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Item 1: Cover Page
Item 1: Cover Page
Part 2A of Form ADV
Firm Brochure
July 29, 2025
Waterloo Capital, L.P.
dba Waterloo Capital
SEC File No. 801-63975
2801 Via Fortuna, Suite 250
Austin, Texas 78746
phone: 512-777-5900
website: www.waterloocap.com
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Waterloo Capital. If
you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at 512-777-5900. 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. Registration with the SEC or state regulatory
authority does not imply a certain level of skill or expertise.
Additional information about Waterloo Capital is also available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Page 1
Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 2: Material Changes
Item 2: Material Changes
This Firm Brochure is our disclosure document prepared according to regulatory requirements
and rules. Consistent with the rules, we will ensure that you receive a summary of any material
changes to this and subsequent Brochures within 120 days of the close of our business fiscal
year. Furthermore, we will provide you with other interim disclosures about material changes as
necessary.
There are no material changes to this Brochure from the last annual update issued on March 20,
2025.
Page 2
Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 3: Table of Contents
Item 1: Cover Page ...................................................................................................................................................... 1
Item 2: Material Changes .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Item 3: Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Item 4: Advisory Business ......................................................................................................................................... 4
Item 5: Fees and Compensation ............................................................................................................................ 9
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ......................................................... 16
Item 7: Types of Clients ........................................................................................................................................... 17
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss ................................................. 18
Item 9: Disciplinary Information ........................................................................................................................... 31
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ........................................................................ 32
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions, and Personal
Trading ........................................................................................................................................................... 35
Item 12: Brokerage Practices ................................................................................................................................... 37
Item 13: Review of Accounts ................................................................................................................................... 44
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation ........................................................................................ 45
Item 15: Custody .......................................................................................................................................................... 46
Item 16: Investment Discretion ............................................................................................................................... 47
Item 17: Voting Client Securities ............................................................................................................................ 48
Item 18: Financial Information ................................................................................................................................ 49
Page 3
Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 4: Advisory Business
Item 4: Advisory Business
A. Waterloo Capital, L.P.
Waterloo Capital, L.P. (dba “Waterloo Capital” and/or the “firm”) is a partnership organized
under the laws of the State of Texas. Effective December 31, 2012, Waterloo Capital
Management LLC acquired a controlling interest in Waterloo Capital, L.P. Waterloo Capital
Management LLC is a single member limited liability company owned by John Chatmas.
Waterloo Capital, L.P., is an SEC-registered investment advisory firm and provides investment
advisory services to accomplished entrepreneurs.
Waterloo Capital offers services through our network of investment advisor representatives
(“Advisor Representatives” or “IARs”). IARs may have their own legal business entities whose
trade names and logos are used for marketing purposes and may appear on marketing
materials or client statements. Clients should understand that the businesses are legal entities of
the IAR and not of Waterloo Capital. The IARs are under the supervision of Waterloo Capital, and
the advisory services of the IAR are provided through Waterloo Capital. Waterloo Capital has the
arrangement described above with the following Advisor Representatives:
▪ AMG Wealth Advisors
▪ Eberly Wealth Management
▪ Element Retirement & Investment Consultants
▪ Hap Neilsen Investments
▪
Ironclad Strategies
▪ Lighthouse Financial Advisors
▪ Market Street
▪ Strategic Capital
▪ TEAM Private Wealth Management
B. Advisory Services Offered
B.1. Investment Management Services
Waterloo Capital offers both direct management services as well as access to third-party money
managers.
Clients have the right to provide the firm with any reasonable investment restrictions in writing
that should be imposed on the management of their portfolio, and to promptly notify the firm
of any changes in such restrictions or in the client’s personal financial circumstances, investment
objectives, goals and tolerance for risk. Waterloo Capital will remind clients of their obligation to
inform the firm of any such changes or any restrictions that should be imposed on the
management of the client’s account. Waterloo Capital will also contact clients at least annually
to determine whether there have been any changes in a client’s personal financial circumstances,
investment objectives and tolerance for risk.
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 4: Advisory Business
Retirement Rollovers – Conflicts and Added Fees. As a fee-based investment adviser, Waterloo
Capital (and its investment adviser representatives) makes more money either when your
account assets grow or when you add money to your account. As a plan participant, clients may
be paying little or nothing for the plan’s investment services. As such, clients’ costs are likely to
be more post-rollover. We may compensate our investment professionals in a way that
incrementally rewards them based on the level of aggregate revenue they generate for our firm.
In this regard, we have policies and procedures for supervisory review to ensure we are advising
clients in a way that’s in their best interests. In addition, we conduct an annual review of rollover
transactions to ensure our business practices are aligned in a manner that places clients’
interests first. Such annual review is provided to a member of our executive team, who certifies
the firm’s compliance. We do not engage in sales contests, production awards, or related
giveaways that inhibit our ability to provide advice that’s in clients’ best interests. We regularly
update our conflicts of interest and will update clients accordingly on any material changes
affecting our relationship with them.
B.1.a. Direct Management
Waterloo Capital acts as portfolio managers for the program. The firm works with the client to
identify his or her investment goals and objectives as well as risk tolerance in order to create
an initial portfolio allocation designed to complement the client’s financial situation and
personal circumstances. The portfolio may consist of a variety of investments including but not
limited to equities, fixed income securities, mutual funds, and alternative investments. The
investment strategies utilized depend on the client’s investment objectives and goals as
provided to the firm. Portfolios are constructed along basic investment objective categories
and focus primarily on a long-term buy and hold approach as opposed to short-term trading.
However, each client has the opportunity to place reasonable restrictions on the type of
investments to be held in the portfolio. Accounts are managed on a discretionary or non-
discretionary basis, at the client’s discretion. The advisory representative may periodically
rebalance the client’s account to maintain the initially agreed upon strategic and tactical asset
allocation. However, no changes are made to the agreed-upon asset allocation nor are assets
rebalanced in nondiscretionary accounts without prior client review and consent.
B.1.b. Third-Party Money Managers
These programs provide the client an opportunity to utilize the investment skills of
professional third-party money managers. The third-party manager will have discretionary
authority with respect to investment management of your accounts. Neither the custodian nor
Waterloo Capital acts in such a capacity or has such authority. The client selects one or more
managers based upon the client’s risk tolerance and investment objectives. Waterloo Capital
assists the client in completing the client profile and choosing an investment manager that
best matches his or her investment objectives and goals.
Clients may also impose reasonable restrictions upon the management of the account.
Page 5
Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 4: Advisory Business
B.2. Comprehensive Asset Management and Financial Planning Services
Waterloo Capital provides asset management services on a discretionary or non-discretionary
basis, per the client’s selection. The services encompass asset management, as well as financial
planning/financial consulting, and are designed to assist clients in meeting their financial goals
through the use of Investments. We will conduct at least one meeting (in person if possible,
otherwise via telephone conference) with the client in order to understand income, investments,
taxes, insurance, estate plan, financial circumstances, risk tolerances, investment restrictions,
goals and objectives. Based on what we learn, we will propose an investment approach to client,
which may consist of a variety of types of Investments. Upon the client’s agreement to the
proposed investment plan, we will work to establish or transfer investment accounts so that we
can manage the client’s portfolio. Once the accounts are under our management, we review
them on a regular basis and at least annually. We may periodically rebalance or adjust the
accounts under our management.
Clients have the right to provide the firm with any reasonable investment restrictions that should
be imposed on the management of their portfolio, and to promptly notify the firm of any
changes in such restrictions or in the client’s personal financial circumstances, investment
objectives, goals and tolerance for risk. Waterloo Capital will remind clients of their obligation to
inform the firm of any such changes or any restrictions that should be imposed on the
management of the client’s account. Waterloo Capital will also contact clients at least annually
to determine whether there have been any changes in a client’s personal financial circumstances,
investment objectives and tolerance for risk.
B.3. Financial Planning and Consulting Services
Waterloo Capital may prepare and provide the client with a written financial plan designed to
help him or her achieve financial goals and investment objectives. The preparation of such a
plan may necessitate that the client provide us with personal data such as family records,
budgeting, personal liability, estate information, and additional financial goals.
The financial plan may include any or all of the following as requested and/or directed by the
client:
▪
Investment Planning
▪ Retirement Planning
▪ Estate Planning
▪ Family and Business Succession Planning
▪ Charitable Planning
▪ Education Planning
▪ Corporate and Personal Tax Planning
▪ Cost Segregation Study
▪ Corporate Structure
▪ Small Business Valuation
▪ Real Estate Analysis
▪ Mortgage/Debt Analysis
▪
Insurance Analysis
▪ Lines of Credit Evaluation
▪ Business and Personal Financial
Planning
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 4: Advisory Business
Should the client choose to implement the recommendations contained in the plan, the firm
suggests that the client work closely with his or her attorney, accountant, insurance agent,
and/or stockbroker. Implementation of financial plan recommendations is entirely at the client’s
discretion.
In managing the client’s investment portfolio and/or creating your financial plan, Waterloo
Capital considers the client’s
▪
financial situation
▪
risk tolerance
▪
investment horizon
▪
liquidity needs
▪
tax considerations
▪
investment objectives
▪ any other issues important to the client’s state of affairs
The client is instructed to notify the firm promptly if there are any changes in his or her financial
situation or investment objectives, or if the client wishes to impose any reasonable restrictions
upon the management of his or her account.
B.4. Educational Seminars/Speaking Engagements
Waterloo Capital hosts educational seminars and speaking engagements for groups seeking
general advice on investments and other areas of personal finance. These are offered to
organizations and the public on a variety of financial topics. The seminars are purely educational
in nature and do not involve the sale of any investment products, or the recommendation of
one type of investment over any other type of investment. Information presented will not be
based on any individual’s need or goals, nor does Advisor provide individualized investment
advice to attendees during these seminars.
C. Client-Tailored Services and Client-Imposed Restrictions
Each client’s account will be managed on the basis of the client’s financial situation and
investment objectives and in accordance with any reasonable restrictions imposed by the client
on the management of the account—for example, restricting the type or amount of security to
be purchased in the portfolio.
D. Wrap Fee Programs
Waterloo Capital offers a wrap fee program where clients receive investment advisory services
and the execution of securities brokerage transactions for a single specified fee. Participation in
a wrap fee program may cost you more or less than purchasing such services separately. We
adhere to our fiduciary duty when trading in your accounts. Trades are made only on the basis
of the account’s stated investment objectives, and without concern to the firm’s trading costs
and firm’s expenses.
Page 7
Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 4: Advisory Business
Please refer to Appendix 1 of Part 2A: Waterloo Capital Wrap Fee Program Brochure for
information. Please see also Item 5.F. of this Brochure for important disclosure regarding
custodian investment programs.
E. Client Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, Waterloo Capital had $1.5 billion of discretionary client assets and
$164.8 million of non-discretionary client assets under management.
Page 8
Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
A. Methods of Compensation and Fee Schedule
A.1. Asset-Based Fee Schedule
Waterloo Capital offers investment management services on a fee-only basis. The fee is
calculated based upon the market value of the assets in the client’s account on the last day of
the previous quarter. The maximum annual fee for this service is 2.0%. Broker-dealers and other
financial institutions that hold client accounts are referred to as custodians (“custodian/ broker-
dealer”). The client’s custodian/broker-dealer determines the values of the assets in the client’s
portfolio.
Fees for the initial quarter are based on the value of the client’s cash and securities on the date
the custodian/broker-dealer receives them and are prorated based upon the number of
calendar days in the calendar quarter that the investment advisory agreement is in effect.
Under certain circumstances, clients may be charged $250 per hour for additional services,
which may include but are not limited to financial plan implementation, mortgage analysis and
refinancing, due diligence of client-introduced investments, and/or working with the client’s
other advisors. At the discretion of the individual investment adviser representative, for clients
with assets under management of $2,000,000 or more, the firm will, on a quarterly basis, reduce
its next quarterly fee in an amount equal to the transaction-based fees incurred by the client
during the preceding quarter. Please be advised that the rebate of fees creates an economic
disincentive to trade, because every transaction fee that needs to be rebated reduces the firm’s
profitability. Please also be advised that for clients with less than $2,000,000 in assets, clients
may be able to find comparable services at a lower cost elsewhere.
Asset-based fees are always subject to the investment advisory agreement between the client
and Waterloo Capital. Such fees are payable quarterly in advance. The client and the client’s
custodian or broker-dealer will be invoiced at the beginning of each calendar quarter, based
upon the market value (market value plus any credit balance or minus any debit balance) of the
client’s account at the end of the previous quarter, as mutually agreed upon by the client and
Waterloo Capital. The fees will be prorated if the investment advisory relationship commences
otherwise than at the beginning of a calendar quarter. Adjustments for contributions to and
withdrawals from a client’s portfolio are prorated for the quarter in which the change occurs.
Trades and balances are included as of trade date, accrued interest is included for fixed income,
and the individual security valuations are downloaded directly from the custodian. With respect
to private fund valuations, our billing relies on the most recent quarterly valuation statement
form the issuer. There may be delays in receiving valuations from an issuer and as a result,
valuations for certain issuers may be a full quarter in arrears. Additionally, the firm bills on gross
market value provided by the custodian for all margin accounts. The firm utilizes Black Diamond
to prorate all contributions and withdrawals. As such, the firm has an incentive to recommend
margin over other accounts. The firm has adopted a code of ethics that requires all supervised
persons to put clients’ interests ahead of their own.
Page 9
Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
The client authorizes the qualified custodian to automatically deduct the fee and all other
charges payable hereunder from the assets in the account when due, with such payments to be
reflected on the next account statement sent to the client. If insufficient cash is available to pay
such fees, securities in an amount equal to the balance of unpaid fees will be liquidated to pay
for the unpaid balance. Waterloo Capital may modify the fee at any time upon 30 days’ written
notice to the client. In the event the client has an ERISA-governed plan, fee modifications must
be approved in writing by the client.
For third-party money managers, a complete description of the programs and services provided,
the amount of total fees, the payment structure, termination provisions and other aspects of
each program are detailed and disclosed in the following, as applicable:
▪ Third Party Investment Advisory Service’s disclosure documents
▪ Disclosure documents of the portfolio manager or managers selected
▪ Third Party Advisory Service’s account opening documents
Clients should verify the calculation of Waterloo Capital’s fees. The client’s custodian/broker-
dealer does not verify the accuracy of fee calculations.
A client investment advisory agreement may be canceled at any time by the client, or by
Waterloo Capital with 30 days’ prior written notice to the client. Upon termination of any
account, any unearned, prepaid fees will be promptly refunded. The client has the right to
terminate an agreement without penalty within five business days after entering into the
agreement.
A.1.a. Wrap vs. Non-Wrap Program Fees
Please be advised that non-wrap program fees (those where the client pays trading costs in
addition to the advisory fee) should, all things being equal, have the same overall net cost to
the client as a comparable investment account in a wrap fee program. For example, if a client
has a $100,000 investment account and utilizes a non-wrap program for an advisory fee of 1%
and pays $250 in additional trading costs, a comparable arrangement on a wrap fee program
basis (where the advisory fees include both the trading costs and advisory fee) would be
1.25%. In this way, the client understands the concept of fee parity when comparing wrap vs.
non-wrap fee programs. In other words, if you’re comparing a non-wrap program at 2% to a
wrap free program at 2%, it would always be in your best interest to use the wrap fee in this
example. This is not to suggest that actual trading may be more or less active, which could
influence the use of a non-wrap program versus a wrap fee program. As a result, it is
important to understand that the firm has an economic incentive to trade infrequently within a
wrap fee program because frequent trading lowers the firm’s profitability. Of course, it is your
decision to utilize the specific fee arrangement and this disclosure is to help you understand
the relationship between the cost components of non-wrap fee programs versus wrap fee
programs and the related conflicts of interest.
A.2. Comprehensive Asset Management and Financial Planning
The Comprehensive Asset Management and Financial Planning fee between the firm and the
client is negotiated before the contract is signed.
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Asset-based fees are always subject to the investment advisory agreement between the client
and Waterloo Capital. Such fees are payable quarterly in advance. The client and the client’s
custodian or broker-dealer will be invoiced at the beginning of each calendar quarter, based
upon the market value (market value plus any credit balance or minus any debit balance) of the
client's account at the end of the previous quarter, as mutually agreed upon by the client and
Waterloo Capital. The fees will be prorated if the investment advisory relationship commences
otherwise than at the beginning of a calendar quarter. Adjustments for contributions to and
distributions from a client’s portfolio are prorated for the quarter in which the change occurs.
Either party may the agreement in writing at any time. Upon notice of termination, Waterloo
Capital will process a pro-rata refund of the unearned portion of the advisory fees charged in
advance at the beginning of the quarter.
A.3. Financial Planning and Consulting Fees
Financial planning and consulting services are charged through either an hourly or fixed fee
arrangement as agreed upon between the client and Waterloo Capital. The financial planning
fee between the firm and the client is negotiated before the contract is signed.
Clients may select a one-time fee or an ongoing fee for services. One-time fees may be payable
in full upon execution of the agreement, an initial payment with the remainder directly invoice
and due within 30 days, or payment in full upon delivery of services. For ongoing services, the
service will automatically renew annually until canceled by either party. Clients will be either
directly invoiced or fees will be deducted from their managed accounts, per the agreement.
A financial planning agreement may be terminated by either party for any reason upon receipt
of written notice. Upon termination of any account, any unearned, prepaid fees will be promptly
refunded and any earned, unpaid fees will be immediately due and payable. The client has the
right to terminate an agreement without penalty within five business days after entering into the
agreement.
A.4. Educational Seminars/Speaking Engagements Fees
Fees for this service may be billed a fixed fee ranging from $1,000 - $50,000 per seminar, based
on an hourly fee of $500. The fee range is based on the content, amount of research conducted,
the number of hours of preparation needed, and the number of attendees. Fees are negotiable
and may be waived by Waterloo Capital in its sole discretion.
Waterloo Capital offers its services in a virtual or in-person setting. Should the event require
travel arrangements, both parties must agree to the terms of travel (i.e. cost, distance, hotel
arrangements) at the start of the engagement.
B. Client Payment of Fees
B.1. Asset-Based Fees
Waterloo Capital will deduct advisory fees directly from the client’s account provided that (i) the
client provides written authorization to the qualified custodian, and (ii) the qualified custodian
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
sends the client a statement, at least quarterly, indicating all amounts disbursed from the
account. At our discretion, you may be billed for fees in lieu of having them debited from the
account.
The client is responsible for verifying the accuracy of the fee calculation, as the client’s custodian
will not verify the calculation.
B.1.a. Rebate of Fees
Waterloo Capital will send a quarterly billing statement detailing the total transaction fee
rebates that were deducted from the client’s quarterly management fee.
B.2. Financial Planning Fees
A 50% retainer fee for one-time financial planning services is due at inception of engagement
and the remainder is paid at delivery. The financial plan will be presented to the client within 90
days of the contract date, provided that the client has promptly provided all information needed
to prepare the financial plan.
B.3. Educational Seminars/Speaking Engagement Fees
Half of the fees are due prior to the engagement, and the other half is to be paid the day of, no
later than the conclusion of the seminar. Fees for this service may be paid by electronic funds
transfer or check. At no time do we require prepayment of $500 or more six months or more in
advance of rendering the services.
Client may cancel the event with 30 days’ advance written notice without penalty. Waterloo
Capital will provide a refund of any fees collected in advance. Should the client cancel the event
within 30 days of the event (with the exception of weather or similar unforeseen causes), the
client will be responsible for reimbursement of any non-refundable travel expenses already
incurred and a prorated fee for any work conducted in preparation of the event, based on the
percentage of work done and the flat fee agreed upon by both parties. Should any fees
collected in advance exceed the amount of work conducted, Waterloo Capital will provide a
prorated refund based on $500 per hour for the work completed subtracted from the advance
fee collected.
C. Additional Client Fees Charged
All fees paid for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from the fees and
expenses charged by mutual funds, separate account managers, broker-dealers and custodians
retained by clients. Such fees and expenses are described in each mutual fund’s prospectus,
each separate account manager’s Form ADV or similar disclosure statement, and by any broker-
dealer or custodian retained by the client. Clients are advised to read these materials carefully
before investing. If a fund also imposes sales charges, a client may pay an initial or deferred
sales charge as further described in the mutual fund’s prospectus. A client using Waterloo
Capital may be precluded from using certain mutual funds or separate account managers
because they may not be offered by the client's custodian.
Page 12
Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Please refer to the Brokerage Practices section (Item 12) for additional information regarding the
firm’s brokerage practices.
D. Prepayment of Client Fees
Waterloo Capital requires the prepayment of its advisory fees. The firm’s fees will either be paid
directly by the client or disbursed to Waterloo Capital by the qualified custodian of the client’s
investment accounts, subject to prior written consent of the client. The custodian will deliver
directly to the client an account statement, at least quarterly, showing all investment and
transaction activity for the period, including fee disbursements from the account.
A 50% retainer fee for one-time financial planning services is due at inception of engagement
and the remainder is paid at delivery.
A client investment advisory agreement may be canceled at any time by the client, or by
Waterloo Capital with 30 days’ prior written notice to the client. An agreement may be
terminated by either party for any reason upon receipt of written notice. Upon termination of
any account, any unearned, prepaid fees will be promptly refunded and any earned, unpaid fees
will be immediately due and payable. The client has the right to terminate an agreement without
penalty within five business days after entering into the agreement.
E. External Compensation for the Sale of Securities to Clients
Waterloo Capital’s advisory professionals are paid a percentage of the asset-based advisory fees
pursuant to their payout arrangement with Waterloo Capital. Waterloo Capital’s advisory
professionals may be paid sales, service or administrative fees for the sale of mutual funds or
other investment products in their capacity as registered representatives of a broker-dealer.
Waterloo Capital’s advisory professionals may receive commission-based compensation for the
sale of securities and insurance products. Investment adviser representatives, in their capacity as
broker-dealer registered representative, are prohibited from earning an advisory fee on the
securities value transferred from an advisory client’s brokerage account unless commissions
earned on such securities transactions occurred at least 12 months prior to the transfer. Please
see Item 10.C. for conflicts of interest.
F. Important Disclosure – Custodian Investment Programs
Please be advised that certain of the firm’s investment adviser representatives are registered
with a broker-dealer and/or the firm is a broker-dealer or affiliated with a broker-dealer. Under
these arrangements, we can access certain investment programs offered through the broker-
dealer that offer certain compensation and fee structures that create conflicts of interest of
which clients need to be aware. As such, the investment adviser representative and/or the firm
may have an economic incentive to recommend the purchase of 12b-1 or revenue share class
mutual funds offered through the broker-dealer platform rather than from the investment
adviser platform.
Page 13
Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
Limitation on Mutual Fund Universe for Custodian Investment Programs: Please note that as a
matter of policy we prohibit the receipt of revenue share fees from any mutual funds utilized for
our advisory clients’ portfolios. There are certain programs in which we participate where a
client’s investment options may be limited in certain of these programs to those mutual funds
and/or mutual fund share classes that pay 12b-1 fees and other revenue sharing fee payments,
and the client should be aware that the firm is not selecting from among all mutual funds
available in the marketplace when recommending mutual funds to the client.
Conflict Between Revenue Share Class (12b-1) and Non-Revenue Share Class Mutual Funds:
Revenue share class/12b-1 fees are deducted from the net asset value of the mutual fund and
generally, all things being equal, cause the fund to earn lower rates of return than those mutual
funds that do not pay revenue sharing fees. The client is under no obligation to utilize such
programs or mutual funds. Although many factors will influence the type of fund to be used, the
client should discuss with their investment adviser representative whether a share class from a
comparable mutual fund with a more favorable return to investors is available that does not
include the payment of any 12b-1 or revenue sharing fees given the client’s individual needs
and priorities and anticipated transaction costs. In addition, the receipt of such fees can create
conflicts of interest in instances (i) where our adviser representative is also licensed as a
registered representative of a broker-dealer and receives a portion of 12b-1 and or revenue
sharing fees as compensation – such compensation creates an incentive for the investment
adviser representative to use programs which utilize funds that pay such additional
compensation; and (ii) where the custodian receives the entirety of the 12b-1 and/or revenue
sharing fees and takes the receipt of such fees into consideration in terms of benefits it may
elect to provide to the firm, even though such benefits may or may not benefit some or all
of the firm clients.
Additional Disclosure Concerning Wrap Programs: To the extent that we either sponsor or
recommend wrap fee programs, please be advised that certain wrap fee programs may (i) allow
our investment adviser representatives to select mutual fund classes that either have no
transaction fee costs associated with them but include embedded 12b-1 fees that lower the
investor’s return (“sometimes referred to as “A-Shares,” depending on the mutual fund issuer),
or (ii) allow the use of mutual fund classes that have transaction fees associated with them but
do not carry embedded 12b-1 fees (sometimes referred to as “I-Shares,” depending on the
mutual fund sponsor). Wrap fee programs offer investment services and related transaction
services for one all-inclusive fee (except as may be described in the applicable wrap fee program
brochure). The trading costs are typically absorbed by the firm and/or the investment
representative. If a client’s account holds A-Shares within a wrap fee program, the firm and/or its
investment adviser representative avoids paying the transaction fees charged by other mutual
fund classes, which in effect decreases the firm’s costs and increases its revenues from the
account. Effectively, the cost is transferred to the client from the firm in the form of a lower rate
of return on the specific mutual fund. This creates an incentive for the firm or investment adviser
representative to utilize such funds as opposed to those funds that may be equally appropriate
for a client but do not carry the additional cost of 12b-1 fees. As a policy matter, the firm does
not allow funds that impose 12b-1 or revenue sharing fees on the client’s investment within its
wrap fee programs. Clients should understand and discuss with their investment adviser
Page 14
Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 5: Fees and Compensation
representative the types of mutual fund share classes available in the wrap fee program and the
basis for using one share class over another in accordance with their individual circumstances
and priorities.
Page 15
Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Item 6: Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
Waterloo Capital does not charge performance-based fees and therefore has no economic
incentive to manage clients’ portfolios in any way other than what is in their best interests.
Page 16
Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 7: Types of Clients
Item 7: Types of Clients
Waterloo Capital provides advisory services primarily to individuals and high-net-worth
individuals, trusts, estates, retirement accounts, pension and profit sharing plans, charitable
organizations, corporations, and other business entities. As a condition for starting and
maintaining an advisory relationship, the firm generally require a minimum portfolio size of
$1,000,000. The firm, at its sole discretion, may accept clients with smaller portfolios based upon
certain factors including anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future additional assets,
account composition, related accounts, and pre-existing client relationships. The firm may
consider the portfolios of the client’s family members to determine if the portfolio meets the
minimum size requirement.
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
A. Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Investing in securities involves a risk of loss that you, as a client, should be prepared to
bear. There is no guarantee that any specific investment or strategy will be profitable for a
particular client.
A.1. Methods of Analysis
Waterloo Capital selects specific investments for client portfolios through the use of
fundamental analysis. Fundamental analysis is a method of evaluating a company that has
issued a security by attempting to measure the value of its underlying assets. It entails studying
overall economic and industry conditions as well as the financial condition and the quality of the
company’s management. Earnings, expenses, assets, and liabilities are all important in
determining the value of a company. The value is then compared to the current price of the
issuing company’s security to determine whether to purchase, sell, or hold the security.
A.2. Important Disclosure – Custodian Investment Programs
Please be advised that the firm utilizes certain custodians/broker-dealers. Under these
arrangements we can access certain investment programs offered by our custodian that offer
certain compensation and fee structures that create conflicts of interest of which clients need to
be aware. Please see Item 5.A. of this Brochure for detailed information.
A.3. Mutual Funds and Third-Party Separate Account Managers, Individual Equity and
Fixed Income Securities, and Pooled Investment Vehicles
Waterloo Capital may recommend (i) separate account managers to manage client assets; (ii)
no-load and load-waived mutual funds and individual securities (including fixed income
instruments); and (iii) pooled investment vehicles. Such management styles will include, among
others, large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap value, growth and core; international and emerging
markets; and alternative investments. The firm may also assist the client in selecting one or more
appropriate manager(s) for all or a portion of the client’s portfolio. Such managers will typically
manage assets for clients who commit to the manager a minimum amount of assets established
by that manager—a factor that the firm will take into account when recommending managers to
clients.
A description of the criteria to be used in formulating an investment recommendation for
mutual funds, ETFs, individual securities (including fixed-income securities), managers, and
pooled investment vehicles is set forth below.
The firm has formed relationships with third-party vendors that
▪ provide a technological platform for separate account management
▪ prepare performance reports
▪ perform due diligence monitoring of mutual funds, managers and pooled investment
vehicles
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
▪ perform billing and certain other administrative tasks
The firm may utilize additional independent third parties to assist it in recommending and
monitoring individual securities, mutual funds, managers and pooled investment vehicles to
clients as appropriate under the circumstances.
The firm reviews certain quantitative and qualitative criteria related to mutual funds and
managers and to formulate investment recommendations to its clients. Quantitative criteria may
include
▪
the performance history of a mutual fund or manager evaluated against that of its peers
and other benchmarks
▪ an analysis of risk-adjusted returns
▪ an analysis of the manager’s contribution to the investment return (e.g., manager’s
alpha), standard deviation of returns over specific time periods, sector and style analysis
▪
the fund, sub-advisor or manager’s fee structure
▪
the relevant portfolio manager’s tenure
Qualitative criteria used in selecting/recommending mutual funds or managers include the
investment objectives and/or management style and philosophy of a mutual fund or manager; a
mutual fund or manager’s consistency of investment style; and employee turnover and efficiency
and capacity. The firm will discuss relevant quantitative and qualitative factors pertaining to its
recommendations with clients prior to a client’s determination to retain a mutual fund or
manager.
Quantitative and qualitative criteria related to mutual funds and managers are reviewed by the
firm on a quarterly basis or such other interval as appropriate under the circumstances. In
addition, mutual funds or managers are reviewed to determine the extent to which their
investments reflect efforts to time the market, or evidence style drift such that their portfolios no
longer accurately reflect the particular asset category attributed to the mutual fund or manager
by the firm (both of which are negative factors in implementing an asset allocation structure).
Based on its review, the firm will make recommendations to clients regarding the retention or
discharge of a mutual fund or manager.
The firm may negotiate reduced account minimum balances and reduced fees with managers
under various circumstances (e.g., for clients with minimum level of assets committed to the
manager for specific periods of time, etc.). There can be no assurance that clients will receive any
reduced account minimum balances or fees, or that all clients, even if apparently similarly
situated, will receive any reduced account minimum balances or fees available to some other
clients. Also, account minimum balances and fees may significantly differ between clients. Each
client’s individual needs and circumstances will determine portfolio weighting, which can have
an impact on fees given the funds or managers utilized. The firm will endeavor to obtain equal
treatment for its clients with funds or managers, but cannot assure equal treatment.
The firm will regularly review the activities of mutual funds and managers utilized for the client.
Clients that engage managers or who invest in mutual funds should first review and understand
the disclosure documents of those managers or mutual funds, which contain information
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
relevant to such retention or investment, including information on the methodology used to
analyze securities, investment strategies, fees and conflicts of interest. Similarly, clients qualified
to invest in pooled investment vehicles should review the private placement memoranda or
other disclosure materials relating to such vehicles before making a decision to invest.
A.4. Material Risks of Investment Instruments
The investment vehicles most commonly purchased for the firm’s clients are shares of registered
open-end mutual funds and exchange traded funds. Many of these investments can be
purchased directly by clients without utilizing the services of an advisor. Registered investment
companies charge their own management fees and expenses. These fees and expenses are
detailed in each respective mutual fund’s prospectus and are in addition to any fees charged by
Waterloo Capital.
Waterloo Capital typically invests in open-end mutual funds and exchange-traded funds for the
vast majority of its clients. However, for certain clients, the firm may effect transactions in the
following types of securities:
▪ Equity securities
▪ Warrants and rights
▪ Mutual fund securities
▪ Exchange-traded funds
▪ Fixed income securities
▪ Corporate debt securities, commercial paper, and certificates of deposit
▪ Municipal securities
▪ U.S. government securities
▪ Private placements
▪ Pooled investment vehicles
▪ Structured products
▪ Government and agency mortgage-backed securities
▪ Corporate debt obligations
▪ Mortgage-backed securities
▪ Asset-backed securities
▪ Collateralized obligations
A.4.a. Equity Securities
Investing in individual companies involves inherent risk. The major risks relate to the
company’s capitalization, quality of the company’s management, quality and cost of the
company’s services, the company’s ability to manage costs, efficiencies in the manufacturing
or service delivery process, management of litigation risk, and the company’s ability to create
shareholder value (i.e., increase the value of the company’s stock price). Foreign securities, in
addition to the general risks of equity securities, have geopolitical risk, financial transparency
risk, currency risk, regulatory risk and liquidity risk.
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
A.4.b. Warrants and Rights
Warrants are securities, typically issued with preferred stock or bonds that give the holder the
right to purchase a given number of shares of common stock at a specified price and time. The
price of the warrant usually represents a premium over the applicable market value of the
common stock at the time of the warrant’s issuance. Warrants have no voting rights with
respect to the common stock, receive no dividends and have no rights with respect to the
assets of the issuer.
Investments in warrants and rights involve certain risks, including the possible lack of a liquid
market for the resale of the warrants and rights, potential price fluctuations due to adverse
market conditions or other factors and failure of the price of the common stock to rise. If the
warrant is not exercised within the specified time period, it becomes worthless.
A.4.c. Mutual Fund Securities
Investing in mutual funds carries inherent risk. The major risks of investing in a mutual fund
include the quality and experience of the portfolio management team and its ability to create
fund value by investing in securities that have positive growth, the amount of individual
company diversification, the type and amount of industry diversification, and the type and
amount of sector diversification within specific industries. In addition, mutual funds tend to be
tax inefficient and therefore investors may pay capital gains taxes on fund investments while
not having yet sold the fund.
A.4.d. Exchange-Traded Funds (“ETFs”)
ETFs are investment companies whose shares are bought and sold on a securities exchange.
An ETF holds a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index.
Some examples of ETFs are SPDRs®, streetTRACKS®, DIAMONDSSM, NASDAQ 100 Index
Tracking StockSM (“QQQs SM”) iShares® and VIPERs®. The funds could purchase an ETF to gain
exposure to a portion of the U.S. or foreign market.
The funds, as a shareholder of another investment company, will bear their pro-rata portion of
the other investment company’s advisory fee and other expenses, in addition to their own
expenses.
Investing in ETFs involves risk. Specifically, ETFs, depending on the underlying portfolio and its
size, can have wide price (bid and ask) spreads, thus diluting or negating any upward price
movement of the ETF or enhancing any downward price movement. Also, ETFs require more
frequent portfolio reporting by regulators and are thereby more susceptible to actions by
hedge funds that could have a negative impact on the price of the ETF. Certain ETFs may
employ leverage, which creates additional volatility and price risk depending on the amount of
leverage utilized, the collateral and the liquidity of the supporting collateral.
Further, the use of leverage (i.e., employ the use of margin) generally results in additional
interest costs to the ETF. Certain ETFs are highly leveraged and therefore have additional
volatility and liquidity risk. Volatility and liquidity can severely and negatively impact the price
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
of the ETF’s underlying portfolio securities, thereby causing significant price fluctuations of the
ETF.
A.4.e. Fixed Income Securities
Fixed income securities carry additional risks than those of equity securities described above.
These risks include the company’s ability to retire its debt at maturity, the current interest rate
environment, the coupon interest rate promised to bondholders, legal constraints,
jurisdictional risk (U.S or foreign) and currency risk. If bonds have maturities of 10 years or
greater, they will likely have greater price swings when interest rates move up or down. The
shorter the maturity the less volatile the price swings. Foreign bonds have liquidity and
currency risk.
A.4.f. Corporate Debt, Commercial Paper and Certificates of Deposit
Fixed income securities carry additional risks than those of equity securities described above.
These risks include the company’s ability to retire its debt at maturity, the current interest rate
environment, the coupon interest rate promised to bondholders, legal constraints,
jurisdictional risk (U.S or foreign) and currency risk. If bonds have maturities of 10 years or
greater, they will likely have greater price swings when interest rates move up or down. The
shorter the maturity the less volatile the price swings. Foreign bonds also have liquidity and
currency risk.
Commercial paper and certificates of deposit are generally considered safe instruments,
although they are subject to the level of general interest rates, the credit quality of the issuing
bank and the length of maturity. With respect to certificates of deposit, depending on the
length of maturity there can be pre-payment penalties if the client needs to convert the
certificate of deposit to cash prior to maturity.
A.4.g. Municipal Securities
Municipal securities carry additional risks than those of corporate and bank-sponsored debt
securities described above. These risks include the municipality’s ability to raise additional tax
revenue or other revenue (in the event the bonds are revenue bonds) to pay interest on its
debt and to retire its debt at maturity. Municipal bonds are generally tax free at the federal
level, but may be taxable in individual states other than the state in which both the investor
and municipal issuer is domiciled.
A.4.h. U.S. Government Securities
U.S. government securities include securities issued by the U.S. Treasury and by U.S.
government agencies and instrumentalities. U.S. government securities may be supported by
the full faith and credit of the United States.
A.4.i. Private Placements
Private placements carry significant risk in that companies using the private placement market
conduct securities offerings that are exempt from registration under the federal securities laws,
which means that investors do not have access to public information and such investors are
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
not provided with the same amount of information that they would receive if the securities
offering was a public offering. Moreover, many companies using private placements do so to
raise equity capital in the start-up phase of their business, or require additional capital to
complete another phase in their growth objective. In addition, the securities issued in
connection with private placements are restricted securities, which means that they are not
traded on a secondary market, such as a stock exchange, and they are thus illiquid and cannot
be readily converted to cash.
A.4.j. Pooled Investment Vehicles
A pooled investment vehicle, such as a commodity pool or investment company, is generally
offered only to investors who meet specified suitability, net worth and annual income criteria.
Pooled investment vehicles sell securities through private placements and thus are illiquid and
subject to a variety of risks that are disclosed in each pooled investment vehicle’s confidential
private placement memorandum or disclosure document. Investors should read these
documents carefully and consult with their professional advisors prior to committing
investment dollars. Because many of the securities involved in pooled investment vehicles do
not have transparent trading markets from which accurate and current pricing information can
be derived, or in the case of private equity investments where portfolio security companies are
privately held with no publicly traded market, PDIV will be unable to monitor or verify the
accuracy of such performance information.
A.4.k. Structured Products
Structured products are designed to facilitate highly customized risk-return objectives. While
structured products come in many different forms, they typically consist of a debt security that
is structured to make interest and principal payments based upon various assets, rates or
formulas. Many structured products include an embedded derivative component. Structured
products may be structured in the form of a security, in which case these products may receive
benefits provided under federal securities law, or they may be cast as derivatives, in which case
they are offered in the over-the-counter market and are subject to no regulation.
Investment in structured products includes significant risks, including valuation, liquidity, price,
credit and market risks. One common risk associated with structured products is a relative lack
of liquidity due to the highly customized nature of the investment. Moreover, the full extent of
returns from the complex performance features is often not realized until maturity. As such,
structured products tend to be more of a buy-and-hold investment decision rather than a
means of getting in and out of a position with speed and efficiency.
Another risk with structured products is the credit quality of the issuer. Although the cash
flows are derived from other sources, the products themselves are legally considered to be the
issuing financial institution's liabilities. The vast majority of structured products are from high
investment grade issuers only. Also, there is a lack of pricing transparency. There is no uniform
standard for pricing, making it harder to compare the net-of-pricing attractiveness of
alternative structured product offerings than it is, for instance, to compare the net expense
ratios of different mutual funds or commissions among broker-dealers.
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
A.4.l. Government and Agency Mortgage-Backed Securities
The principal issuers or guarantors of mortgage-backed securities are the Government
National Mortgage Association (“GNMA”), Fannie Mae (“FNMA”) and the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation (“FHLMC”). GNMA, a wholly owned U.S. government corporation within
the Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”), creates pass-through securities
from pools of government-guaranteed (Farmers’ Home Administration, Federal Housing
Authority or Veterans Administration) mortgages. The principal and interest on GNMA pass-
through securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. government.
FNMA, which is a U.S. government-sponsored corporation owned entirely by private
stockholders that is subject to regulation by the secretary of HUD, and FHLMC, a corporate
instrumentality of the U.S. government, issue pass-through securities from pools of
conventional and federally insured and/or guaranteed residential mortgages. FNMA
guarantees full and timely payment of all interest and principal, and FHMLC guarantees timely
payment of interest and ultimate collection of principal of its pass-through securities.
Mortgage-backed securities from FNMA and FHLMC are not backed by the full faith and credit
of the U.S. government.
A.4.m. Corporate Debt Obligations
Corporate debt obligations include corporate bonds, debentures, notes, commercial paper
and other similar corporate debt instruments. Companies use these instruments to borrow
money from investors. The issuer pays the investor a fixed or variable rate of interest and must
repay the amount borrowed at maturity. Commercial paper (short-term unsecured promissory
notes) is issued by companies to finance their current obligations and normally has a maturity
of less than nine months. In addition, the firm may also invest in corporate debt securities
registered and sold in the United States by foreign issuers (Yankee bonds) and those sold
outside the U.S. by foreign or U.S. issuers (Eurobonds).
A.4.n. Mortgage-Backed Securities
Mortgage-backed securities represent interests in a pool of mortgage loans originated by
lenders such as commercial banks, savings associations, and mortgage bankers and brokers.
Mortgage-backed securities may be issued by governmental or government-related entities,
or by non-governmental entities such as special-purpose trusts created by commercial
lenders.
Pools of mortgages consist of whole mortgage loans or participations in mortgage loans. The
majority of these loans are made to purchasers of between one and four family homes. The
terms and characteristics of the mortgage instruments are generally uniform within a pool but
may vary among pools. For example, in addition to fixed-rate, fixed-term mortgages, PDIV
may purchase pools of adjustable-rate mortgages, growing equity mortgages, graduated
payment mortgages and other types. Mortgage poolers apply qualification standards to
lending institutions, which originate mortgages for the pools as well as credit standards and
underwriting criteria for individual mortgages included in the pools. In addition, many
mortgages included in pools are insured through private mortgage insurance companies.
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Mortgage-backed securities differ from other forms of fixed income securities, which normally
provide for periodic payment of interest in fixed amounts with principal payments at maturity
or on specified call dates. Most mortgage-backed securities, however, are pass-through
securities, which means that investors receive payments consisting of a pro rata share of both
principal and interest (less servicing and other fees), as well as unscheduled prepayments as
loans in the underlying mortgage pool are paid off by the borrowers. Additional prepayments
to holders of these securities are caused by prepayments resulting from the sale or foreclosure
of the underlying property or refinancing of the underlying loans. As prepayment rates of
individual pools of mortgage loans vary widely, it is not possible to accurately predict the
average life of a particular mortgage-backed security. Although mortgage-backed securities
are issued with stated maturities of up to 40 years, unscheduled or early payments of principal
and interest on the mortgages may shorten considerably the securities’ effective maturities.
A.4.o. Asset-Backed Securities
Like mortgages-backed securities, the collateral underlying asset-backed securities are subject
to prepayment, which may reduce the overall return to holders of asset-backed securities.
Asset-backed securities present certain additional and unique risks. Primarily, these securities
do not always have the benefit of a security interest in collateral comparable to the security
interests associated with mortgage-backed securities. Credit card receivables are in general
unsecured. Debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal consumer
credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set-off certain amounts owed on the
credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due.
Generally, automobile receivables are secured by automobiles. Most issuers of automobile
receivables permit the loan servicers to retain possession of the underlying obligations. If the
servicer were to sell these obligations to another party, there is a risk that the purchaser would
acquire an interest superior to that of the holders of the asset-backed securities. In addition,
because of the large number of vehicles involved in a typical issuance and the technical
requirements under state laws, the trustee for the holders of the automobile receivables may
not have a proper security interest in the underlying automobiles. As a result, the risk that
recovery on repossessed collateral might be unavailable or inadequate to support payments
on asset-backed securities is greater for asset-backed securities than for mortgage-backed
securities. In addition, because asset-backed securities are relatively new, the market
experience in these securities is limited and the market’s ability to sustain liquidity through all
phases of an interest rate or economic cycle has not been tested.
A.4.p. Collateralized Obligations
Collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”) are collateralized by mortgage-backed
securities issued by GNMA, FHLMC or FNMA (“mortgage assets”). CMOs are multiple-class
debt obligations. Payments of principal and interest on the mortgage assets are passed
through to the holders of the CMOs as they are received, although certain classes (often
referred to as “tranches”) of CMOs have priority over other classes with respect to the receipt
of mortgage prepayments. Each tranch is issued at a specific or floating coupon rate and has a
stated maturity or final distribution date. Interest is paid or accrues in all tranches on a
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
monthly, quarterly or semi-annual basis. Payments of principal and interest on mortgage
assets are commonly applied to the tranches in the order of their respective maturities or final
distribution dates, so that generally no payment of principal will be made on any tranch until
all other tranches with earlier stated maturity or distribution dates have been paid in full.
Collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs") include collateralized bond obligations ("CBOs"),
collateralized loan obligations ("CLOs") and other similarly structured securities. CBOs and
CLOs are types of asset-backed securities. A CBO is a trust that is backed by a diversified pool
of high-risk, below-investment-grade fixed income securities. A CLO is a trust typically
collateralized by a pool of loans, which may include, among others, domestic and foreign
senior secured loans, senior unsecured loans and subordinate corporate loans, including loans
that may be rated below investment grade or equivalent unrated loans.
B. Investment Strategy and Method of Analysis Material Risks
Waterloo Capital’s investment strategy is custom-tailored to the client’s goals, investment
objectives, risk tolerance, and personal and financial circumstances.
B.1. Margin Leverage
Although the firm, as a general business practice, does not utilize leverage, there may be
instances in which exchange-traded funds, other separate account managers and, in very limited
circumstances, the firm will utilize leverage. In this regard please review the following:
The use of margin leverage enhances the overall risk of investment gain and loss to the client’s
investment portfolio. For example, investors are able to control $2 of a security for $1. So if the
price of a security rises by $1, the investor earns a 100% return on their investment. Conversely,
if the security declines by $.50, then the investor loses 50% of their investment.
The use of margin leverage entails borrowing, which results in additional interest costs to the
investor.
Broker-dealers who carry customer accounts require a minimum equity requirement when
clients utilize margin leverage. The minimum equity requirement is stated as a percentage of the
value of the underlying collateral security with an absolute minimum dollar requirement. For
example, if the price of a security declines in value to the point where the excess equity used to
satisfy the minimum requirement dissipates, the broker-dealer will require the client to deposit
additional collateral to the account in the form of cash or marketable securities. A deposit of
securities to the account will require a larger deposit, as the security being deposited is included
in the computation of the minimum equity requirement. In addition, when leverage is utilized
and the client needs to withdraw cash, the client must sell a disproportionate amount of
collateral securities to release enough cash to satisfy the withdrawal amount based upon similar
reasoning as cited above.
Regulations concerning the use of margin leverage are established by the Federal Reserve Board
and vary if the client’s account is held at a broker-dealer versus a bank custodian. Broker-dealers
and bank custodians may apply more stringent rules as they deem necessary.
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
B.2. Short-Term Trading
Although the firm, as a general business practice, does not utilize short-term trading, there may
be instances in which short-term trading may be necessary or an appropriate strategy. In this
regard, please read the following:
There is an inherent risk for clients who trade frequently in that high-frequency trading creates
substantial transaction costs that in the aggregate could negatively impact account
performance.
B.3. Short Selling
The firm generally does not engage in short selling but reserves the right to do so in the
exercise of its sole judgment. Short selling involves the sale of a security that is borrowed rather
than owned. When a short sale is effected, the investor is expecting the price of the security to
decline in value so that a purchase or closeout of the short sale can be effected at a significantly
lower price. The primary risks of effecting short sales is the availability to borrow the stock, the
unlimited potential for loss, and the requirement to fund any difference between the short credit
balance and the market value of the security.
B.4. Technical Trading Models
Technical trading models are mathematically driven based upon historical data and trends of
domestic and foreign market trading activity, including various industry and sector trading
statistics within such markets. Technical trading models, through mathematical algorithms,
attempt to identify when markets are likely to increase or decrease and identify appropriate
entry and exit points. The primary risk of technical trading models is that historical trends and
past performance cannot predict future trends, and there is no assurance that the mathematical
algorithms employed are designed properly, updated with new data, and can accurately predict
future market, industry, and sector performance.
B.5. Option Strategies
Various option strategies give the holder the right to acquire or sell underlying securities at the
contract strike price up until expiration of the option. Each contract is worth 100 shares of the
underlying security. Options entail greater risk but allow an investor to have market exposure to
a particular security or group of securities without the capital commitment required to purchase
the underlying security or groups of securities. In addition, options allow investors to hedge
security positions held in the portfolio. For detailed information on the use of options and
option strategies, please contact the Options Clearing Corporation for the current Options Risk
Disclosure Statement.
Waterloo Capital as part of its investment strategy may employ the following option strategies:
▪ Covered call writing
▪ Long call options purchases
▪ Long put options purchases
▪ Option spreading
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
▪ Short call option strategy
▪ Short put option strategy
▪ Equity collars
▪ Long straddles
B.5.a. Covered Call Writing
Covered call writing is the sale of in-, at-, or out-of-the money call option against a long
security position held in the client portfolio. This type of transaction is used to generate
income. It also serves to create 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 to the extent it is necessary to buy back the option position prior to its expiration.
This strategy may involve a degree of trading velocity, transaction costs and significant losses
if the underlying security has volatile price movement. Covered call strategies are generally
suited for companies with little price volatility.
B.5.b. Long Call Option Purchases
Long call option purchases allow the option holder to be exposed to the general market
characteristics of a security without the outlay of capital necessary to own the security. Options
are wasting assets and expire (usually within nine months of issuance), and as a result can
expose the investor to significant loss.
B.5.c. Long Put Option Purchases
Long put option purchases allow the option holder to sell or “put” the underlying security at
the contract strike price at a future date. If the price of the underlying security declines in
value, the value of the long put option increases. In this way long puts are often used to hedge
a long stock position. Options are wasting assets and expire (usually within nine months of
issuance), and as a result can expose the investor to significant loss.
B.5.d. Option Spreading
Option spreading usually involves the purchase of a call option and the sale of a call option at
a higher contract strike price, both having the same expiration month. The purpose of this
type of transaction is to allow the holder to be exposed to the general market characteristics
of a security without the outlay of capital to own the security, and to offset the cost by selling
the call option with a higher contract strike price. In this type of transaction, the spread holder
“locks in” a maximum profit, defined as the difference in contract prices reduced by the net
cost of implementing the spread. There are many variations of option spreading strategies;
please contact the Options Clearing Corporation for a current Options Risk Disclosure
Statement that discusses each of these strategies.
B.5.e. Short Call Option Strategy
Short call option strategy is highly speculative and has theoretical potential for unlimited loss.
The seller (writer) of the call option receives proceeds (premium) from the sale of the option.
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Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
The expectation is that the value of the underlying security will remain below the contract
strike price and the option will expire worthless, allowing the option writer to keep the entire
amount of the sale proceeds (premium). Should the value of the underlying security increase
above the contract strike price, then the option writer can either purchase the call option at a
loss, or through a process of exercise and assignment be forced to sell the stock at the
contract strike price. If this happens, the option writer will have to go in the open market and
buy an equivalent amount of stock to cover the sale at prices that can be materially higher
than the amount received from the sale.
B.5.f. Short Put Option Strategy
Short put option strategy is highly speculative and has theoretical potential for significant loss.
The seller (writer) of the put option receives proceeds (premium) from the sale of the option.
The expectation is that the value of the underlying security will remain above the contract
strike price and the option will expire worthless, allowing the option writer to keep the entire
amount of the sale proceeds (premium). Should the value of the underlying security decrease
below the contract strike price, the option writer can either purchase the put option at a loss,
or through a process of exercise and assignment be forced to buy the stock at the contract
strike price. If this happens, the option writer will be purchasing the underlying security at a
price potentially well above its then-current market value, exposing the investor to potential
loss.
B.5.g. Equity Collar
A collar combines both a cap and a floor. A cap gives the purchaser of the cap the right (for a
premium payment), but not the obligation, to receive the difference in the cost on some
amount when a specified index rises above the specified “cap rate.” A floor is the opposite of a
cap—it gives the purchaser of the floor the right (for a premium payment), but not the
obligation, to receive the difference in interest payable on an amount when a specified index
falls below the specified “floor rate.” A collar involving stock is called an “equity collar.” In a
collar transaction, the buyer of the collar purchases a cap while selling a floor indexed to the
same rate or asset. A zero-cost collar results when the premium earned by selling a floor
exactly offsets the cap premium.
B.5.h. Long Straddle
A long straddle is the purchase of a long call and a long put with the same underlying security,
expiration date and strike price. This is a speculative trade that may be profitable when
volatility is high and will result in a loss when prices of the underlying security are relatively
stable.
C. Security-Specific Material Risks
There is an inherent risk for clients who have their investment portfolios heavily weighted in one
security, one industry or industry sector, one geographic location, one investment manager, one
type of investment instrument (equities versus fixed income). Clients who have diversified
portfolios, as a general rule, incur less volatility and therefore less fluctuation in portfolio value
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 8: Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
than those who have concentrated holdings. Concentrated holdings may offer the potential for
higher gain, but also offer the potential for significant loss.
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
Item 9: Disciplinary Information
A. Criminal or Civil Actions
There is nothing to report on this item.
B. Administrative Enforcement Proceedings
There is nothing to report on this item.
C. Self-Regulatory Organization Enforcement Proceedings
There is nothing to report on this item.
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
A. Broker-Dealer or Representative Registration
Waterloo Capital nor its affiliates are registered broker-dealers and do not have an application
to register pending.
Certain registered advisory personnel of Waterloo Capital may be registered representatives of a
broker-dealer. Please see Item 10.C. below.
B. Futures or Commodity Registration
Neither Waterloo Capital nor its affiliates are registered as a commodity firm, futures
commission merchant, commodity pool operator, or commodity trading adviser and do not
have an application to register pending.
C. Material Relationships Maintained by this Advisory Business and
Conflicts of Interest
C.1. Insurance Activities
Waterloo Capital is an insurance agency. Certain managers, members, and registered employees
of Waterloo Capital are licensed insurance agents either through Waterloo Capital or through
unaffiliated insurance agencies. Such professionals may recommend insurance products offered
or sold through such agencies and be paid a commission for doing so. Such commission-based
compensation results in a conflict of interest. Please be advised that the firm strives to put its
clients’ interests first and foremost and only recommends insurance products that fill a bona fide
client need and are in the clients’ best interests.
C.2. Intelligent Wealth Solutions LLC
Intelligent Wealth Solutions LLC (“IWS”) is an affiliate of Waterloo Capital and a registered
investment adviser. IWS manages individual separate accounts for its advisory clients.
Prospective clients are advised that Waterloo Capital has an economic interest in recommending
its affiliate, IWS, for separate account management. Conversely, IWS has an economic interest in
recommending Waterloo Capital to clients.
C.3. Private Investments
From time to time, we may recommend investment opportunities in private companies sourced
either by Waterloo Capital or by one of our clients. Although we perform comprehensive due
diligence on all investment opportunities we recommend to our clients and would only
endeavor to recommend private company investments that are in our clients’ best interests,
those sourced by clients create conflicts of interest. We may be viewed as recommending such a
client-sourced investment to garner favor or to preserve our business relationship with such
client. Although we employ a rigorous investment due diligence process, you should be aware
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
of this conflict. We mitigate such conflicts through investor qualification, due diligence,
disclosure, and pricing. For example, we only recommend private company investments to
Qualified Investors as defined by the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. In addition, our fees for
evaluating and recommending private company investments are generally based on a fixed
consulting fee unless we obtain a valuation from an appropriately qualified unaffiliated third-
party valuation firm. We generally do not peg our fees to the valuation of the underlying
security (unless we obtain an independent third-party valuation), thereby mitigating the
incentive to cause or place a high valuation that would either benefit our client or serve to
inflate our advisory fees. You should ask your Waterloo Capital professional for more detailed
information on conflicts and conflict mitigation associated with private company investments.
C.4. IFI Deposit Program
Waterloo Capital may refer clients to IFI’s Deposit Program for higher interest rate bearing
accounts. In the event a client opens an account through IFI, a portion of the client’s fee will be
paid to Waterloo Capital as a referral fee. This creates a conflict of interest in that there is an
incentive to recommend IFI based on the receipt of this compensation instead of what is in the
best interest of our clients.
C.5. Waterloo Capital Dallas Office Location
Waterloo Capital’s Dallas office is owned by a client with whom the firm has entered into an
arms-length arrangement as a tenant. This arrangement may pose a conflict of interest as the
firm has an economic incentive to favor this client in terms of time spent on advisory activities,
investment recommendations, and trade allocations. The firm has policies and procedures in
place to mitigate these conflicts.
C.6. Charles Murphy
Charles Murphy, an investment adviser representative of Waterloo Capital, is dually registered as
an investment adviser representative with Liberty Park Capital Management, LLC, a registered
investment adviser, of which he is also the Managing Member. This creates a conflict of interest
in that Charles Murphy has an economic incentive to recommend the services of the investment
adviser that yields him the greatest economic advantage rather than what is in the client’s best
interest.
Charles Murphy is a registered representative and Managing Partner of Finalis Securities LLC, a
FINRA-registered broker-dealer. Finalis Securities is a financial services company engaged in the
sale of investment products. Charles Murphy receives transaction or commission compensation
from Finalis Securities for effecting securities transactions for advisory clients. The
recommendation of securities transactions for commission creates a conflict of interest in that
Charles Murphy is economically incented to effect securities transactions for clients.
C.7. Dax Weindorf
Dax Weindorf, an investment adviser representative of Waterloo Capital, is a registered
representative of The Leaders Group, Inc., a FINRA-registered broker-dealer. The Leaders Group
is a financial services company engaged in the sale of investment products. Dax Weindorf
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 10: Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
receives transaction or commission compensation from The Leaders Group for effecting
securities transactions for advisory clients. The recommendation of securities transactions for
commission creates a conflict of interest in that Dax Weindorf is economically incented to effect
securities transactions for clients.
D. Recommendation or Selection of Other Investment Advisors and
Conflicts of Interest
Waterloo Capital does not recommend separate account managers or other investment
products in which it receives any form of compensation from the separate account manager or
investment product sponsor.
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions, and Personal Trading
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions,
and Personal Trading
A. Code of Ethics Description
Waterloo Capital has adopted a Code of Ethics (“Code”) to address the securities-related
conduct of its advisory representatives and employees. The Code includes the firm’s policies and
procedures developed to protect clients’ interests in relation to the following:
▪ The duty at all times to place clients’ interests ahead of the firm’s
▪ That all personal securities transactions of Waterloo Capital advisory representatives and
employees be conducted in a manner consistent with the Code and avoid any actual or
potential conflict of interest, or any abuse of an advisory representative’s or employee’s
position of trust and responsibility
▪ That advisory representatives may not take inappropriate advantage of their positions
▪ That information concerning the identity of clients’ security holdings and financial
circumstances are confidential
▪ That independence in the investment decision-making process is paramount
The firm will provide a copy of the Code to clients or any prospective client upon request.
B. Investment Recommendations Involving a Material Financial Interest and
Conflicts of Interest
The firm does not engage in principal trading (i.e., the practice of selling stock to advisory clients
from a firm’s inventory or buying stocks from advisory clients into a firm’s inventory). In
addition, the firm does not recommend any securities to advisory clients in which it has some
proprietary or ownership interest.
C. Advisory Firm Purchase of Same Securities Recommended to Clients and
Conflicts of Interest
The firm, its affiliates, employees and their families, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and
retirement plans established by it may purchase the same securities as are purchased for clients
in accordance with its Code of Ethics policies and procedures. The personal securities
transactions by advisory representatives and employees may raise potential conflicts of interest
when they trade in a security that is:
▪ owned by the client, or
▪ considered for purchase or sale for the client.
Such conflict generally refers to the practice of front-running (trading ahead of the client), which
the firm specifically prohibits. The firm has adopted policies and procedures that are intended to
address these conflicts of interest. These policies and procedures:
▪
require our advisory representatives and employees to act in the client’s best interest
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 11: Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions, and Personal Trading
▪ prohibit fraudulent conduct in connection with the trading of securities in a client
account
▪ prohibit employees from personally benefitting by causing a client to act, or fail to act in
making investment decisions
▪ prohibit the firm or its employees from profiting or causing others to profit on
knowledge of completed or contemplated client transactions
▪ allocate investment opportunities in a fair and equitable manner
▪ provide for the review of transactions to discover and correct any trades that result in an
advisory representative or employee benefitting at the expense of a client.
Advisory representatives and employees must follow the firm’s procedures when purchasing or
selling the same securities purchased or sold for the client.
D. Client Securities Recommendations or Trades and Concurrent Advisory
Firm Securities Transactions and Conflicts of Interest
The firm, its affiliates, employees and their families, trusts, estates, charitable organizations, and
retirement plans established by it may effect securities transactions for their own accounts that
differ from those recommended or effected for other if the firm’s clients. The firm will make a
reasonable attempt to trade securities in client accounts at or prior to trading the securities in its
affiliate, corporate, employee or employee-related accounts. Trades executed the same day will
likely be subject to an average pricing calculation (please refer to Item 12.B.3 Order
Aggregation). It is the policy of the firm to place the client's interests above those of the firm
and its employees.
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
A. Factors Used to Select Broker-Dealers for Client Transactions
A.1. Custodian Recommendations
Waterloo Capital may recommend that clients establish brokerage accounts with the Schwab
Advisor Services division of Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.. (“Schwab” or “custodian”), a FINRA-
registered broker-dealer and SIPC member, to maintain custody of clients’ assets and to effect
trades for their accounts. Although the firm may recommend that clients establish accounts at
the custodian, it is the client’s decision to custody assets with the custodian. The firm is
independently owned and operated and not affiliated with the custodian. For Waterloo Capital-
managed advisory accounts, the custodian generally does not charge separately for custody
services but is compensated by account holders through commissions and other transaction-
related or asset-based fees for securities trades that are executed through the custodian or that
settle into the custodian’s accounts.
In certain instances and subject to approval by the firm, the firm will recommend to clients
certain broker-dealers and/or custodians based on the needs of the individual client, taking into
consideration the nature of the services required, the experience of the broker-dealer or
custodian, the cost and quality of the services, and the reputation of the broker-dealer or
custodian. The final determination to engage a broker-dealer or custodian recommended by the
firm will be made by and in the sole discretion of the client. The client recognizes that broker-
dealers and/or custodians have different cost and fee structures and trade execution capabilities;
as a result, there may be disparities with respect to the cost of services and/or the transaction
prices for securities transactions executed on behalf of the client. Clients are responsible for
assessing the commissions and other costs charged by broker-dealers and/or custodians.
A.1.a. How We Select Brokers/Custodians to Recommend
The firm seeks to recommend a custodian/broker who will hold client assets and execute
transactions on terms that are overall most advantageous when compared to other available
providers and their services. We consider a wide range of factors, including, among others, the
following:
▪ combination of transaction execution services along with asset custody services
(generally without a separate fee for custody)
▪ capability to execute, clear, and settle trades (buy and sell securities for client accounts)
▪ capabilities to facilitate transfers and payments to and from accounts (wire transfers,
check requests, bill payment, etc.)
▪ breadth of investment products made available (stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange-
traded funds (ETFs), etc.)
▪ availability of investment research and tools that assist us in making investment
decisions
▪ quality of services
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
▪ competitiveness of the price of those services (commission rates, margin interest rates,
other fees, etc.) and willingness to negotiate them
▪
reputation, financial strength, and stability of the provider
▪
their prior service to us and our other clients
▪ availability of other products and services that benefit us, as discussed below
A.1.b. Soft Dollar Arrangements
The firm does not utilize soft dollar arrangements. The firm does not direct brokerage
transactions to executing brokers for research and brokerage services.
A.1.c. Institutional Trading and Custody Services
The custodian provides the firm with access to its institutional trading and custody services,
which are typically not available to the custodian’s retail investors. These services generally are
available to independent investment advisors on an unsolicited basis, at no charge to them so
long as a certain minimum amount of the advisor’s clients’ assets are maintained in accounts
at the custodian. The custodian’s brokerage services include the execution of securities
transactions, custody, research, and access to mutual funds and other investments that are
otherwise generally available only to institutional investors or would require a significantly
higher minimum initial investment.
A.1.d. Other Products and Services
The custodian also makes available to the firm other products and services that benefit
Waterloo Capital but may not directly benefit its clients’ accounts. Many of these products and
services may be used to service all or some substantial number of the firm’s accounts,
including accounts not maintained at the custodian. The custodian also makes available to the
firm its managing and administering software and other technology that
▪ provide access to client account data (such as trade confirmations and account
statements)
▪
facilitate trade execution and allocate aggregated trade orders for multiple client
accounts
▪ provide research, pricing and other market data
▪
facilitate payment of Waterloo Capital’s fees from its clients’ accounts
▪ assist with back-office functions, recordkeeping and client reporting
The custodian may also offer other services intended to help the firm manage and further
develop its business enterprise. These services may include
▪ compliance, legal and business consulting
▪ publications and conferences on practice management and business succession
▪ access to employee benefits providers, human capital consultants and insurance
providers
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
The custodian may also provide other benefits such as educational events or occasional
business entertainment of the firm’s personnel. In evaluating whether to recommend that
clients custody their assets at the custodian, the firm may take into account the availability of
some of the foregoing products and services and other arrangements as part of the total mix
of factors it considers and not solely on the nature, cost or quality of custody and brokerage
services provided by the custodian, which creates a conflict of interest.
A.1.e. Independent Third Parties
The custodian may make available, arrange and/or pay third-party vendors for the types of
services rendered to the firm. The custodian may discount or waive fees it would otherwise
charge for some of these services or all or a part of the fees of a third party providing these
services to the firm.
A.1.f. Additional Compensation Received from Custodians
The firm may participate in institutional customer programs sponsored by broker-dealers or
custodians. The firm may recommend these broker-dealers or custodians to clients for custody
and brokerage services. There is no direct link between the firm’s participation in such
programs and the investment advice it gives to its clients, although the firm receives economic
benefits through its participation in the programs that are typically not available to retail
investors. These benefits may include the following products and services (provided without
cost or at a discount):
▪ Receipt of duplicate client statements and confirmations
▪ Research-related products and tools
▪ Consulting services
▪ Access to a trading desk serving the firm’s participants
▪ Access to block trading (which provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions
for execution and then allocate the appropriate shares to client accounts)
▪ The ability to have advisory fees deducted directly from client accounts
▪ Access to an electronic communications network for client order entry and account
information
▪ Access to mutual funds with no transaction fees and to certain institutional money
managers
▪ Discounts on compliance, marketing, research, technology, and practice management
products or services provided to the firm by third-party vendors
The custodian may also pay for business consulting and professional services received by the
firm’s related persons, and may pay or reimburse expenses (including travel, lodging, meals
and entertainment expenses for the firm’s personnel to attend conferences). Some of the
products and services made available by such custodian through its institutional customer
programs may benefit the firm but may not benefit its client accounts. These products or
services may assist the firm in managing and administering client accounts, including accounts
not maintained at the custodian as applicable. Other services made available through the
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
programs are intended to help the firm manage and further develop its business enterprise.
The benefits received by the firm or its personnel through participation in these programs do
not depend on the amount of brokerage transactions directed to the broker-dealer.
The firm also participates in similar institutional advisor programs offered by other
independent broker-dealers or trust companies, and its continued participation may require
the firm to maintain a predetermined level of assets at such firms. In connection with its
participation in such programs, the firm will typically receive benefits similar to those listed
above, including research, payments for business consulting and professional services received
by the firm’s related persons, and reimbursement of expenses (including travel, lodging, meals
and entertainment expenses for the firm’s personnel to attend conferences sponsored by the
broker-dealer or trust company).
As part of its fiduciary duties to clients, the firm endeavors at all times to put the interests of
its clients first. Clients should be aware, however, that the receipt of economic benefits by the
firm or its related persons in and of itself creates a conflict of interest and indirectly influences
the firm’s recommendation of broker-dealers for custody and brokerage services.
A.1.g. The Firm’s Interest in Custodian’s Services
The availability of these services from the custodian benefits the firm because the firm does
not have to produce or purchase them. The firm does not have to pay for the custodian’s
services so long as a certain minimum of client assets is kept in accounts at the custodian.
Custodian’s services give the firm an incentive to recommend that clients maintain their
accounts with the custodian based on the firm’s interest in receiving the custodian’s services
that benefit the firm’s business rather than based on the client’s interest in receiving the best
value in custody services and the most favorable execution of client transactions. This is a
conflict of interest. The firm believes, however, that the selection of the custodian as custodian
and broker is in the best interest of clients. It is primarily supported by the scope, quality, and
price of the custodian’s services and not the custodian’s services that benefit only the firm.
A.2. Brokerage for Client Referrals
The firm does not engage in the practice of directing brokerage commissions in exchange for
the referral of advisory clients.
A.3. Directed Brokerage
A.3.a. Waterloo Capital Recommendations
The firm typically recommends Schwab as custodian for clients’ funds and securities and to
execute securities transactions on its clients’ behalf.
A.3.b. Client-Directed Brokerage
Occasionally, clients may direct the firm to use a particular broker-dealer to execute portfolio
transactions for their account or request that certain types of securities not be purchased for
their account. Clients who designate the use of a particular broker-dealer should be aware that
they will lose any possible advantage the firm derives from aggregating transactions. Such
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
client trades are typically effected after the trades of clients who have not directed the use of a
particular broker-dealer. The firm loses the ability to aggregate trades with other of the firm’s
advisory clients, potentially subjecting the client to inferior trade execution prices as well as
higher commissions.
B. Aggregating Securities Transactions for Client Accounts
B.1. Best Execution
Waterloo Capital, pursuant to the terms of its investment advisory agreement with clients, has
discretionary authority to determine which securities are to be bought and sold, and the amount
of such securities. The firm recognizes that the analysis of execution quality involves a number of
factors, both qualitative and quantitative. The firm will follow a process in an attempt to ensure
that it is seeking to obtain the most favorable execution under the prevailing circumstances
when placing client orders. These factors include but are not limited to the following:
▪ The financial strength, reputation and stability of the broker
▪ The efficiency with which the transaction is effected
▪ The ability to effect prompt and reliable executions at favorable prices (including the
applicable dealer spread or commission, if any)
▪ The availability of the broker to stand ready to effect transactions of varying degrees of
difficulty in the future
▪ The efficiency of error resolution, clearance and settlement
▪ Block trading and positioning capabilities
▪ Performance measurement
▪ Online access to computerized data regarding customer accounts
▪ Availability, comprehensiveness, and frequency of brokerage and research services
▪ Commission rates
▪ The economic benefit to the client
▪ Related matters involved in the receipt of brokerage services
Consistent with its fiduciary responsibilities, the firm seeks to ensure that clients receive best
execution with respect to clients’ transactions by blocking client trades to reduce commissions
and transaction costs. To the best of the firm’s knowledge, these custodians provide high-
quality execution, and the firm’s clients do not pay higher transaction costs in return for such
execution.
Commission rates and securities transaction fees charged to effect such transactions are
established by the client’s independent custodian and/or broker-dealer. Based upon its own
knowledge of the securities industry, the firm believes that such commission rates are
competitive within the securities industry. Lower commissions or better execution may be able
to be achieved elsewhere.
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
B.2. Security Allocation
Since Waterloo Capital may be managing accounts with similar investment objectives, the firm
may aggregate orders for securities for such accounts. In such event, allocation of the securities
so purchased or sold, as well as expenses incurred in the transaction, is made by the firm in the
manner it considers to be the most equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to
such accounts.
The firm’s allocation procedures seek to allocate investment opportunities among clients in the
fairest possible way, taking into account the clients’ best interests. The firm will follow
procedures to ensure that allocations do not involve a practice of favoring or discriminating
against any client or group of clients. Account performance is never a factor in trade allocations.
The firm’s advice to certain clients and entities and the action of the firm for those and other
clients are frequently premised not only on the merits of a particular investment, but also on the
suitability of that investment for the particular client in light of his or her applicable investment
objective, guidelines and circumstances. Thus, any action of the firm with respect to a particular
investment may, for a particular client, differ or be opposed to the recommendation, advice, or
actions of the firm to or on behalf of other clients.
B.3. Order Aggregation
Orders for the same security entered on behalf of more than one client will generally be
aggregated (i.e., blocked or bunched) subject to the aggregation being in the best interests of
all participating clients. Subsequent orders for the same security entered during the same
trading day may be aggregated with any previously unfilled orders. Subsequent orders may also
be aggregated with filled orders if the market price for the security has not materially changed
and the aggregation does not cause any unintended duration exposure. All clients participating
in each aggregated order will receive the average price and, subject to minimum ticket charges
and possible step outs, pay a pro rata portion of commissions.
To minimize performance dispersion, “strategy” trades should be aggregated and average
priced. However, when a trade is to be executed for an individual account and the trade is not in
the best interests of other accounts, then the trade will only be performed for that account. This
is true even if the firm believes that a larger size block trade would lead to best overall price for
the security being transacted.
B.4. Allocation of Trades
All allocations will be made prior to the close of business on the trade date. In the event an
order is “partially filled,” the allocation will be made in the best interests of all the clients in the
order, taking into account all relevant factors including, but not limited to, the size of each
client’s allocation, clients’ liquidity needs and previous allocations. In most cases, accounts will
get a pro forma allocation based on the initial allocation. This policy also applies if an order is
“over-filled.”
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 12: Brokerage Practices
The firm acts in accordance with its duty to seek best price and execution and will not continue
any arrangements if the firm determines that such arrangements are no longer in the best
interest of its clients.
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 13: Review of Accounts
Item 13: Review of Accounts
A. Schedule for Periodic Review of Client Accounts or Financial Plans and
Advisory Persons Involved
All client accounts are monitored on an ongoing basis, with a formal review conducted at least
annually or as agreed upon with individual clients. The reviews focus on the consistency of
portfolio investments with each client’s stated objectives and risk tolerances. Reviews also
consider investment restrictions requested by individual clients, investment time horizons,
liquidity needs, tax considerations, and other circumstances unique to each client.
On a quarterly basis, the performance of each client account is reviewed to monitor consistency
with market benchmarks that we deem applicable. Account reviews may also be triggered by
other factors such as changes in general economic and market conditions, analyst reports, issuer
news, and interest rate movement.
Cash levels are reviewed at least quarterly. After consideration of the above factors, allocation
and investment determinations are made. Thereafter, accounts are reviewed on a transaction,
monthly, quarterly, or annual basis as needed. At least annually, accounts are rebalanced to their
strategic and tactical allocations. Account reviews may be triggered by potential change
(beyond client's needs) including analyst reports, company news, fund management change,
and interest rate movement.
Waterloo Capital’s CEO is responsible for all reviews.
B. Review of Client Accounts on Non-Periodic Basis
The firm may perform ad hoc reviews on an as-needed basis if there have been material
changes in the client’s investment objectives or risk tolerance, or a material change in how the
firm formulates investment advice.
C. Content of Client-Provided Reports and Frequency
Clients will receive statements from their custodian/broker-dealer at least quarterly. These
statements identify the current investment holdings, the cost of each of those investments, and
their current market values. The custodian’s statement is the official record of the client’s
securities account and supersedes any statements or reports created on behalf of the client by
Waterloo Capital. Clients will also receive performance analysis reports prepared by Waterloo
Capital which describe the returns realized on the investments in their accounts.
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Item 14: Client Referrals and Other Compensation
A. Economic Benefits Provided to the Advisory Firm from External Sources
and Conflicts of Interest
A.1. Schwab Advisor Services Advisory Board Membership
John Chatmas, CEO of Waterloo Capital, serves on the Schwab Advisor Services Advisory Board
(the “Advisory Board”). As described under Item 12 of this Brochure, Waterloo Capital may
recommend that clients establish brokerage accounts with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc.
(“Schwab”) and/or its affiliates to maintain custody of the clients’ assets and effect trades for
their accounts. The Advisory Board consists of representatives of independent investment
advisory firms who have been invited by Schwab management to participate in meetings and
discussions of Schwab Advisor Services’ services for independent investment advisory firms and
their clients. Advisory Board members enter into nondisclosure agreements with Schwab under
which they agree not to disclose confidential information shared with them. This information
generally does not include material nonpublic information about the Charles Schwab
Corporation, whose common stock is listed for trading on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol
SCHW). The Advisory Board meets in person or virtually approximately twice per year and has
periodic conference calls scheduled as needed. Advisory Board members are not compensated
by Schwab for their service, but Schwab does pay for or reimburse Advisory Board members’
travel, lodging, meals, and other incidental expenses incurred in attending Advisory Board
meetings.
B. Advisory Firm Payments for Client Referrals
The firm may enter into agreements with Solicitors who will refer prospective advisory clients to
the firm in return for a portion of the ongoing investment advisory fee our firm collects.
Generally, when the firm engages a Solicitor, such Solicitor is compensated through receipt of a
portion of the advisory fees we collect from our advisory clients. The receipt of such fees creates
a conflict of interest in that the Solicitor is economically incented to recommend our services
because of the existence of a fee sharing arrangement with our firm. Please be advised that the
firm’s payment of a referral fee to the Solicitor does not increase the client’s advisory fee paid to
the firm.
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Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 15: Custody
Item 15: Custody
Waterloo Capital is considered to have custody of client assets for purposes of the Advisers Act
for the following reasons:
▪ The client authorizes us to instruct their custodian to deduct our advisory fees directly
from the client’s account. The custodian maintains actual custody of clients’ assets.
▪ On certain accounts, our authority to direct client requests, utilizing standing
instructions, for wire transfer of funds for first-party money movement and third-party
money movement (checks and/or journals, ACH, Fed-wires). The firm has elected to meet
the SEC’s seven conditions to avoid the surprise custody exam, as outlined below:
1. The client provides an instruction to the qualified custodian, in writing, that includes
the client’s signature, the third party’s name, and either the third party’s address or
the third party’s account number at a custodian to which the transfer should be
directed.
2. The client authorizes the investment adviser, in writing, either on the qualified
custodian’s form or separately, to direct transfers to the third party either on a
specified schedule or from time to time.
3. The client’s qualified custodian performs appropriate verification of the instruction,
such as a signature review or other method to verify the client’s authorization, and
provides a transfer of funds notice to the client promptly after each transfer.
4. The client has the ability to terminate or change the instruction to the client’s
qualified custodian.
5. The investment adviser has no authority or ability to designate or change the identity
of the third party, the address, or any other information about the third party
contained in the client’s instruction.
6. The investment adviser maintains records showing that the third party is not a
related party of the investment adviser or located at the same address as the
investment adviser.
7. The client’s qualified custodian sends the client, in writing, an initial notice confirming
the instruction and an annual notice reconfirming the instruction.
Individual advisory clients will receive at least quarterly account statements directly from their
custodian containing a description of all activity, cash balances, and portfolio holdings in their
accounts. Clients are urged to compare the account balance(s) shown on their account
statements to the quarter-end balance(s) on their custodian's monthly statement. The
custodian’s statement is the official record of the account.
Page 46
Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 16: Investment Discretion
Item 16: Investment Discretion
Clients may grant a limited power of attorney to Waterloo Capital with respect to trading activity
in their accounts by signing the appropriate custodian limited power of attorney form. In those
cases, the firm will exercise full discretion as to the nature and type of securities to be purchased
and sold and the amount of securities for such transactions. Investment limitations may be
designated by the client as outlined in the investment advisory agreement. In addition, subject
to the terms of its investment advisory agreement, Waterloo Capital may be granted
discretionary authority for the retention of independent third-party investment management
firms. Investment limitations may be designated by the client as outlined in the investment
advisory agreement. Please see the applicable third-party manager’s disclosure brochure for
detailed information relating to discretionary authority.
Page 47
Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Item 17: Voting Client Securities
Waterloo Capital does not take discretion with respect to voting proxies on behalf of its clients.
The firm will endeavor to make recommendations to clients on voting proxies regarding
shareholder vote, consent, election or similar actions solicited by, or with respect to, issuers of
securities beneficially held as part of the firm’s supervised and/or managed assets. In no event
will the firm take discretion with respect to voting proxies on behalf of its clients.
Except as required by applicable law, the firm will not be obligated to render advice or take any
action on behalf of clients with respect to assets presently or formerly held in their accounts that
become the subject of any legal proceedings, including bankruptcies.
From time to time, securities held in the accounts of clients will be the subject of class action
lawsuits. The firm has no obligation to determine if securities held by the client are subject to a
pending or resolved class action lawsuit. The firm also has no duty to evaluate a client’s
eligibility or to submit a claim to participate in the proceeds of a securities class action
settlement or verdict. Furthermore, the firm has no obligation or responsibility to initiate
litigation to recover damages on behalf of clients who may have been injured as a result of
actions, misconduct, or negligence by corporate management of issuers whose securities are
held by clients.
Where the firm receives written or electronic notice of a class action lawsuit, settlement, or
verdict affecting securities owned by a client, it will forward all notices, proof of claim forms, and
other materials to the client. Electronic mail is acceptable where appropriate and where the
client has authorized contact in this manner.
Page 48
Part 2A of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure
Item 18: Financial Information
Item 18: Financial Information
A. Balance Sheet
Waterloo Capital does not require the prepayment of fees of $1,200 or more, six months or
more in advance, and as such is not required to file a balance sheet.
B. Financial Conditions Reasonably Likely to Impair Advisory Firm’s Ability
to Meet Commitments to Clients
The firm does not have any financial issues that would impair its ability to provide services to
clients.
C. Bankruptcy Petitions During the Past Ten Years
There is nothing to report on this item.
Page 49
Part 2B of Form ADV: Waterloo Capital Brochure Supplement