASI is
affiliated with Valicenti Insurance Services, Inc. (“Insurance”), a New York licensed
insurance agency. To the extent that a client requires an insurance product, VASI may
refer the client to Insurance. If engaged, Insurance may then recommend the purchase of
certain fixed (non-variable) insurance related products on a commission basis.
Conflict of Interest: The recommendation by VASI that a client consider the purchase of
an insurance commission product from Insurance presents a conflict of interest, as the
receipt of commissions by VASI’s affiliated agency may provide an incentive to
recommend insurance products based on commissions received, rather than on a
particular client’s need. No client is under any obligation to purchase any insurance
commission products from Insurance. Clients are reminded that they may purchase
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
insurance products recommended through another, non-affiliated insurance agency.
VASI’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jeffrey S. Naylor, remains available to address
any questions that a client or prospective client may have regarding the above
conflict of interest.
Tax Preparation Services: As disclosed at Item 4 above, a client can engage VASI for
tax preparation services per a separate agreement and separate fee (generally between
$250-$5,000 depending upon the complexity of the return). Because VASI earns an
additional fee for tax preparation services, the recommendation that a client engage VASI
to provide tax preparation services presents a conflict of interest. No client is under any
obligation to engage VASI for tax preparation services. Please Note: VASI is not a
certified public accounting firm. ANY QUESTIONS: VASI’s Chief Compliance
Officer, Jeffrey S. Naylor, remains available to address any questions regarding this
conflict of interest.
Item 11: Code of Ethics
VASI maintains an investment policy relative to personal securities transactions. This
investment policy is part of VASI’s overall Code of Ethics, which serves to establish a
standard of business conduct for all of VASI’s Representatives that is based upon
fundamental principles of openness, integrity, honesty and trust, a copy of which is
available upon request.
In accordance with Section 204A of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, VASI also
maintains and enforces written policies reasonably designed to prevent the misuse of
material non-public information by VASI or any person associated with VASI.
Neither VASI nor any related person of VASI recommends, buys, or sells for client
accounts, securities in which VASI or any related person of VASI has a material financial
interest.
VASI and/or representatives of VASI can buy or sell securities that are also
recommended to clients. This practice may create a situation where VASI and/or
representatives of VASI are in a position to materially benefit from the sale or purchase
of those securities. Therefore, this situation creates a potential conflict of interest.
Practices such as “scalping” (i.e., a practice whereby the owner of shares of a security
recommends that security for investment and then immediately sells it at a profit upon the
rise in the market price which follows the recommendation) could take place if VASI did
not have adequate policies in place to detect such activities. In addition, this requirement
can help detect insider trading, “front-running” (i.e., personal trades executed prior to
those of VASI’s clients) and other potentially abusive practices.
VASI has a personal securities transaction policy in place to monitor the personal
securities transactions and securities holdings of each of VASI’s “Access Persons”.
VASI’s securities transaction policy requires that an Access Person of VASI must
provide the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her designee with a written report of their
current securities holdings within ten (10) days after becoming an Access Person.
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
Additionally, each Access Person must provide the Chief Compliance Officer or his/her
designee with a written report of the Access Person’s current securities holdings at least
once each twelve (12) month period thereafter on a date VASI selects; provided, however
that at any time that VASI has only one Access Person, he or she shall not be required to
submit any securities report described above.
VASI and/or representatives of VASI may buy or sell securities, at or around the same
time as those securities are recommended to clients. This practice creates a situation
where VASI and/or representatives of VASI are in a position to materially benefit from
the sale or purchase of those securities. Therefore, this situation creates a potential
conflict of interest. As indicated above, VASI has a personal securities transaction policy
in place to monitor the personal securities transaction and securities holdings of each of
VASI’s Access Persons.
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
In the event that the client requests that VASI recommend a broker-dealer/custodian for
execution and/or custodial services (exclusive of those clients that may direct VASI to
use a specific broker-dealer/custodian), VASI generally recommends that investment
management accounts be maintained at Schwab. Prior to engaging VASI to provide
investment management services, the client will be required to enter into a formal
Investment Advisory Agreement with VASI setting forth the terms and conditions under
which VASI shall manage the client's assets, and a separate custodial/clearing agreement
with each designated broker-dealer/custodian.
Factors that VASI considers in recommending Schwab (or any other broker-
dealer/custodian to clients) include historical relationship with VASI, financial strength,
reputation, execution capabilities, pricing, research, and service. Although
the
commissions and/or transaction fees paid by VASI's clients shall comply with VASI's
duty to obtain best execution, a client may pay a commission that is higher than another
qualified broker-dealer might charge to effect the same transaction where VASI
determines, in good faith, that the commission/transaction fee is reasonable in relation to
the value of the brokerage and research services received. In seeking best execution, the
determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction represents
the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of a broker-dealer’s
services, including the value of research provided, execution capability, commission
rates, and responsiveness. Accordingly, although VASI will seek competitive rates, it
may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for client account
transactions. The brokerage commissions or transaction fees charged by the designated
broker-dealer/custodian are exclusive of, and in addition to, VASI's investment
management fee.
Soft Dollar Arrangement: In return for effecting securities transactions through Capital
Institutional Services, Inc. (“CAPIS”), VASI currently receives certain investment
research products or services which assist VASI in its investment decision making
process for the client pursuant to Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
(generally referred to as a “soft-dollar” arrangement). Investment research products or
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
services received by VASI may include, but are not limited to, analyses pertaining to
specific securities, companies or sectors; market, financial and economic studies and
forecasts, financial publications, portfolio management systems, and statistical and
pricing services. Although the commissions paid by VASI's clients shall comply with
their duty to obtain best execution, a client may pay a commission that is higher than
another qualified broker-dealer might charge to effect the same transaction where VASI
determines, in good faith, that the commission is reasonable in relation to the value of the
brokerage and research services received. In seeking best execution, the determinative
factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether the transaction represents the best
qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full range of a broker-dealer’s
services, including the value of research provided, execution capability, commission
rates, and responsiveness. Accordingly, although VASI will seek competitive rates, it
may not necessarily obtain the lowest possible commission rates for client account
transactions. Although the investment research products or services that may be obtained
by VASI will generally be used to service all of our clients, a brokerage commission paid
by a specific client may be used to pay for research that is not used in managing that
specific client's account. With respect to investment research products or services
obtained by VASI that have a mixed use of both a research and non-research (i.e.
administrative, etc.) function, we shall make a reasonable allocation of the cost of the
product or service according to its use, the percentage of the product or service that
provides assistance to our investment decision-making process will be paid for with soft
dollars while that portion which provides administrative or other non-research assistance
will be paid for by us with hard dollars. The brokerage commissions or transaction fees
charged by the designated broker-dealer/custodian are exclusive of, and in addition to,
our investment management fee.
ANY QUESTIONS: VASI’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jeffrey S. Naylor, remains
available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have
regarding the above arrangement and the corresponding conflict of interest
presented by such arrangement.
Non-Soft Dollar Assistance: Although not a material consideration when determining
whether to recommend that a client utilize the services of a particular broker-
dealer/custodian, VASI can receive, from Schwab (or another broker-dealer/custodian,
investment manager, platform sponsor, mutual fund sponsor, or vendor) without cost
(and/or at a discount) support services and/or products, certain of which assist VASI to
better monitor and service client accounts. Included within the support services that may
be obtained by VASI may be investment-related research, pricing information and market
data, software and other technology that provide access to client account data,
compliance and/or practice management-related publications, discounted or gratis
consulting services, discounted and/or gratis attendance at conferences, meetings, and
other educational and/or social events, marketing support, computer hardware and/or
software and/or other products used by VASI in furtherance of its investment advisory
business operations.
As indicated above, certain of the support services and/or products that can be received
may assist VASI in managing and administering client accounts. Others do not directly
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
provide such assistance, but rather assist VASI to manage and further develop its
business enterprise.
There is no corresponding commitment made by VASI to Schwab or any other entity to
invest any specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific mutual funds,
securities or other investment products as a result of the above arrangement.
ANY QUESTIONS: VASI’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jeffrey S. Naylor, remains
available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have
regarding the above arrangements and the corresponding conflict of interest
presented by such arrangements.
VASI does not receive referrals from broker-dealers.
Directed Brokerage: VASI does not generally accept directed brokerage arrangements
(when a client requires that account transactions be effected through a specific broker-
dealer). In such client directed arrangements, the client will negotiate terms and
arrangements for their account with that broker-dealer, and VASI will not seek better
execution services or prices from other broker-dealers or be able to "batch" the client’s
transactions for execution through other broker-dealers with orders for other accounts
managed by VASI. As a result, a client may pay higher commissions or other
transaction costs or greater spreads, or receive less favorable net prices, on transactions
for the account than would otherwise be the case. Please Note: In the event that the
client directs VASI to effect securities transactions for the client’s accounts through a
specific broker-dealer, the client correspondingly acknowledges that such direction may
cause the accounts to incur higher commissions or transaction costs than the accounts
would otherwise incur had the client determined to effect account transactions through
alternative clearing arrangements that may be available through VASI. Higher
transaction costs adversely
impact account performance. Please Also Note:
Transactions for directed accounts will generally be executed following the execution
of portfolio transactions for non-directed accounts.
Transactions for each client account generally will be effected independently, unless
VASI decides to purchase or sell the same securities for several clients at approximately
the same time. VASI may (but is not obligated to) combine or “batch” such orders for
individual equity transactions (including ETFs) with the intention to obtain better price
execution, to negotiate more favorable commission rates, or to allocate more equitably
among VASI’s clients differences in prices and commissions or other transaction costs
that might have occurred had such orders been placed independently. Under this
procedure, transactions will be averaged as to price and will be allocated among clients
in proportion to the purchase and sale orders placed for each client account on any
given day. In the event that VASI becomes aware that a Firm employee seeks to trade
in the same security on the same day, the employee transaction will either be included
in the “batch” transaction or transacted after all discretionary client transactions have
been completed. VASI shall not receive any additional compensation or remuneration
as the result of such aggregation.
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
Item 13: Review of Accounts
For those clients to whom VASI provides investment supervisory services, account
reviews are conducted on an ongoing basis by VASI’s designated representatives. All
investment supervisory clients are advised that it remains their responsibility to advise
VASI of any changes in their investment objectives and/or financial situation. All clients
(in person or via telephone) are encouraged to review financial planning issues (to the
extent applicable), investment objectives and account performance with VASI on an
annual basis.
Clients are provided with transaction confirmation notices and regular summary account
statements directly from the broker-dealer/custodian and/or program sponsor for the
client accounts. Those clients whom VASI provides investment advisory services may
also receive a written quarterly report from VASI summarizing their account activity and
performance.
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
As indicated at Item 12 above, VASI maintains a soft dollar arrangement with CAPIS. In
addition, as also indicated at Item 12, VASI can receive from Schwab without cost (and/or at a
discount), support services and/or products. VASI’s clients do not pay more for investment
transactions effected and/or assets maintained at Schwab as result of this arrangement. There is
no corresponding commitment made by VASI to Schwab, or any other entity to invest any
specific amount or percentage of client assets in any specific mutual funds, securities or other
investment products as a result of the above arrangements. VASI’s Chief Compliance
Officer, Jeffrey Naylor, remains available to address any questions that a client or
prospective client may have regarding the above arrangements and the
corresponding conflicts of interest presented by such arrangements.
VASI does not currently engage any promoters, nor does it pay any person or entity for
client introductions.
Item 15: Custody
VASI shall have the ability to deduct its advisory fee from the client’s custodial account
on a quarterly basis. Clients are provided with written transaction confirmation notices
and a written summary account statement directly from the custodian (i.e., Schwab, etc.)
at least quarterly. Please Note: To the extent that VASI provides clients with periodic
account statements or reports, the client is urged to compare any statement or report
provided by VASI with account statements received from the account custodian. Please
Also Note: The account custodian does not verify the accuracy of VASI’s advisory fee
calculation.
VASI engages in certain practices and/or services (i.e. trustee, bill-paying, password
possession etc.) on behalf of its clients that require disclosure in the Custody section of
Part 1 of Form ADV, certain of which practices and/or services are subject to an annual
surprise CPA examination in accordance with the requirements of Rule 206(4)-2 under
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Valicenti Advisory Services, Inc. Form ADV Part 2A July 1, 2025
the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. VASI’s Chief Compliance Officer, Jeffrey S.
Naylor remains available to address any questions that a client or prospective client
may have regarding custody-related issues.
Item 16: Investment Discretion
The client can determine to engage VASI to provide investment advisory services on a
discretionary basis. Prior to VASI assuming discretionary authority over a client's
account, the client shall be required to execute an Investment Advisory Agreement,
naming VASI as the client's attorney and agent in fact, granting VASI full authority to
buy, sell, or otherwise effect investment transactions involving the assets in the client's
name found in the discretionary account.
Clients who engage VASI on a discretionary basis may, at any time, impose restrictions,
in writing, on VASI'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 VASI's use of margin, etc.)
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
VASI does not vote client proxies. Clients maintain exclusive responsibility for directing
the manner in which proxies solicited by issuers of securities beneficially owned by the
client shall be voted.
Clients will receive their proxies or other solicitations directly from the company. Clients
can contact VASI with questions about a particular solicitation however; VASI will not
vote the proxies on behalf of the client.
Item 18: Financial Information
VASI does not solicit fees of more than $1,200, per client, six months or more in
advance.
VASI is unaware of any financial condition that is reasonably likely to impair its ability
to meet its contractual commitments relating to its discretionary authority over certain
client accounts.
VASI has not been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
ANY QUESTIONS: VASI's Chief Compliance Officer, Jeffrey S. Naylor, remains
available to address any questions that a client or prospective client may have
regarding the above Part 2A disclosures and arrangements.
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