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281 Brooks Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.380.0200 (p); 949.380.0819 (f)
www.wcminvest.com
This brochure provides information about the qualification and business practices of WCM Investment
Management, LLC. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact us at
(949) 380-0200, or by email at group_compliance@wcminvest.com.
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.
WCM Investment Management, LLC is a registered investment adviser with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (“SEC”). SEC registration does not imply any certain level of skill or training. Additional
information about WCM Investment Management, LLC is available on the SEC’s website at
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
March 14, 2025
Item 2 – Summary of Material Changes
WCM believes that there have not been material changes to its business or the way in which WCM
conducts and supervises its business. WCM routinely makes changes throughout its Brochure to improve
and clarify the descriptions of its business practices and compliance policies and procedures or in
response to evolving industry and firm practices. WCM believes that these changes are not material
changes and does not describe them in this Item 2. Upon request, WCM will provide you with
comparison of this Brochure against the one previously filed indicating these changes.
Full Brochure Availability
A copy of the full Brochure can be obtained from our website www.wcminvest.com, or additionally may
be requested free of charge by contacting us at (949) 380-0200 or learnmore@wcminvest.com.
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Item 3 - Table of Contents
Summary of Material Changes ................................................................................................................. 1
Full Brochure Availability ....................................................................................................................... 1
Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................................... 2
Advisory Business ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Firm Description ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Principal Owners .................................................................................................................................... 5
Types of Advisory Services .................................................................................................................. 5
Tailored Relationships ........................................................................................................................... 5
Wrap Fee Programs ............................................................................................................................... 6
UMA Programs ....................................................................................................................................... 7
ERISA & Retirement Accounts ............................................................................................................. 7
Back Office Support ............................................................................................................................... 8
Tax Loss Harvesting .............................................................................................................................. 8
Client Assets ........................................................................................................................................... 8
Fees and Compensation ........................................................................................................................... 8
Separately Managed Account Fees .................................................................................................... 8
WCM Private Fund Fees ..................................................................................................................... 10
WCM Mutual Fund Fees ..................................................................................................................... 10
Other Fund Fees .................................................................................................................................. 11
Compensation for the Sales of Investment Products ..................................................................... 11
Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management............................................................... 11
Performance-Based Fees ................................................................................................................... 11
Side-By-Side Management ................................................................................................................. 11
Types of Clients ........................................................................................................................................ 12
Description ............................................................................................................................................. 12
Account Minimums ............................................................................................................................... 12
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss ......................................................... 12
Types of Investments ........................................................................................................................... 12
Methods of Analysis & Investment Philosophy ................................................................................ 13
Investment Philosophy ........................................................................................................................ 13
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Investment Strategies .......................................................................................................................... 14
Risk of Loss ........................................................................................................................................... 19
Disciplinary Information ........................................................................................................................... 25
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations .............................................................................. 25
Industry Activities ................................................................................................................................. 25
Industry Affiliations ............................................................................................................................... 25
Material Industry Business Relationships ......................................................................................... 27
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ................. 28
Code of Ethics ....................................................................................................................................... 28
Recommend Securities with Material Financial Interest ................................................................ 30
Invest in Same Securities Recommended to Clients ...................................................................... 30
Insider Trading Policy .......................................................................................................................... 31
Brokerage Practices ................................................................................................................................. 31
Selecting Brokerage Firms .................................................................................................................. 31
Commission Rates or Equivalent Policy ........................................................................................... 32
Research and Soft Dollars .................................................................................................................. 32
Brokerage Reviews .............................................................................................................................. 33
Order Aggregation ................................................................................................................................ 33
Trade Rotation ...................................................................................................................................... 34
Trade Allocation .................................................................................................................................... 35
ADR-Only Accounts ............................................................................................................................. 35
IPOs, Limited Offerings and Restricted Securities .......................................................................... 36
Directed Brokerage and Consultant Accounts ................................................................................. 36
Commission Recapture ....................................................................................................................... 38
Wrap Fee Programs ............................................................................................................................. 38
UMA Programs ..................................................................................................................................... 39
Trade Errors .......................................................................................................................................... 39
Review of Accounts ................................................................................................................................. 40
Periodic Reviews .................................................................................................................................. 40
Review Triggers .................................................................................................................................... 40
Regular Reports ................................................................................................................................... 41
Client Referrals and Other Compensation ........................................................................................... 41
Client Referrals ..................................................................................................................................... 41
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Placement Arrangements .................................................................................................................... 42
Former Employees ............................................................................................................................... 42
Charitable Contributions ...................................................................................................................... 42
Custody ...................................................................................................................................................... 42
Account Statements ............................................................................................................................. 42
Investment Discretion .............................................................................................................................. 43
Discretionary Authority for Trading .................................................................................................... 43
Limited Power of Attorney ................................................................................................................... 43
Voting Client Securities ........................................................................................................................... 44
Proxy Voting .......................................................................................................................................... 44
Financial Information ............................................................................................................................... 45
Additional Disclosures ............................................................................................................................. 45
Investor Privacy Notice ........................................................................................................................ 45
Summary of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan .................................................... 49
Notice to Canadian Clients ................................................................................................................. 50
Notice to Australian Clients ................................................................................................................. 51
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Item 4 - Advisory Business
Firm Description
Established in 1976, WCM Investment Management, LLC (“WCM” or “Firm”) is an independent
investment advisory firm, registered with the SEC that specializes in providing innovative, equity
investment advisory services.
Principal Owners
The principal owners of the Firm are Kurt Winrich and Paul Black, both of whom joined the organization
in the mid-to-late 1980s. Other key owners include Sloane Payne, Michael Trigg, and Sanjay Ayer.
Together they control approximately 75% of the company. These individuals are all employees or former
employees, providing them with a stake in the Firm’s success. The Firm’s ownership is held through a
holding company, Thalia Street Partners LLC.
Types of Advisory Services
In accordance with the methods described in the Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of
Loss section of this brochure, WCM is an investment adviser that provides discretionary investment
advisory services to Separately Managed Accounts (“SMAs”), Mutual Funds, Private Funds, Exchange
Traded Funds (“ETFs”), Collective Investment Trusts (“CITs”), and Unit Investment Trusts (“UITs”), as
described in the Types of Clients section of this brochure.
The Firm serves as investment adviser to the “WCM Mutual Funds,” “WCM Private Funds,” and “WCM
CITs”. WCM is a Portfolio Manager to a Canadian fund and some Australian funds. WCM is sub-adviser
to UCITS funds and the General Partner of the “WCM Private Funds”. This is all described in the Industry
Affiliation section of this brochure.
WCM also participates as a sub-adviser in various wrap fee programs, as described in the Advisory
Business: Wrap Fee Programs section below and provides investment models to other advisers, as
described in the Brokerage Practices: UMA Programs section below.
Tailored Relationships
For SMAs, WCM tailors its standard services to Clients’ investment objectives. Clients may impose
reasonable restrictions on investing in certain securities or types of securities. Such restrictions must be
submitted to WCM in writing. Client-imposed restrictions may affect WCM’s ability to implement our
stated investment strategy, including how trades are executed (as described in the Brokerage Practices
section of this brochure). As a result, investment performance may differ from other accounts managed
in accordance with the unrestricted strategy.
The Private Funds, Mutual Funds, ETFs, UITs, Canadian Fund, Australian Funds, CITs and UCITS are
managed only in accordance with each fund’s objectives and are not tailored to any particular fund
investor (each a “Fund Investor”). Since WCM does not provide individualized advice to Fund Investors,
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they should consider whether a particular fund meets their investment objectives and risk tolerance
prior to investing. Information about each fund can be found in each fund’s respective Private
Placement Memorandum (“PPM”), Prospectus, or Offering Memorandum (“OM”). This disclosure
brochure is designed solely to provide information about WCM and should not be considered an offer of
interest in the WCM Funds.
Wrap Fee Programs
WCM provides investment advisory services with respect to accounts in wrap fee programs sponsored
by various broker-dealers, investment advisers, consultants or other organizations (“Sponsors”). In these
programs, Clients of the Sponsor generally receive a package of services, which includes any or all of the
following: discretionary investment management, trade execution, account custody, performance
monitoring, and manager evaluation. Sponsors typically: (1) assist Clients in defining their investment
objectives based on information provided by the Clients; (2) determine whether the given wrap fee
arrangement is suitable for each Client; (3) aid in the selection and monitoring of investment advisers
(whether WCM or another adviser) to manage accounts (or a portion of account assets); and (4)
periodically contact Clients to ascertain whether there have been any changes in Clients’ financial
circumstances or objectives that warrant changes in the arrangement or the manner in which Clients’
assets are managed. Client information is generally channeled to WCM through the program Sponsor,
and WCM relies on the Sponsor to forward current and accurate Client information on a timely basis to
assist in the day-to-day management of wrap accounts. Under certain programs, a Client may contact
WCM directly concerning their account. WCM offers its discretionary investment advisory services under
a number of these programs, which are described in more detail below.
Wrap fee programs come in many different forms. In some programs, the Client has a contract with only
the Sponsor, and the discretionary manager enters into a sub-advisory contract with the Sponsor to
provide discretionary investment advisory services to the Sponsor’s Clients. In these programs, WCM is
paid by the Sponsor and receives a portion of the wrap fee collected by the Sponsor. In other programs,
the Client has a contract with both the Sponsor and with the discretionary adviser. In these programs,
WCM generally uses its standard investment advisory agreement, and Clients usually pay the standard
WCM investment advisory fee schedule, although fees and account minimums may be negotiable under
certain circumstances. In broker-dealer sponsored wrap programs, the Client’s contract with the
Sponsor is charged either as an asset-based fee or a transaction-based fee (i.e., commission). Currently
WCM participates in only asset-based wrap fee programs. Typically, account minimums for these
programs range between $100,000 and $250,000, and the wrap fee charged by the Sponsor ranges
between 1.25% and 3.00%.
Wrap fee arrangements are not suitable for all Clients. When evaluating wrap fee arrangements, a Client
should consider a number of factors including, but not limited to: the applicable wrap fee; account size;
anticipated account trading activity; the Client’s financial needs; circumstances and objectives; and the
value of the various services provided. In some instances, these services may be obtained at a lower
aggregate cost if purchased separately.
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As a provider of investment advice under a wrap program, WCM is generally not responsible for
determining whether a particular wrap program, WCM’s investment style or a specific strategy is
suitable, appropriate, or advisable for any particular wrap program Client. Rather, such determinations
are generally the responsibility of the Sponsor and the Client (or the Client’s financial advisor and the
Client). WCM is responsible only for managing the account in accordance with the selected investment
strategy and any “reasonable restrictions” imposed by the Client.
Although WCM is typically responsible for directing trades to brokers or dealers that it believes can
provide best execution, trades for asset-based wrap fee accounts are generally executed by the Sponsor
so that the Client is not charged commissions on the trades, as would be the case if WCM were to direct
trades to other broker-dealers for execution. Even in the event that another broker-dealer quotes a
more favorable price than that quoted by the Sponsor in a given trade, the aforementioned lower price,
along with the added commission may, on balance, be less favorable to the Client than the Sponsor’s
higher quoted price. Broker-dealer Sponsors providing execution services under a wrap fee are
responsible for providing best price and execution for Client trades.
Also, for asset-based wrap fees which cover trades executed by a broker-dealer Sponsor, Clients are
charged both commissions on trades executed by other broker-dealers, as well as “mark-ups” and
“mark-downs” on trades affected by the Sponsor or another dealer as principal, as well as: odd-lot
differentials; transfer taxes; handling charges; exchange fees; offering concessions and related fees for
purchases of unit investment trusts; mutual funds and other public offerings of securities; and other
charges imposed by law with regard to transactions in Client accounts. Because Sponsors do not receive
commissions from trades affected on an agency basis, Sponsors have an incentive to affect trades as
principal in order to obtain “mark-ups” and “mark-downs.” Asset-based fees may be considered by the
Internal Revenue Service as an investment expense, rather than a transaction charge, which may result
in less favorable tax treatment for certain investors. (Clients should consult with their professional tax
advisers concerning the effect of this tax treatment on their individual circumstances.) See the
Brokerage Practices: Wrap Fee Programs section of this brochure for additional information.
UMA Programs
WCM provides model portfolio recommendations for UMA (“Unified Managed Account”) Programs
offered by broker-dealers, advisers, and other sponsors (“Sponsors”). WCM delivers the model portfolio
recommendations to Sponsors on a rotational basis for trading by the Sponsor. See the Brokerage
Practices: UMA Programs section for more details.
ERISA & Retirement Accounts
Under a written advisory agreement, WCM provides discretionary investment management services to
plan sponsors of ERISA plans and is deemed a Section 3(21) fiduciary as defined under the Employee
Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”). Discretionary investment management services
provided as an ERISA 3(21) investment manager means WCM makes the investment decisions in its sole
discretion, subject to the investment objectives and guidelines designed by the Plan trustees. WCM does
not provide rollover recommendations to ERISA and other retirement accounts.
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Back Office Support
In connection with certain directed trading accounts, WCM has engaged SEI Global Services, Inc. (“SEI”),
to provide certain back-office support services on our behalf. SEI’s services include, but are not limited
to, trading, settlements, reconciliation, and account maintenance. WCM continues to monitor accounts
serviced by SEI, and supervise all functions performed on behalf of our firm and our clients.
Tax Loss Harvesting
WCM does not provide tax advice and is not responsible for any tax-related decisions or outcomes. Any
actions related to tax loss harvesting or other tax-related trades are executed solely at the request of
the client. Clients are encouraged to consult with a qualified tax professional to understand the
potential tax implications of any trades. WCM assumes no liability for tax outcomes resulting from these
transactions.
To initiate a tax loss harvesting request, a Client’s authorized representative must provide clear
instructions regarding the specific positions to harvest or an overall loss threshold (expressed as a dollar
amount or percentage). Clients must also indicate whether proceeds from the harvested securities
should be retained in cash or reinvested in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) during the wash sale period. If
no specific ETF ticker is provided, WCM will select an ETF that aligns with the account’s general strategy
composition, considering factors such as liquidity and reliable pricing. For example, the default ETF for
the Focused Growth International strategy is EFA, and for the Quality Global Growth strategy, ACWI.
WCM processes tax loss harvesting requests and subsequent rebalancing on a timely and best-efforts
basis. After the wash sale period, accounts are rebalanced to the model strategy as soon as practicable.
Clients should note that all tax loss harvesting requests must be received by December 15th of the
applicable tax year to ensure timely processing.
Client Assets
As of December 31, 2024, WCM managed approximately $74,688 million assets on a discretionary basis.
WCM also provides model portfolio recommendations for approximately $15,300 million in UMA
Programs.
Item 5 - Fees and Compensation
WCM charges advisory fees based on the value of Client assets managed. Unless otherwise specified,
valuation of securities follows WCM’s Valuation Policy.
Separately Managed Account Fees
The investment management agreement (“IMA”) specifies how WCM charges advisory fees for SMAs.
Generally, fees are payable quarterly in advance and are calculated based on the value of an account’s
assets on the last business day of each calendar quarter.
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If an account commences or terminates on a date other than the first or last business day of a billing
period, the fee is prorated based upon the portion of the billing period in which WCM provided services.
All unearned, pre-paid fees will be refunded upon account termination. At WCM’s discretion, assets of
related accounts, such as family or business relationship, may be aggregated for purposes of calculating
the applicable advisory fee. Separately Managed Account agreements may be terminated at any time by
either party, for any reason upon written notice.
When fees are paid in advance and a significant Client deposit or withdrawal occurs, fees are normally
adjusted, as specified in the IMA. A significant deposit or withdrawal is typically defined as a capital flow
more than 25% of the account value. An adjustment is calculated based on the amount of the deposit or
withdrawal applied to the fee schedule and prorated for the portion of the calendar quarter in which
WCM provided services. Such adjustments are generally applied in the subsequent billing period.
For most accounts, WCM’s standard fee schedule is 1% of assets under management for SMAs, and the
minimum account size is $10 million. However, fees may vary depending on the investment strategy,
account size, account type, and the complexity of management.
Management fees and minimums are negotiable. To the extent they are, some Clients will pay more or
less than other Clients for the same management services, depending, for example, on account
inception date, number of related investment accounts or total assets under management, investment
guidelines and restrictions, or compliance complexity. WCM will also, in its sole discretion, charge lower
management fees or waive account minimums based on certain criteria (e.g., historical relationship,
related accounts, account composition, anticipated future earning capacity, anticipated future
additional assets, accounts referred to adviser by another professional, etc.). We charge lower fees for
accounts managed through wrap-fee programs, or pursuant to other consulting or referral
arrangements in which broker-dealers, investment advisers, trust companies and other providers of
financial services that provide Clients with services that complement or supplement our services. Fees
for such accounts vary depending on the nature of the arrangement and other circumstances.
Additionally, fee reductions or waivers are available to WCM personnel and their family members.
Clients may either choose to pay management fees themselves or, after written authorization, have
them automatically deducted each quarter from Client accounts by billing their custodians. In either
case, Clients receive an invoice detailing the management fee calculation.
Typically, Clients are charged fees in addition to the advisory fee paid WCM, which can include
brokerage commissions, SEC fees and other custodian fees. Please refer to the section entitled
Brokerage Practices for more information.
Clients in certain international and global strategies will incur fees and costs associated with the
purchase of non-U.S. securities in ordinary form and conversion of such ordinary shares into ADRs. To
the extent that WCM purchases non-U.S. ordinary shares and arranges for such shares to be converted
into ADRs, client accounts will incur certain fees and costs associated with the conversion. Such fees and
costs may be attributable to local broker fees, stamp fees, and local taxes, and are generally included in
the net price of the ADR.
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To the extent that Client assets are invested in shares of non-WCM-related investment companies (e.g.,
mutual funds, ETFs), these assets are included in calculating the value of an account for purposes of
computing WCM’s fees. They are also subject to additional advisory and other fees and expenses as set
forth in the prospectuses or offering memoranda of those investment companies, which are paid by the
investment companies, but ultimately borne by investors. For Client assets invested in the WCM Mutual
Funds for reasons other than tax-loss selling, and for which WCM serves as the adviser or sub-adviser,
these assets are excluded in calculating the value of an account for purposes of computing WCM’s fees.
WCM Private Fund Fees
Fees for WCM Private Funds are described in each private fund’s respective Private Placement
Memorandum (“PPM”). Investors are generally charged an advisory fee, paid quarterly, based upon the
net asset value of the investor’s capital account on the first day of each calendar quarter. Some of the
WCM Private Funds are entitled to an additional fee based on any net profit and allocation as described
in the respective private fund’s PPM. The private funds also pay brokerage commissions, as well as other
transaction and fund-related expenses.
As General Partner to the WCM Private Funds, WCM will not pay an advisory fee on its capital account,
and advisory fees may be altered, reduced, or waived with respect to investors who are related parties
or persons of the General Partner, or those deemed to involve a significant or strategic relationship.
Thus, different investors will pay different advisory fees. As General Partner, WCM accesses the assets of
the WCM Private Funds for payment of Fund expenses as described in the Fund’s PPM. WCM complies
with the requirements of the Custody Rule with regard to the WCM Private Funds.
Specific procedures and restrictions apply to redemptions, as described in each private fund’s respective
PPM. The General Partner, in its sole discretion, may impose minimum redemption amounts and require
the maintenance of a minimum capital account size in the event of a partial redemption. The General
Partner may also, in its sole discretion, require an investor to redeem all or part of its interest in a
private fund to ensure that the private fund remains in compliance with applicable law, or for any
reason supported by the applicable limited partnership agreement.
WCM Mutual Fund Fees
Information on the fees and expenses paid directly from each WCM Mutual Fund and the funds’ service
providers are described in each funds’ Prospectus. Such fees include management fees (paid to WCM)
and other expenses (paid to fund service providers). The WCM Mutual Funds are no-load funds and
have multiple class structures. The class structures represent the same underlying investments. Only the
Investor Share Class pays a 12b-1 fee, which is primarily used to pay for distribution expenses on non-
transaction fee platforms. A portion of the 12b-1 fees could be paid to WCM by the Funds’ distributor
for reimbursement of marketing and distribution services. WCM mitigates this conflict of interest by not
recommending one class share over another. Rather, the class share is chosen by the client based on
eligibility. See Account Minimum section below.
Additionally, each fund pays brokerage commissions, as well as other transaction or fund-related
expenses out of each respective fund.
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The higher expenses associated with the Investor Share Class will reduce an investor’s return over time.
As discussed above, the value of the WCM Mutual Funds is excluded from the value of the assets for the
calculation of the management fees when a client account holds WCM Mutual Funds for reasons other
than tax-loss selling.
Other Fund Fees
Fees for the Canadian Fund, Australian Funds, ETFs, UITs, CITs and UCITS are described in each fund’s
respective disclosure documents.
Compensation for the Sales of Investment Products
Some of WCM’s Supervised Persons are licensed as Registered Representatives with IMST Distributors,
LLC, an independent broker-dealer. In such capacity, these individuals will discuss and offer WCM Funds
to Clients and investment consultants. This does not present a conflict of interest as these individuals do
not have an incentive to recommend one investment vehicle over another based on the compensation
received, because the fee sharing arrangements are the same for all vehicles. In addition, IARs are not
incentivized to recommend one Share Class over another as no portion of the 12b-1 fee is passed on to
these individuals. Clients have the option to purchase investment products that are recommended
through other brokers or agents that are not affiliated with us.
Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees and
Side-By-Side Management
Performance-Based Fees
Performance-based fees are based on a percentage of the capital appreciation of the assets in a fund or
account. In limited circumstances, WCM accepts client requests to charge a performance-based fee.
Because WCM manages accounts that are charged an asset-based fee and accounts that are charged a
performance-based fee, there is an incentive for WCM to favor accounts for which we receive a
performance-based fee and/or to make investments that are riskier or more speculative than would be
the case in the absence of such a compensation framework. Please refer to the Brokerage Practices
section for additional information on how WCM mitigates such presented conflicts by aggregating
orders.
Side-By-Side Management
Management of multiple portfolios gives rise to conflicts of interest. The conflicts of interest that arise in
managing multiple accounts include, for example, conflicts among investment strategies or conflicts in
the allocation of investment opportunities. WCM mitigates these conflicts of interest through our Order
Aggregation and Trade Rotation policies and procedures, designed so that all client accounts are treated
fairly and equitably and that no one client account receives, over time, preferential treatment over
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another, as described in the Brokerage Practices section below. In addition, WCM uses a model portfolio
as the basis of portfolio construction for separate accounts in the same strategy so those accounts are
treated the same, subject to each client’s investment mandate. WCM also performs a periodic review of
each investment strategy’s model portfolio versus each client account. In this review, every position size
for each client account is compared to our model weights. In addition, portfolios are monitored by our
compliance department for consistency with client objectives and restrictions.
Item 7 - Types of Clients
Description
WCM generally provides discretionary investment advisory services to institutional clients, such as
pension and profit-sharing plans, business entities, charitable organizations, foundations, endowments,
trusts, public funds, ERISA and other retirement accounts; individuals (collectively, “Separately Managed
Accounts” or "SMAs"); mutual funds (“Mutual Funds”), privately placed pooled investment vehicles
organized as limited partnerships (“Private Funds”); CITs, Exchange Traded Funds (“ETFs”), Unit
Investment Trusts (“UITs”), Canadian Fund, Australian Funds and UCITS; (collectively, “Clients”.)
Account Minimums
WCM’s minimum account size for a SMAs is $10 million as noted under Separately Managed Account
Fees section. Minimums are sometimes waived depending on the circumstances. It is not required that a
minimum be maintained as a condition of continued management. Initial minimum investment
requirements for the WCM Private Funds are $5 million, and $10 million for the WCM Focused
International Growth Private Fund. Initial minimum investment requirements for the WCM Mutual
Funds are $100 thousand for the Institutional Share Class and $1 thousand for the Investor Share Class.
Additional details regarding the minimum investment requirements are set forth in each fund’s
respective Private Placement Memorandum, Prospectus or Offering Memorandum. This disclosure
brochure is designed solely to provide information about WCM and is not an offer of interest in the
WCM Funds.
Item 8 - Methods of Analysis,
Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Types of Investments
At the highest level, our investment philosophy rests on four timeless principles in support of our overall
goal of providing significant, long-term excess return (“alpha”) over appropriate benchmarks:
1. Differentiation: we believe that to outperform a benchmark, a portfolio has to be meaningfully
different than the benchmark;
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2. Simplicity: regardless of approach, we think that unnecessary complication ultimately detracts
from returns;
3. Culture: we believe that successful investing includes an element of gifted ability, so we strive to
foster a firm culture that attracts and keeps gifted investors, including a commitment to keep
the Firm simple, and thus relatively small; and
4. Temperament: we think that temperament—which includes discipline, patience, the ability to
look through the short term to the long term—is a necessary ingredient in the recipe for long-
term excess return.
Our firm’s overall vision embraces multiple strategies, each run by gifted, passionate investors within an
atmosphere of inquiry and intellectual rigor. We believe this ensures that investment results are not
constrained by the arbitrary orthodoxy that defines traditional methodologies.
Methods of Analysis & Investment Philosophy
WCM employs a bottom-up, fundamental method of analysis that emphasizes long-horizon growth
prospects, competitive advantages, and company cultures conducive to attracting great people.
Valuation also plays an important factor in our analysis method, predominantly impacting the timing of
decisions and portfolio position sizing. While this approach is a common framework across WCM
strategies, the degree to which each strategy adheres to these characteristics may vary
WCM uses artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including machine learning models, natural language
processing systems, and other data-driven technologies, to supplement our investment analysis and
operational processes. These tools are not used to make investment decisions but are employed to
enhance our understanding of market trends, support data analysis, and improve efficiency in research
and administrative tasks. While AI can provide valuable insights, it relies on historical data and
algorithms that may have inherent limitations, including biases or the inability to account for unforeseen
market conditions. Final investment decisions are always made by our investment professionals, based
on their expertise and judgment, in alignment with the firm’s investment strategies and client
objectives.
Investment Philosophy
The philosophical underpinnings for our strategies are comprised of several key elements:
1. Structural Differentiation: It should be clear that to outperform the benchmark, the
portfolio has to be meaningfully different from the benchmark. Unconstrained from the benchmark, we
are free to seek those companies we believe will benefit from their competitive positioning and/or
favorable long-term trends developing throughout the world. This provides us with a significant
structural advantage as we strive towards the goal of providing significant, long-term excess return
(“alpha”).
2. Company Culture: We believe that successful investing includes an element of gifted ability,
so we strive to foster a firm culture that attracts and keeps gifted investors, including a commitment to
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keep the firm simple, and thus relatively small. In a similar way, we view corporate culture as important
to the long-term success of any enterprise. So, when selecting companies, we work on understanding
the “DNA” of the enterprise. As but one example, we view as extremely important the strength and
quality of management. We think a primary goal of any company should be to attract and retain quality
people. In our view, the culture is what foundationally enables the success or failure of a business, and
what separates the great businesses from the mere good ones.
Focused Portfolio: Since our objective is to significantly outperform the indices over an
3.
extended period of time, we employ a focused approach to investing. We believe exceptional returns
can only be achieved by structuring a portfolio distinct from the indices, so we concentrate on our best
ideas. Said positively, we would rather own a lot of a good company than a little bit of an average one.
Said negatively, we refuse to dilute the portfolio with inferior ideas.
Temperament: The longer we are in this investment business, the more convinced we
4.
become that temperament is what sets the great investors apart from the pack. Temperament is that
attitude or approach to investing that includes discipline, patience, the ability to look through the short
term to the long term, the ability to “buy when others are despondently selling and sell when others are
greedily buying,” as Templeton used to say, and the ability to stay rational when all your emotions are
screaming at you to be otherwise. We think temperament is an oft overlooked yet important “edge” an
investor can have.
Investment Strategies
Our strategies utilize different capitalization ranges (e.g., large-cap, small-cap, all-cap,) different
geographical scopes (e.g., international, global, emerging markets, U.S. domestic) and different security
types (e.g., foreign ordinary shares, American Depository Receipts “ADR”.)
Global Growth Equity Strategies:
Focused Growth International
Seeks non-U.S., quality growth businesses with strengthening competitive advantages (“economic
moats”), supported by moat-aligned corporate cultures and durable global tailwinds. These
companies tend to have high or rising returns on invested capital, superior growth prospects, and
low (or no) debt.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts, Private Fund, Mutual Fund, CIT, Wrap Programs, UMA
Program
Material Risks: Currency, Emerging Market, Equity, Focused Portfolio, Foreign Equity, Frontier
Market, Interest-rate, Liquidity, Management and Strategy, Market and Economic, Market
Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuers
Quality Global Growth
Seeks global, quality growth businesses with strengthening competitive advantages (“economic
moats”), supported by moat-aligned corporate cultures and durable global tailwinds. These
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companies tend to have high or rising returns on invested capital, superior growth prospects, and
low (or no) debt.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts, Private Fund, Mutual Fund, UCITS, Canadian Fund,
Australian Fund, Wrap Programs, UMA Programs
Material Risks: Currency, Emerging Market, Equity, Focused Portfolio, Foreign Equity, Frontier
Market, Interest-rate, Liquidity, Management and Strategy, Market and Economic, Market
Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuers
Emerging Markets
Seeks emerging markets, quality growth businesses in with strengthening competitive advantages
(“economic moats”) and durable global tailwinds. These companies tend to have high or rising
returns on invested capital, superior growth prospects, and low (or no) debt.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts, Private Fund, Mutual Fund, SICAV, UCITS
Material Risks: Currency, Emerging Market, Equity, Focused Portfolio, Foreign Equity, Frontier
Market, Interest-rate, Liquidity, Management and Strategy, Market and Economic, Market
Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuers
Emerging Markets ex-China
Seeks emerging markets (excluding China), quality growth businesses in with strengthening
competitive advantages (“economic moats”) and durable global tailwinds. These companies tend to
have high or rising returns on invested capital, superior growth prospects, and low (or no) debt.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts, Mutual Fund
Material Risks: Currency, Emerging Market, Equity, Focused Portfolio, Foreign Equity, Frontier
Market, Interest-rate, Liquidity, Management and Strategy, Market and Economic, Market
Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuers
International Small Cap Growth
Seeks small-cap, non-U.S., quality growth businesses with strengthening competitive advantages
(“economic moats”) and durable global tailwinds. These companies tend to have high or rising
returns on invested capital, superior growth prospects, and low (or no) debt.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts, Private Fund, Mutual Fund
Material Risks: Currency, Emerging Market, Equity, Focused Portfolio, Foreign Equity, Frontier
Market, Interest-rate, Liquidity, Management and Strategy, Market and Economic, Market
Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuers, IPOs
China Quality Growth
Seeks Chinese, quality growth businesses with strengthening competitive advantages (“economic
moats”) and durable global tailwinds. These companies tend to have high or rising returns on
invested capital, superior growth prospects, and low (or no) debt.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts, Mutual Fund
15
Material Risks: China Investment, Currency, Emerging Market, Equity, Focused Portfolio, Foreign
Equity,
Interest-rate, Liquidity, Management and Strategy, Market and Economic, Market
Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuer
Select Global Growth
Seeks global, quality growth businesses with strengthening competitive advantages (“economic
moats”), supported by moat-aligned corporate cultures and durable global tailwinds. The portfolio
places an emphasis on identification of early generational winners as well as companies with
uniquely durable growth. These companies tend to have rising returns on invested capital, a
substantial growth runway, and low (or no) debt.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts, UCITs
Material Risks: Currency, Emerging Market, Equity, Focused Portfolio, Foreign Equity, Frontier
Market, Interest-rate, Liquidity, Management and Strategy, Market and Economic, Market
Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuers
Focused International Opportunities
Seeks small- and mid-cap, non-U.S., quality growth businesses with strengthening competitive
advantages (“economic moats”) and durable global tailwinds. These companies tend to have high or
rising returns on invested capital, superior growth prospects, and low (or no) debt.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts, Mutual Fund, Private Fund
Material Risks: Currency, Emerging Market, Equity, Focused Portfolio, Foreign Equity, Frontier
Market, Interest-rate, Liquidity, Management and Strategy, Market and Economic, Market
Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuers
WCM Partners Fund (Global Growth Crossover Fund)
Seeks global, quality growth businesses in private and public equity markets with strengthening
competitive advantages (“economic moats”), supported by moat-aligned corporate cultures and
durable global tailwinds. These companies tend to have high or rising returns on invested capital,
superior growth prospects, and low (or no) debt.
Vehicles: Private Fund
Material Risks: Illiquid investments in private companies for which there will be no readily available
market Currency, Emerging Market, Equity, Focused Portfolio, Foreign Equity, Frontier Market,
Interest-rate, Liquidity, Management and Strategy, Market and Economic, Market Capitalization,
Risks Affecting Specific Issuers.
Global Value Equity Strategies:
inefficiencies within the non-U.S. universe by
investing
Focused International Equity
Seeks to exploit structural
in
underappreciated companies with improving fundamentals and/or growing competitive advantages.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts, Mutual Fund, Wrap Programs
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Material Risks: Currency, Emerging Market, Equity, Focused Portfolio, Foreign Equity, Frontier
Market, Interest-rate, Liquidity, Management and Strategy, Market and Economic, Market
Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuers
Focused US Equity
Seeks to exploit structural inefficiencies within the U.S. universe by investing in underappreciated
companies with improving fundamentals and/or growing competitive advantages.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts, Mutual Fund, Wrap Programs
Material Risks: Currency, Equity, Focused Portfolio, Foreign Equity, Frontier Market, Interest-rate,
Liquidity, Management and Strategy, Market and Economic, Market Capitalization, Risks Affecting
Specific Issuers
Quality Value Strategies:
Small Cap Quality Value
Seeks U.S. small cap businesses with durable competitive advantages and shareholder-friendly
management teams, trading at discounts to their intrinsic values. Characteristics of these businesses
include sustained, high returns on invested capital, consistent free cash flow generation, and
impressive compounding of net book value over time.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts
Material Risks: Equity, Focused Portfolio, Interest-rate, Management and Strategy, Market and
Economic, Liquidity, Market Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuers
SMID Cap Quality Value
Seeks U.S. SMID-cap businesses with durable competitive advantages and shareholder-friendly
management teams, trading at discounts to their intrinsic values. Characteristics of these businesses
include sustained, high returns on invested capital, consistent free cash flow generation, and
impressive compounding of net book value over time.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts, Mutual Fund
Material Risks: Equity, Focused Portfolio, Interest-rate, Management and Strategy, Market and
Economic, Liquidity, Market Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuers
Mid Cap Quality Value
Seeks U.S. mid-cap businesses with durable competitive advantages and shareholder-friendly
management teams, trading at discounts to their intrinsic values. Characteristics of these businesses
include sustained, high returns on invested capital, consistent free cash flow generation, and
impressive compounding of net book value over time.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts, Mutual Fund
Material Risks: Equity, Focused Portfolio, Interest-rate, Management and Strategy, Market and
Economic, Liquidity, Market Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuers
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International Quality Value
Seeks non-U.S. large cap businesses with durable competitive advantages and shareholder-friendly
management teams, trading at discounts to their intrinsic values. Characteristics of these businesses
include sustained, high returns on invested capital, consistent free cash flow generation, and
impressive compounding of net book value over time.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts
Material Risks: Currency, Emerging Market, Equity, Focused Portfolio, Foreign Equity, Frontier
Market, Interest-rate, Liquidity, Management and Strategy, Market and Economic, Market
Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuers
U.S. Growth Strategies:
Small Cap Growth
Seeks U.S. small cap growth businesses with increasing cash flow returns on invested capital,
growing asset bases, and the ability to reinvest cash flows into additional assets to generate
recursive business models.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts, Mutual Fund, Wrap Program
Material Risks: Equity, Focused Portfolio, Interest-rate, Management and Strategy, Market and
Economic, Liquidity, Market Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuers
Focused U.S. Growth
Seeks U.S. SMID-cap growth businesses with increasing cash flow returns on invested capital,
growing asset bases, and the ability to reinvest cash flows into additional assets to generate
recursive business models.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts
Material Risks: Equity, Focused Portfolio, Interest-rate, Management and Strategy, Market and
Economic, Liquidity, Market Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuers
Focused U.S. Opportunities
Seeks U.S. growth businesses, with markets caps between $2 billion and $20 at time of purchase,
with increasing cash flow returns on invested capital, growing asset bases, and the ability to reinvest
cash flows into additional assets to generate recursive business models.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts
Material Risks: Equity, Focused Portfolio, Interest-rate, Management and Strategy, Market and
Economic, Liquidity, Market Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuers
Select U.S. Growth
Seeks U.S. mid cap growth businesses with increasing cash flow returns on invested capital, growing
asset bases, and the ability to reinvest cash flows into additional assets to generate recursive
business models.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts
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Material Risks: Equity, Focused Portfolio, Interest-rate, Management and Strategy, Market and
Economic, Liquidity, Market Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuers
Global Core Strategies:
WCM International Equity
Seeks international businesses that exhibit strong or strengthening competitive advantages
(“economic moats”), wide runways for growth within their core competencies, and strong or
strengthening corporate cultures.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts, ETF, UMA Programs
Material Risks: Currency, Emerging Market, Equity, Focused Portfolio, Foreign Equity, Frontier
Market, Interest-rate, Liquidity, Management and Strategy, Market and Economic, Market
Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuer
WCM Developing World Equity
Seeks emerging markets businesses that exhibit strong or strengthening competitive advantages
(“economic moats”), wide runways for growth within their core competencies, and strong or
strengthening corporate cultures.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts, ETF
Material Risks: Currency, Emerging Market, Equity, Focused Portfolio, Foreign Equity, Frontier
Market, Interest-rate, Liquidity, Management and Strategy, Market and Economic, Market
Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuer
Dividend Growth Strategies:
WCM Quality Dividend Growth
Seeks high-quality dividend-paying companies producing durable and growing income.
Vehicles: Separately Managed Accounts, Mutual Fund
Material Risks: Currency, Dividend-Paying Securities Risk, Equity, Focused Portfolio, Foreign Equity,
Frontier Market, Interest-rate, Liquidity, Management and Strategy, Market and Economic, Market
Capitalization, Risks Affecting Specific Issuer
Risk of Loss
Although WCM makes every effort to preserve each Client’s capital and achieve real growth of wealth,
investing involves risk of loss that each Client should be prepared to bear. The following is a brief
description of the material risks associated with an investment in the investment strategies described
above, as well as other general risks with WCM.
ADR Conversion Risk: Certain strategies gain international investment exposure by investing in
American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). ADRs are the receipts for the shares of a non-U.S.-based
company traded on U.S. exchanges. Accounts of large institutional clients may hold ordinary non-
U.S. securities (sometimes referred to as “ORD”) directly (instead of or in addition to ADRs). ADR
portfolios may have reduced exposure to the range of international investment opportunities
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available through ordinary non-U.S. securities. ADRs may be more thinly traded in the U.S. than the
underlying shares traded in the country of origin, which may increase volatility and affect purchase
or sale prices. ADRs do not eliminate the currency and economic risks associated with international
investing. To the extent a portfolio invests in ADRs, a portfolio will be generally subject to
substantially all of the same risks as when investing directly in ordinary non-U.S. securities.
Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Risk: WCM maintains a Business Continuity and Disaster
Recovery Plan that is reasonably designed to ensure continuity of the business and that essential
business functions are restored in the event of a disaster and unforeseen occurrences (including, but
not limited to natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics, outbreaks of disease and other health issues,
acts of war, terrorism, etc.). While we strive to maintain such processes to support to the Plan,
WCM cannot ensure it will be able to continue business operations in the event of every disaster
event, given the unknown nature and scope of future disaster events, WCM will make reasonable
attempts in light of the situation to notify clients of the impact of the event on WCM and its clients.
Additional Disclosures: Summary of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan, below.
China Investment Risk: Certain accounts that invest in emerging market countries may invest in
securities and instruments that are economically tied to the People’s Republic of China. The Chinese
economy is dependent on the economies of other countries and can be significantly affected by
currency fluctuations and increasing competition from Asia’s other low-cost emerging economies.
The willingness and ability of the Chinese government to support the Chinese economy and markets
is uncertain. China has yet to develop comprehensive securities, corporate, or commercial laws, its
market is relatively new and less developed, and its economy is experiencing a relative slowdown.
Changes in Chinese government policy and economic growth rates could significantly affect local
markets. Reduction in spending on Chinese products and services, institution of tariffs or other trade
barriers or a downturn in any of the economies of China’s key trading partners may have an adverse
impact on the securities of Chinese issuers. Concerns exist regarding a potential trade war between
China and the United States, which may trigger a significant reduction in international trade, the
oversupply of certain manufactured goods, substantial price reductions of goods and possible failure
of individual companies and/or large segments of China’s export industry, all of which may have a
negative impact on investments.
Currency Risk: Non-U.S. securities that trade in, and receive revenues in, foreign currencies are
subject to the risk that those currencies will fluctuate in value relative to the U.S. dollar.
Cybersecurity: With the increased use of technologies such as the Internet and the dependence on
computer systems to perform necessary business functions, WCM and its service providers may be
prone to operational and information security risks resulting from cyber-attacks and/or other
technological malfunctions and also those risks associated with power outages and catastrophic
events such as fires, tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. In general, cyber-attacks are
deliberate, but unintentional events may have similar effects. Cyber-attacks include, among other
things, stealing or corrupting data maintained online or digitally, preventing legitimate users from
20
accessing information or services on a website, releasing confidential information without
authorization, and causing operational disruption. Successful cyber-attacks against, or security
breakdowns of WCM or other third-party service provider may adversely affect the clients. For
instance, cyber-attacks and/or certain disasters may affect WCM’s cause the release of private client
information or confidential firm information, impede trading, cause WCM’s information and
technology systems to become inoperable for extended periods of time or to cease to function
properly, expose WCM to theft or embezzlement, cause reputational damage, and subject WCM to
regulatory fines, penalties or financial losses, reimbursement or other compensation costs, and
additional compliance costs. While WCM and its service providers have established information
security, business continuity plans, disaster recovery plans, and systems designed to prevent or
reduce the impact of cyber-attacks, such plans and systems have inherent limitations due in part to
the ever-changing nature of technology and cyberattack tactics, and there is a possibility that certain
risks have not been adequately identified or prepared for. There is also a risk that cybersecurity
breaches may not be detected.
Additional Disclosures: Summary of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan, below.
Depository Receipts: Investments in American Depository Receipts (“ADRs”) are negotiable receipts
issued by a U.S. bank or trust company that evidence ownership of securities in a foreign company
which have been deposited with such bank or trust company’s office or agent in a foreign country.
European Depository Receipts (“EDRs”) are negotiable certificates held in the bank of one country
representing a specific number of shares of a stock traded on an exchange of another country.
Global Depository Receipts (“GDRs”) are negotiable certificates held in the bank of one country
representing a specific number of shares of a stock traded on an exchange of another country.
Canadian Depository Receipts (“CDRs”) are negotiable receipts issued by a Canadian bank or trust
company that evidence ownership of securities in a foreign company which have been deposited
with such bank or trust company’s office or agent in a foreign country. Investing in ADRs, EDRs,
GDRs, and CDRs presents risks that may not be equal to the risk inherent in holding the equivalent
shares of the same companies that are traded in the local markets even though your account will
purchase, sell and be paid dividends on ADRs in U.S. dollars. These risks include fluctuations in
currency exchange rates, which are affected by international balances of payments and other
economic and financial conditions; government intervention; speculation; and other factors. With
respect to certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or nationalization of
assets, confiscatory taxation, political and social upheaval, and economic instability. ADRs, EDRs,
GDRs, and CDRs may be sponsored by the foreign issuer or may be unsponsored. Unsponsored
ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, and CDRs are organized independently and without the cooperation of the
foreign issuer of the underlying securities. Unsponsored ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, and CDRs are offered by
companies which are not prepared to meet either the reporting or accounting standards of the
United States. While readily exchangeable with stock in local markets, unsponsored ADRs, EDRs,
GDRs, and CDRs may be less liquid than sponsored ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, and CDRs. Additionally, there
generally is less publicly available information with respect to unsponsored ADRs, EDRs, GDRs, and
CDRs
21
Dividend-Paying Securities Risk. Investing in dividend-paying securities involves the risk that such
securities may fall out of favor with investors and underperform the broader market. Companies
that issue dividend-paying securities are not required to pay, or to continue to pay, dividends on
such securities. It is possible that issuers of the securities will not declare dividends in the future, or
will reduce or eliminate the payment of dividends (including reducing or eliminating anticipated
accelerations or increases in the payment of dividends) in the future.
Emerging Markets Risk: Investments in emerging market countries involve exposure to changes in
economic and political factors. The economies of most emerging market countries are in the infancy
stage of capital market development. As a result, their economic systems are still evolving, and their
political systems are typically less stable than those in developed economies. For example, emerging
market countries can suffer from currency devaluation and higher rates of inflation.
Equity Risk: Investment in equity securities involves risks and may be subject to wide and sudden
fluctuations in market value, with a resulting fluctuation in the amount of profits and losses. The
market value of a stock may fluctuate for any number of reasons that directly relate to the
company, such as management performance, financial leverage, and reduced demand for the
company’s goods or services.
Focused Portfolio Risk: By definition, concentrated portfolios hold larger position sizes. In principle,
a large loss in anyone holding has a greater impact on portfolio return for a concentrated portfolio
than it would for a broadly diversified portfolio.
Foreign Equity Risk: This is the risk that prices of non-U.S. securities may be more volatile than those
of U.S. securities because of reduced liquidity, economic conditions abroad, political developments,
and changes in the regulatory environment of foreign countries. Non-U.S. companies are generally
subject to different legal and accounting standards than U.S. companies, and foreign financial
intermediaries may be subject to less supervision and regulation than U.S. financial firms. In some
countries there are restrictions on investments or investors such that the only practicable way to
invest in such markets is by entering into swaps or other derivative transactions. Such transactions
involve counterparty risks which are not present in the case of direct investments.
Frontier Market Risk: Frontier market countries generally have smaller economies and even less
developed capital markets than traditional emerging markets, and as a result, the risks of investing
in emerging market countries are magnified in frontier market countries. The magnification of risks
is the result of potential for extreme price volatility and illiquidity in frontier markets; government
ownership or control of parts of private sector and of certain companies; trade barriers, exchange
controls, managed adjustments in relative currency values and other protectionist measures
imposed or negotiated by the countries with which frontier market countries trade; and the
relatively new and unsettled securities laws in many frontier market countries.
Interest-rate Risk: Fluctuations in interest rates may cause stock prices to fluctuate. For example,
companies with higher rates of earnings growth, selling at higher price/earnings ratios, may be more
susceptible to price declines if interest rates rise.
22
IPO Risk: IPOs have not traded publicly until the time of their offerings. Special risks associated with
IPOs may include limited numbers of shares available for trading, unseasoned trading, lack of
investor knowledge of the companies, and limited operating history, all of which may contribute to
price volatility. Many IPOs are issued by undercapitalized companies of small or micro-cap size. The
effect of IPOs on an account’s performance depends on a variety of factors, including the number of
IPOs the account invests in relative to the size of the Fund and whether and to what extent a
security purchased in an IPO appreciates or depreciates in value
Liquidity Risk: Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to purchase or sell and
may be particularly pronounced for long-term investments. An Account’s investments in illiquid
securities may reduce the returns of the Account because it may be unable to sell the illiquid
securities at an advantageous time or price or possibly require an Account to dispose of other
investments at unfavorable times or prices in order to satisfy its obligations, which could prevent
the Account from taking advantage of other investment opportunities. Additionally, the market for
certain investments may become illiquid under adverse market or economic conditions independent
of any specific adverse changes in the conditions of a particular issuer. To the extent that an
Account’s principal investment strategy involves securities of companies with smaller market
capitalizations, foreign (non-U.S.) securities, Rule 144A securities, illiquid sectors derivatives or
securities with substantial market risk, the Account will tend to have the greatest exposure to
liquidity risk.
Management and Strategy Risk: The value of your investment depends on the judgment of WCM
about the quality, relative yield, value or market trends affecting a particular security, industry,
sector or region, which may prove to be incorrect. Investment strategies employed by WCM in
selecting investments for a strategy may not result in an increase in the value of your investment or
in overall performance equal to other investments.
Market and Economic Risk: This is the risk that portfolio value may be affected by a sudden overall
price decline in the financial markets. The prices of equities may drop in reaction to tangible and
intangible events and conditions. This type of risk is caused by external factors independent of a
stock’s particular underlying circumstances. For example, political, economic and social conditions
may trigger market events.
Market Capitalization Risk: Larger, more established companies may be unable to attain the high
growth rates of successful, smaller companies during periods of economic expansion. In addition,
large-capitalization companies may be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges,
such as changes in technology and consumer tastes and may be more prone to global economic
risks. Investing in small-capitalization and mid-capitalization companies generally involves greater
risks than investing in large-capitalization companies. Small or mid-cap companies may have limited
product lines, markets or financial resources or may depend on the expertise of a few people and
may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than securities of larger, more
established companies or market averages in general. Many small capitalization companies may be
in the early stages of development. Since equity securities of smaller companies may lack sufficient
23
market liquidity and may not be regularly traded, it may be difficult or impossible to sell securities at
an advantageous time or a desirable price.
Multiple Strategies Risk: WCM manages multiple investment strategies under the direction of
multiple, different PMs. These strategies occasionally overlap with an investment in the same
security, which creates potential conflicts of interest. Investment in the same security by different
strategies may occur at different times, which gives opportunity for one strategy to trade ahead of
another thereby potentially favoring one over the other. Another conflict happens when strategy
objectives or PM opinions differ for an investment in a common security between strategies. For
example, one strategy may buy/hold a security while another strategy chooses to sell/trim the same
company. Differences are primarily explained by dissimilar investment objectives, guidelines, and
portfolio construction decisions. WCM seeks to mitigate these conflicts through its order
aggregation and allocation policy. When aggregation is not possible due to different timing for trade
decisions, the Compliance Team reviews the PM trade decision rationale for such trades.
Additionally, the Compliance Team audits the sequence for these decisions over time to assess if
there is any pattern of abuse or favoritism by one strategy over another.
Small-and Mid-Cap Stocks. WCM may invest in stock of companies with market capitalizations that
are small compared to other publicly traded companies. Investments in larger companies present
certain advantages in that such companies generally have greater financial resources, more
extensive research and development, manufacturing, marketing and service capabilities, and more
stability and greater depth of management and personnel. Investments in smaller, less seasoned
companies may present greater opportunities for growth but also may involve greater risks than
customarily are associated with more established companies. The securities of smaller companies
may be subject to more abrupt or erratic market movements than larger, more established
companies. These companies may have limited product lines, markets or financial resources, or
they may be dependent upon a limited management group. Their securities may be traded in the
over the counter (“OTC”) market or on a regional exchange or may otherwise have limited liquidity.
As a result of owning large positions in this type of security, an account is subject to the additional
risk of possibly having to sell portfolio securities at disadvantageous times and prices if redemptions
require an account to liquidate its securities positions. In addition, it may be prudent for an account,
as its asset size grows, to limit the number of relatively small positions it holds in securities having
limited liquidity in order to minimize its exposure to such risks, to minimize transaction costs, and to
maximize the benefits of research. Consequently, as an account’s asset size increases, it may reduce
its exposure to illiquid small capitalization securities, which could adversely affect performance.
WCM may also invest in stocks of companies with medium market capitalizations (i.e., mid-cap
companies). Such investments share some of the risk characteristics of investments in stocks of
companies with small market capitalizations described above, although mid-cap companies tend
to have longer operating histories, broader product lines and greater financial resources and
their stocks tend to be more liquid and less volatile than those of smaller capitalization
issuers
24
Specific Issuer Risk: The value of an equity security or debt obligation may decline in response to
developments affecting the specific issuer of the security or obligation, even if the overall industry
or economy is unaffected. These developments may include a variety of factors, including but not
limited to management issues or other corporate disruption, political factors adversely affecting
governmental issuers, a decline in revenues or profitability, an increase in costs, or an adverse effect
on the issuer’s competitive position.
Item 9 - Disciplinary Information
Neither WCM nor any of its management personnel have been involved in a disciplinary proceeding. In
addition, they have not been involved in any legal proceeding that might reasonably be considered
material to a Client’s evaluation of WCM’s advisory business or the integrity of its management.
Item 10 - Other Financial Industry
Activities and Affiliations
Industry Activities
Some of WCM’s Investment Adviser Representatives (“IARs”) are licensed as agents with a broker-
dealer. In such capacity, the IARs will discuss and offer WCM Funds to institutional clients and
investment consultants. For further information, see the Fees and Compensation and Code of Ethics
sections.
Industry Affiliations
Martin Capital Partners
Martin Capital Partners, LLC (“MCP”) is wholly owned advisory affiliate of WCM. MCP is an
independently registered investment adviser. Although certain Supervised Persons of WCM are also
Supervised Persons of MCP, the operations of WCM are separate and independent from MCP. To
mitigate potential affiliate conflicts around the sharing of client’s personal information, fair trade
practices, and supervision, such Supervised Persons are obligated to comply with the policies and
procedures and code of ethics of both firms, and it is WCM’s policy that no transactions (e.g., trade
execution, cross trades, etc.) may be entered into with MCP.
Mutual Funds
As noted earlier in Types of Advisory Services section, WCM serves as the adviser to the following WCM
Mutual Funds:
• WCM Focused International Growth Fund
• WCM Focused Global Growth Fund
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• WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund
• WCM Focused Emerging Markets ex China Fund
• WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund
• WCM China Quality Growth Fund
• WCM SMID Quality Value Fund
• WCM Mid Cap Quality Value Fund
• WCM Small Cap Growth Fund
• WCM Focused International Equity Fund
• WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund
• WCM Quality Dividend Growth Fund
The WCM Mutual Funds are advised by WCM following WCM’s investment philosophy and management
strategies. Fees paid to WCM with respect to the WCM Mutual Funds are described in the Fees and
Compensation section.
Private Funds
As noted earlier in Types of Advisory Services section, WCM serves as adviser and General Partner to the
following WCM Private Funds:
• WCM Focused International Growth Fund LP
• WCM Focused Global Growth Fund LP
• WCM Focused Emerging Markets Fund LP
• WCM Focused International Opportunities Fund LP
• WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund LP
• WCM Partners LP (and related SPVs)
WCM IARs who are also Registered Representatives of IMST Distributors, LLC may offer the private
funds only to eligible Clients as a possible vehicle for investing in one of WCM’s strategies. The WCM
Private Funds are advised by WCM following WCM’s respective investment philosophy and management
strategy. Fees paid to WCM with respect to the WCM Private Funds are described in the Fees and
Compensation section.
Canadian Fund
As noted earlier in Types of Advisory Services section, WCM serves as a portfolio manager to the WCM
(Canada) Focused Global Growth Fund. This fund is available for eligible (Canadian) clients, who are
interested in our Quality Global Growth strategy.
Australian Funds
As described earlier in Types of Advisory Services section, WCM serves as a portfolio manager to the
WCM Global Growth LIC, WCM Quality Global Growth ETMF, WCM Quality Global Growth Managed
26
Fund, and WCM International Small Cap Growth Fund. These funds are available for eligible (Australian)
clients who are interested in our Quality Global Growth and International Small Cap Growth strategies.
CIT
As noted earlier in Types of Advisory Services section, WCM serves as the adviser to a Collective
Investment Trusts, the WCM Focused Growth International CIT and WCM Emerging Markets CIT. The
Focused Growth CIT fund is offered to eligible U.S. 401k and other retirement and employee benefit
plans that are interested in our Focused Growth International strategy.
UCITS
As noted earlier in Types of Advisory Services section, WCM serves as the sub-adviser to the following
UCITS, which are investment companies operating pursuant to the European Union’s UCITS
(Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) Regulations:
• WCM Global Equity Fund of Heptagon Fund plc
• WCM Global Emerging Markets Equity Fund
• WCM Select Global Growth Equity Fund
The funds are offered to eligible non-U.S. clients, who are interested in our Quality Global Growth
strategy or Emerging Markets strategy.
Material Industry Business Relationships
Natixis
Natixis Investment Managers, LLC (“Natixis IM”) holds a minority equity interest in WCM Investment
Management, LLC. As described below, WCM and Natixis IM and its affiliates have also entered into a
global distribution relationship.
Natixis IM is not an advisory affiliate or related person of WCM, and the operations and management of
WCM are completely separate and independent of Natixis IM and all of its affiliates. To avoid the
appearance of any conflicts of interest, WCM has implemented a policy of not entering into transactions
(e.g. trade execution, participation in underwritings, cross trades, etc.) with Natixis IM or any Natixis
affiliates on behalf of WCM’s clients. However, WCM does engage in business activities with some of
these entities, subject to its policies and procedures governing conflicts of interest. These activities are
generally limited to UMA model recommendation, marketing and referral arrangements.
WCM has been engaged by Natixis Advisors, LLC to provide investment recommendations (UMA
Program model recommendations) to assist Natixis Advisors, LCC in providing non- discretionary model
portfolio provider services. These recommendations are subject to WCM’s trade aggregation, allocation
and rotation procedures that require equitable allocation of trades among accounts. See the Brokerage
Practices section below.
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Natixis Distribution, LLC, Natixis Advisors, LLC, Natixis Investment Managers International and WCM
have also entered into certain referral agreements. These agreements provide that Natixis IM and
Natixis IM affiliates, generally on a global basis, will (or will enter into distribution arrangements with
third parties for such third parties to) provide consulting, sales and other distribution-related services
with respect to investment products advised or sub-advised by WCM (other than the WCM Mutual
Funds) in exchange for certain fees. These agreements are subject to Rule 206(4)-1 under the
Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (Marketing Rule). For information about referral arrangements, see
the Client Referrals and Other Compensation section.
First Trust Portfolios L.P.
First Trust Portfolios L.P. acts as the distributor and principal underwriter to the WCM Mutual Funds. In
connection therewith, WCM and First Trust Portfolios LP entered into a Marketing Support Agreement.
Under this agreement, First Trust Portfolios LP is responsible for providing investor support services and
other marketing, sales, and distribution related activities related to the WCM Mutual Funds.
Clifford Capital Partners
WCM maintains a passive 24.9% investment in Clifford Capital Partners, LLC (“Clifford”). Clifford is not an
advisory affiliate or related person of WCM, the operations of WCM and Clifford are completely
separate and independent and WCM does not conduct business with Clifford. WCM Supervised Persons
are permitted to invest in mutual funds where Clifford Capital is adviser. Such transactions are subject to
the Firm’s policies and procedures for Personal Trading, as described below.
Saguaro Capital Management
WCM extended a short-term loan to Saguaro Capital Management, an unaffiliated investment advisory
firm, under arms-length terms consistent with market rates. This loan amount represents less than 0.1%
of WCM’s annual revenue and does not involve shared operations, personnel, or client accounts. The
arrangement has no impact on our ability to fulfill fiduciary obligations to clients or the independence of
our investment advice.
Item 11 - Code of Ethics, Participation
or Interest in Client Transactions and
Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
WCM has adopted a Code of Ethics (“Code”) pursuant to Rule 204A-1 that sets forth the standards of
business conduct required of WCM’s Supervised Persons and requires an affirmative commitment to
comply with federal securities laws. As a matter of Firm policy, WCM’s Code of Ethics states:
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“WCM is committed to maintaining the highest legal and ethical standards in the conduct
of our business. We have built our reputation on client trust and confidence in our
professional abilities and our integrity. As fiduciaries, we place our clients’ interests above
our own. Meeting this commitment is the responsibility of WCM and each and every one
of our Supervised Persons.”
All WCM Supervised Persons are subject to the Code’s restrictions and procedures on personal securities
transactions. Among other things, the Code addresses:
• WCM’s fiduciary obligations to clients.
• WCM’s obligation to provide all personnel with a copy of the current Code and any subsequent
amendments and obtain a written acknowledgement of their receipt of the Code and any
amendments.
• WCM’s restrictions on purchases and sales for personal accounts of securities purchased or sold
for clients and reporting requirements.
• WCM’s requirement of all Supervised Persons to report Outside Business Activities.
The Code is based upon the following principle: “The personal investing activities of all WCM Supervised
Persons must be conducted in a manner to avoid actual or potential conflicts of interest with WCM’s
Clients and WCM itself. No Supervised Person of WCM may use his or her position with WCM or any
investment opportunities they learn of because of his or her position with WCM to the detriment of
WCM’s Clients or WCM.”
The Code generally requires pre-clearance by the CCO or authorized designee of all personal securities
transactions in any Covered Security as defined in the rule and the Code. Pre-clearance requests will be
approved or based upon: the general policies set forth in this Code; the requirements of applicable law;
the timing of the proposed transaction in relation to transactions made or contemplated for Clients of
WCM; the nature of the security and transaction involved; and the potential for conflicts with the
interests of Clients or WCM, or the appearance of such conflicts. For instruments that adhere to market
hours, pre-clearance is valid until the subsequent close of the applicable market. All WCM Access
Persons must provide to the Compliance Team personal securities’ holdings reports and quarterly
transaction reports within 30 days of the end of each calendar quarter, which may consist of monthly
brokerage statements for all accounts in which they have a beneficial interest. Typically, this
requirement is satisfied when WCM personnel electronically link their brokerage accounts to the Firm’s
compliance portal for real-time monitoring by the Compliance Team. All WCM Supervised Persons are
also required to comply with ethical restraints relating to Clients and their accounts, including
restrictions on giving gifts or political contributions to, and receiving gifts from, Clients in violation of
WCM’s general standards of conduct.
All WCM Supervised Persons must comply fully with the Code and related procedures. Failure to do so
may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
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An existing or prospective Client may obtain a copy of the Code upon request.
Recommend Securities with Material Financial Interest
WCM receives a fee for its role as adviser to the WCM Mutual Funds. When instructed in writing by a
Client, WCM will place such fund in a Client’s account when the Client’s investment objectives seek such
an investment opportunity. Yet, direct ownership of the individual securities may not be cost effective
due to the size of the Client’s account. If the fund is held in a Client’s account for reasons other than tax-
loss selling, its value is not included in the account value when computing WCM’s management fee.
Under special circumstances, WCM IARs who are also registered representatives of IMST Distributors,
will offer WCM Private Funds to eligible investors. As General Partner to the WCM Private Funds, WCM
participates in the private funds’ investments, pro rata, in accordance with its capital accounts. Principal
executive officers and other personnel of WCM receive annual compensation and bonuses based, in
part, on the performance of the private funds, and are also be permitted to invest in the private funds as
“knowledgeable employees.”
Invest in Same Securities Recommended to Clients
WCM acts as investment adviser to numerous accounts, and some Supervised Persons of WCM are also
Supervised Persons of a wholly owned advisory affiliate, MCP, as described in the Other Financial
Industry Activities and Affiliations section of this Brochure. WCM gives advice and takes action with
respect to any Client account or for its own account, or the account of its officers, directors, employees,
agents, or affiliated entities clients that may differ from actions taken by WCM on behalf of other
accounts. WCM is not obligated to recommend, buy, or sell — or to refrain from recommending, buying
or selling— any security that WCM, its officers, directors, employees or agents, buy or sell, directly or
indirectly, for its or their own accounts, or for any other account WCM manages. WCM is not obligated
to refrain from investing in securities held in the accounts it manages, except to the extent that such
investments violate the Code adopted by WCM.
From time to time, Access Persons of WCM will have interests in securities owned by or recommended
to Clients. On occasion, WCM purchases or sells for its advisory accounts securities of an issuer in which
WCM or its Access Persons also have a position or interest. To mitigate this conflict of interest, WCM
aggregates transactions for its proprietary accounts and accounts of its personnel, and averages prices
across all accounts participating in the transaction to the extent that such aggregated transactions do
not violate the securities laws or regulations or the Code. Additionally, some “knowledgeable
employees” of WCM invest in private funds which, in turn, may invest in securities in which WCM
invests on behalf of other managed accounts. As these situations represent a potential conflict of
interest, WCM has implemented procedures, relating to personal securities transactions and insider
trading, that are designed to prevent actual conflicts of interest.
WCM may, from time to time, invest client assets in publicly traded companies that are also clients of
WCM, but only when it finds such investments are in the best interest of all clients invested in the
applicable investment strategy. This practice creates a potential conflict of interest, as WCM may have
an incentive to recommend or invest in securities of such clients to maintain or strengthen the business
30
relationship with the company. To mitigate this conflict, WCM has implemented policies and procedures
to ensure that all investment decisions are made in the best interests of our clients. These include pre-
clearance of trades, adherence to our fiduciary duties, and disclosure of material conflicts to affected
clients.
Insider Trading Policy
Supervised and/or Access Persons may, from time to time, come into possession of material nonpublic
and other confidential information which, if disclosed, might affect an investor’s decision to buy, sell or
hold a security. Under applicable law, access persons are prohibited from improperly disclosing or using
such information for their personal benefit or for the benefit of any other person, regardless of whether
such other person is an advisory Client. Accordingly, should Access Persons come into possession of
material nonpublic or other confidential information with respect to any company, they are required to
report such information to the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”) immediately, and are prohibited from
communicating such information to, or using such information for the benefit of themselves or WCM
Clients, and have no obligation or responsibility to disclose such information to, nor responsibility to use
such information for the benefit of, Clients when following policies and procedures designed to comply
with law.
The Code contains a policy on Protection of Material, Nonpublic and Other Confidential Information and
Prevention of Insider Trading and Tipping, adopted in accordance with Advisers Act Section 204A, which
establishes procedures to prevent the misuse of material nonpublic information by Access Persons. Any
WCM officer, director, employee, or other Access Person who fails to observe the above-described
policies risks serious sanctions, including dismissal and personal liability.
Item 12 - Brokerage Practices
Selecting Brokerage Firms
In determining the ability of a broker-dealer to obtain best execution of securities transactions, WCM
considers a number of factors, including: size; access to various markets; history in effectively
completing transactions in certain types of securities (e.g., bonds, over-the-counter securities, listed
stocks); ability, based on our own experience with them, to execute transactions quickly and effectively;
execution capabilities required by the transactions; the importance to the account of speed, efficiency
and confidentiality; the broker-dealer’s apparent familiarity with sources from or to whom particular
securities might be purchased or sold; the reputation and perceived soundness of the broker-dealer;
research services received from the broker-dealer; as well as other matters relevant to the selection of a
broker-dealer for portfolio transactions.
In evaluating the reasonableness of brokerage commissions, we consider several factors, including but
not limited to, the size of the transaction, the difficulty of the transaction (e.g., liquidity), and the degree
of effort put forth by the broker to achieve the best possible price. Except in connection with Clients
who are treated as Directed Brokerage Clients (see Directed Brokerage and Consultant Accounts, Wrap
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Fee Programs and UMA Programs below), wherever possible, we negotiate commissions at the lowest
commission level based on the previously mentioned factors. We do require that the commission
discounts be competitive with those offered by other firms for like transactions. Occasionally, we
perform a trade with a broker and pay a higher commission than another might charge; however, if this
is done, it will be because of our need for specific expertise a firm has in a particular type of transaction
(due to factors such as size or difficulty), or for speed/efficiency in execution, or for research services
provided (see Research and Soft Dollars below). In all cases though, the transaction costs will still remain
competitive.
When a Client does not have a brokerage arrangement or is not using a bank or trust company as
custodian for the Client's assets, WCM will sometimes suggest the services of a broker-dealer or bank
trust department. Our suggestion is generally based on our past experience with a custodian and a
confidence in their abilities to service our Clients.
Certain WCM investment strategies involve making direct private equity investments. The terms of such
transactions are typically subject to negotiation and brokerage firms are not usually involved. Therefore,
WCM does not generally utilize broker dealers to effect securities transactions. WCM may also engage in
other types of individually negotiated transactions. Because of the negotiation involved in these
transactions, WCM believes that it meets its “best execution” obligation.
Commission Rates or Equivalent Policy
WCM has no duty or obligation to seek, in advance, competitive bidding for the most favorable
commission rate applicable to any particular portfolio transaction or to select any broker-dealer on the
basis of its purported or “posted” commission rate. WCM, however, will research current level of the
charges of eligible brokers and to minimize the expenses incurred for effecting portfolio transactions to
the extent consistent with the interests and policies of the accounts. Although WCM generally seeks
competitive commission rates, it will not necessarily pay the lowest commission or commission
equivalent. Transactions may involve specialized services on the part of the broker-dealer involved and
thereby entail higher commissions (or their equivalents) than would be the case with other transactions
requiring more routine services.
Research and Soft Dollars
Under Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, WCM pays commissions to broker-dealers
for Client portfolio transactions that exceed the amount of commissions that would be charged by
another broker-dealer for the same transaction, provided that WCM determines in good faith that the
amount of commissions paid are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research
services provided by such broker-dealer, either in terms of a particular transaction or WCM's overall
responsibilities with respect to accounts for which it exercises investment discretion. Pursuant to
Section 28(e), WCM has entered into soft dollar arrangements with third parties and broker-dealers for
eligible “brokerage” and “research” products and services (as defined under Section 28(e)) used by
WCM in connection with its investment process, including, without limitation, general economic and
security market analyses and reports, industry and company analyses and reports, third party and
proprietary analyses and reports concerning securities, and market data. WCM uses these eligible
32
research and brokerage products and services in providing investment advisory services to all of its
Clients, rather than just those portfolios for which soft dollar transactions are executed.
WCM uses a Commission Sharing Arrangement (CSA) aggregator to streamline the acquisition of eligible
research and brokerage services. The CSA allows WCM to consolidate commission payments to the CSA,
which then allocates these funds to research providers on behalf of WCM. This arrangement enhances
transparency, facilitates the efficient management of soft dollar resources, and ensures that the
research services acquired align with WCM’s investment strategies and the interests of its clients.
Not all WCM’s clients pay soft dollars. Some clients may prohibit or not authorize soft dollar payments
for regulatory or other reasons. A potential conflict of interest exists because WCM receives these
products and services from broker-dealers in exchange for directing commissions from Client portfolio
transactions, rather than paying for these products and services with its own assets. WCM has an
incentive to select or recommend a broker-dealer based on our interest in receiving the research or
other products or services, rather than on our Clients’ interest in receiving most favorable execution. To
mitigate this conflict, WCM conducts quarterly reviews of our best execution efforts, as described in the
Brokerage Reviews section below.
Brokerage Reviews
All the topics discussed in this Brokerage Reviews section are reviewed quarterly by WCM’s Best-
Execution Committee. Among other things, the committee reviews the approved broker list, trade
activity, commissions paid, commission allocation, execution quality, qualitative performance of
brokers, directed broker relationships, and soft dollar commissions and use, research, and execution
services. This committee is comprised of representatives from the Investment Strategy Group (ISG) and
Portfolio Management Team, the Leadership Team, the Trade Team, the Ops Team, and the CCO
Order Aggregation
Except as disclosed in Directed Brokerage and Consultant Accounts, Wrap Fee Programs and UMA
Programs, WCM generally aggregates or “blocks” orders being placed for execution at the same time for
the accounts of two or more Clients where it believes such aggregation is appropriate and in the best
interest of Clients. WCM believes this practice enables WCM to seek more favorable executions and net
prices for the combined order.
All block orders are subject to WCM’s order aggregation and allocation policy and procedures
(“Procedures”). The Procedures are designed to meet applicable legal standards. They have been
designed to ensure that Clients whose orders are eligible for aggregation are treated fairly vis-à-vis one
another. WCM makes decisions to recommend, purchase, sell or hold securities for all of its Client
accounts, including affiliated Client accounts, based on the specific investment objectives, guidelines,
restrictions and circumstances of each account. Accounts for WCM personnel which are managed by the
Firm are aggregated with Client trades as permitted by the Code of Ethics discussed above.
WCM believes that aggregating orders will, in general, benefit its Clients as a whole over time by
lowering the commissions for the aggregate transaction. Aggregation typically benefits the accounts
33
because of the much larger volume discount obtainable with the aggregate transaction than that
possible with the single account. However, in any particular instance, aggregation may result in a less
favorable price or execution for any particular Client than might have been obtained if a particular
transaction had been effected separately.
Trade Rotation
To avoid competition in the markets among orders for its Clients, WCM executes orders on a rotational
basis. WCM uses a two-bucket (Bucket A and Bucket B) trade rotation system for executing orders.
Bucket A consists of all accounts over which WCM has full discretion for trade execution and settlement
(“Non-Directed Brokerage Clients”). These accounts generally have the following characteristics: (1) the
Client has not provided directed-brokerage instructions to WCM for currency or securities trades; (2) the
Client’s custodian does not provide bundled brokerage services and does not charge “trade away” fees;
and (3) the Client is not participating in a Wrap Fee Program or UMA Program. Bucket B consists of all
other accounts, including: (1) those for which the Client has provided explicit directed-brokerage
instructions to WCM; (2) accounts whose custodian provides bundled brokerage services and charges a
“trade away” fee (e.g., Charles Schwab, Fidelity, TD Ameritrade, etc.); (3) accounts participating in Wrap
Fee Programs or UMA Programs; (4) accounts with non-standard trade or settlement systems/processes
(or systems/processes that are otherwise incompatible with WCM’s trade systems/processes); and (5)
accounts with Client-imposed restrictions or certain other specialized requirements.
For each investment decision that leads to transactions in Client accounts (“Trade Program”), accounts
in Bucket A will typically trade first, so that Non-Directed Brokerage Clients are not disadvantaged
because of other Clients’ specialized requirements. Accounts in Bucket B are placed into one of three
groups – Wrap Fee Programs, UMA Programs, and remaining Bucket B accounts. Upon completion of
trading for accounts in Bucket A, the three groups in Bucket B are traded on a straight rotational basis
(i.e., the group at the end of the last Trade Program moves to the beginning of the next Trade Program.)
Blocks of accounts within each group are traded on a random basis. This procedure is designed to
ensure that no one Client, or group of Clients, within this Bucket has an unfair advantage over another
Client, or group of Clients, within this Bucket. If an account impedes the trade rotation by unduly
slowing the execution of a specific trade due to its trading limitations, with the approval of the
Compliance Team, the account will be placed at the end of the rotation to avoid disadvantaging clients
still waiting to trade.
In certain strategies (currently only WCM International Equity and WCM Developing World Equity), ETF
accounts in Bucket B may require pre-trade tax analysis to determine the tax implications of executing
trades, such as assessing potential tax impacts, calculating optimal lot selection, or determining
appropriate tax-lot harvesting strategies. To accommodate these operational requirements, trade
communications for these accounts may be sent to Bucket B accounts concurrently with Bucket A
accounts. However, trades for these ETF accounts will not be executed prior to the completion of
trading for Bucket A accounts. This ensures that Non-Directed Brokerage Clients retain their priority in
the trade rotation while addressing the specialized tax-related needs of ETF accounts.
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Because Bucket B usually trades after Bucket A, trades for accounts in Bucket B are subject to potential
adverse price movements, particularly if they follow large block trades or large capacity-constrained
strategies, involve illiquid securities, or occur in volatile markets. This risk is heightened in certain
strategies where trading accounts in Bucket B may not complete until several days, sometimes weeks or
even months, following the start of trading for accounts in Bucket A. Consequently, accounts in Bucket B
may receive prices/executions that are less favorable than those obtained for accounts in Bucket A.
While WCM seeks to mitigate this risk through careful management of the trade execution process and
attention to market impacts, accounts in Bucket B may achieve comparatively lower returns than
accounts in Bucket A.
Additionally, an account may trade outside its typically assigned Bucket or position in the trade rotation
due to a Client-directed event, such as a cash flow, tax-loss harvesting, or liquidation request. As a
result, these Client-directed events or otherwise special circumstances may cause an account to receive
less favorable execution or achieve comparatively lower returns than it would otherwise receive or
achieve.
Trade Allocation
To the extent operationally and otherwise practical, WCM will allocate investment opportunities to each
Client over a period of time in a fair and equitable way relative to the Firm’s other Clients. Each account
that participates in an aggregated order will participate at the average share price of all trades that
comprise the aggregated order. Block trades are generally pre-allocated (i.e., allocated prior to trade
execution.)
If an aggregated order is only partially filled, the trades will generally be allocated on a pro-rata basis at
the market’s close, when the average price of the trades can be calculated. In the case of an aggregated
order that has not been completely filled, WCM's portfolio management system programmatically
increases or decreases the number of securities allocated to one or more accounts to avoid allocating
odd-lots or an insignificant number of shares to a Client account.
Where advisory accounts have competing interests in a limited investment opportunity, WCM will
allocate investment opportunities based on a number of considerations, including cash availability
and/or liquidity requirements, the time competing accounts have had funds available for investment or
have had securities available for sale, investment objectives and restrictions, an account’s participation
in other opportunities, tax considerations and relative size of portfolio holdings of the same or
comparable securities.
ADR-Only Accounts
Some WCM strategies are offered in an ADR-Only format. ADR-Only accounts are often limited in their
access to certain investments, which subjects them to disadvantages, when compared to other accounts
in the same strategy.
Additionally, accounts eligible to hold ORDs (ORD accounts) will normally trade before other accounts
that are limited to US-traded holdings (ADR accounts). Consequently, ADR accounts may be subject to
35
adverse price movements, particularly if they follow large ORD trades, involve illiquid securities or occur
in volatile markets. This risk is heightened by the fact that trading for ADR accounts does not commence
until the completion of trading the ORD accounts, which could take several days, sometimes weeks or
even months. As a result, ADR accounts may receive prices/executions for similar securities that are less
favorable than those obtained for ORD accounts. Further, where WCM believes it is more advantageous
to trade ADRs directly in local markets, ADR-only accounts may be subject to additional conversion and
commission charges.
While WCM seeks to mitigate these risks through careful construction of the ADR-Only model and
management of the trade execution process, ADR accounts may achieve comparatively lower returns
than ORD accounts.
IPOs, Limited Offerings and Restricted Securities
Notwithstanding the allocation procedures described above, any particular allocation decision for IPOs,
limited, or restricted securities among eligible accounts may be more or less advantageous to any one
Client or group of Clients and certain allocations will, to the extent consistent with our fiduciary
obligations, deviate from a pro rata basis among Clients in order to address, for example, differences in
legal, tax, regulatory, risk management, concentration, exposure, Client guideline limitations and/or
mandate or strategy considerations.
WCM may determine that a restricted investment opportunity is appropriate for one or more Clients,
but not appropriate for other Clients, or are appropriate or suitable for, or available to, Clients but in
different sizes, terms, or timing than is appropriate or suitable for other Clients. For example, some
Clients have higher risk tolerances than other Clients, such as private funds, which, in turn, allows WCM
to allocate a wider variety and/or greater percentage of certain types of investments (which may or may
not outperform other types of investments) to such Clients. Those Clients receiving an increased
allocation as a result of the effect of their respective risk tolerance may be Clients that pay higher
investment management fees or that pay incentive fees. In addition, certain account categories focusing
on certain types of investments or asset classes (e.g., emerging market securities or other specialized
strategies) may be given priority in new issue distribution and allocation with respect to the investments
or asset classes that are the focus of their investment mandate.
Given all of the factors above, the amount, timing, structuring, or terms of a restricted investment by a
Client may differ from, and performance may be lower than, investments and performance of other
Clients, including those that may provide greater fees or other compensation (including performance-
based fees or allocations) to WCM.
Directed Brokerage and Consultant Accounts
Clients may direct WCM to use specific broker-dealers to execute transactions in their accounts by
separate written notice, or through selection of a custodian that provides bundled brokerage services
and may charge “trade away” fees (e.g., Charles Schwab, Fidelity, TD Ameritrade, etc.). Such Clients are
referred to as “Directed Brokerage Clients.” For such Clients, notwithstanding any information provided
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elsewhere in this Brokerage Practices section, WCM is not able to negotiate commission rates, spreads
or other transaction costs, or to seek best execution.
Directed Brokerage Clients are solely responsible for establishing, negotiating, and monitoring their
brokerage arrangements (e.g., ensuring that the broker-dealer complies with the terms of the brokerage
arrangement, ensuring that the nature and quality of services provided by the broker-dealer are as
agreed between the Client and the broker-dealer, and negotiating commission rates to be paid to the
broker-dealer by the Client). Directed Brokerage Clients may not be able to participate in investment
opportunities if the directed broker-dealer does not have access to the relevant securities or the
systems or expertise to effectively process transactions. Moreover, directed brokerage arrangements
may adversely affect WCM’s ability to obtain research-related services, which benefit all Clients,
including Directed Brokerage Clients.
Directed Brokerage Clients are also subject to other disadvantages. For example, for execution purposes,
WCM generally attempts to aggregate orders for all accounts participating in a particular transaction
(see Order Aggregation above). However, orders for Directed Brokerage Clients are not generally
aggregated with orders for the same securities for other accounts managed by WCM for which WCM
selects broker-dealers (i.e., “Non-Directed Brokerage Clients”). As a result, Directed Brokerage Clients
may not participate in potential savings on execution costs resulting from volume discounts that WCM
might otherwise be able to obtain for Non-Directed Brokerage Clients. Under these circumstances, a
disparity exists between the brokerage commission rates for trades executed for a Directed Brokerage
Client as compared to the rates charged to a Non-Directed Brokerage Client.
Further, to avoid competition in the markets among orders for its Clients, WCM executes orders for
Directed Brokerage Clients on a rotational basis. As noted above in Brokerage Practices: Trade Rotation,
Directed Brokerage Clients are included in the rotation of Bucket B and under normal circumstances
trade after corresponding orders have been executed for Bucket A. Consequently, they are subject to all
of the potential disadvantages described above in Brokerage Practices: Trade Rotation.
Notwithstanding WCM’s policy of executing orders for Directed Brokerage Clients after corresponding
orders have been executed for Non-Directed Brokerage Clients, WCM will, at its discretion, execute an
order for a Directed Brokerage Client as part of a “block” trade (see Order Aggregation above) with Non-
Directed Brokerage Clients under either of the following circumstances:
(1) The designated broker-dealer is the executing broker-dealer for an otherwise blocked trade; or
(2) The executing broker-dealer for the block trade is willing to “step out” the Directed Brokerage
Client’s portion of the trade in a way that does not disadvantage other participating accounts, and
the broker-dealer designated by the Directed Brokerage Client is willing to accept a trade handled in
such manner. However, executing broker-dealers generally do not view “step out” transactions as a
profitable business and thus may limit or refuse to engage in such transactions. Moreover,
commission rates for “step out” transactions may differ from the rates negotiated with the
executing broker-dealer in the aggregated transaction.
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Clients should be aware that the above-described issues relating to directed brokerage arrangements
also arise in connection with accounts that are introduced to WCM by other investment advisers
(“consultants”) that have separately negotiated with certain designated brokers to provide brokerage
and custody services to Clients of the consultant. The brokerage arrangements negotiated by these
consultants often subject their Clients to additional charges, such as trade away service fees if trades are
not executed through the selected brokers. To minimize the total execution cost of trades for these
accounts, WCM generally treats these accounts as Directed Brokerage Client accounts and directs most,
if not all, transactions for these accounts to the selected brokers. Because WCM generally treats these
Clients as Directed Brokerage Clients, Clients of consultants who have negotiated these brokerage
arrangements should understand that their accounts will be subject to all the constraints that generally
affect Directed Brokerage Clients discussed above.
Any Directed Brokerage Client who wishes to cease directing its brokerage and to begin permitting WCM
to select broker-dealers to execute its orders must notify WCM in writing of this change and satisfy the
custody arrangements described for Bucket A above in Brokerage Practices: Trade Rotation.
Commission Recapture
Certain clients may provide written requests or recommendations regarding the direction of a portion of
their trades to specific brokerage firms to take advantage of commission recapture programs. Unless
such directed brokerage arrangements are expressly incorporated into the client’s Investment
Management Agreement (IMA) or a formal addendum, these requests will be treated as non-binding
preferences rather than firm mandates, subject to WCM’s best execution responsibilities.
In all cases, WCM maintains a fiduciary obligation to seek best execution for client transactions. As such,
while we endeavor to accommodate client preferences where feasible, we reserve the right to
determine the most appropriate trading venues, counterparties, and execution strategies in alignment
with our best execution policies and regulatory obligations.
Wrap Fee Programs
WCM participates in wrap fee programs offered by broker-dealers and other Sponsors as described
above in the Advisory Business: Wrap Fee Programs section. In evaluating such an arrangement, a Client
should recognize that, notwithstanding any information provided elsewhere in this Brokerage Practices
section, brokerage commissions for the execution of transactions in the Client’s account are not
negotiated by WCM.
Securities transactions for accounts that are under an asset-based wrap fee arrangement are effected
without commission, and a portion of the wrap fee is generally considered as being in lieu of
commissions. Trades are generally executed only with the broker-dealer Sponsor with which the Client
has entered into the “wrap fee” arrangement, such that WCM will not seek best price and execution by
placing transactions with other broker-dealers. Clients should also consider that, depending on the level
of the wrap fee charged by the broker-dealer, the services provided under the arrangement, and other
factors, the wrap fee may or may not exceed the aggregate cost of such services if they were provided
separately and if WCM were free to negotiate commissions and seek best price and execution of
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transactions for the Client's account. Wrap accounts are subject to many of the potential disadvantages
described above in Directed Brokerage and Consultant Accounts.
Further, to avoid competition in the markets among orders for its Clients, WCM executes orders for
wrap fee programs on a rotational basis. As noted above in Trade Rotation, wrap fee program accounts
are included in the rotation of Bucket B and under normal circumstances trade after corresponding
orders have been executed for Bucket A. Consequently, they are subject to many of the potential
disadvantages described above in Brokerage Practices: Trade Rotation. See the Advisory Business: Wrap
Fee Programs section of this brochure for additional information.
UMA Programs
WCM provides model portfolio recommendations for UMA (“Unified Managed Account”) Programs
offered by broker-dealers, advisers and other Sponsors (“Sponsors”). WCM delivers the model portfolio
recommendations to Sponsors on a rotational basis for trading by the Sponsor. As noted above in Trade
Rotation, UMA Programs are included in the rotation of Bucket B and under normal circumstances
recommendations are delivered after corresponding trades have been executed for Bucket A.
Consequently, accounts in the UMA Program are subject to many of the potential disadvantages
described above in Brokerage Practices: Trade Rotation.
Trade Errors
Generally, a “trade error” is defined as (1) an unintentional action directly related to a trade (e.g., a buy
order may be executed as a sell, or vice versa, or a security other than that which the Portfolio Manager
ordered may be purchased or sold); or (2) a violation of a Client’s investment restrictions (e.g., a
decision may be to purchase a security or an amount of a security that is inconsistent with a Client’s
investment restrictions). As a fiduciary, WCM has the responsibility to effect orders correctly, promptly
and in the best interests of its clients. In the event any error occurs in the handling of any Client
transactions, due to WCM’s actions, or inaction, WCM’s policy is to: (1) notify the Client of such error, if
material (2) ensure that the Client is treated fairly when correcting such errors, and (3) correct the error
as soon as practicable and in such a manner that the Client will be in the same position they would have
been if the error had not occurred.
To facilitate the resolution of trade errors, WCM may use a trade error account. This account serves as a
temporary holding account to isolate and manage erroneous trades until the error is fully corrected.
Once the error is identified, the transaction is moved to the trade error account, where corrective
actions, such as reversing, offsetting, or adjusting the trade, are executed to ensure that the Client's
account is restored to the intended state.
When resolving trade errors, WCM may encounter gains and losses within the trade error account.
WCM offsets any gains realized in the trade error account against losses incurred to minimize the
financial impact of the error resolution process. If an erroneous trade never reaches the Client’s account
(i.e., it is identified and corrected entirely within the trade error account), WCM does not reimburse the
Client for any associated gains, as such gains were never realized by the Client. If, after offsetting gains
and losses, there are any residual gains in the trade error account, WCM will donate those gains to a
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charity selected by the firm. This ensures that WCM does not personally benefit or profit from trade
errors.
WCM’s Portfolio Management Teams are responsible for reviewing all accounts for which they authorize
trades to determine that the transactions entered are correct. Upon detection of a trade error, it is
promptly reported to the Compliance Team, who works with the Operations Manager and the Portfolio
Management Team to determine the appropriate method for correcting the error.
If the error is the responsibility of WCM and reimbursement is appropriate, any Client transaction will be
corrected and WCM will be responsible for any Client loss resulting from an inaccurate or erroneous
order. The calculation of the amount of any gain or loss will depend on the particular facts surrounding
the trade error, and therefore methodology used by WCM to calculate gain or loss may vary. Any Client
gain resulting from an inaccurate or erroneous order will be credited to the Client account, unless
directed otherwise by the Client. WCM will not use “soft dollars” to correct trade errors.
Except in cases where the error violates the Client’s agreement or investment guidelines, or constitutes
a breach of WCM’s fiduciary duty, WCM generally will not consider errors in process or other procedural
mistakes as compensable trade errors, including, without limitation: (i) an incorrect trade order that is
identified and corrected prior to settlement; (ii) an incorrect over- or under allocation of an investment
to a Client (iii) an error that does not result in a transaction in a Client Account (e.g., the loss of an
investment opportunity); (iv) errors that WCM cures in accordance with express provisions in an
applicable Account’s governing documents; (v) errors resulting from unavailability of (or disruptions in)
electronic services or other force majeure events; (vi) errors that involve a violation of WCM’s trade
policies (e.g., order rotation, aggregation, etc.) (vii) a failure to follow any formal or informal internal
targets, risk metrics, or other internal guidelines used to manage risk or otherwise guide decision-
making or (viii) performance or holdings dispersion between a Client’s account and the applicable
investment strategy’s model or composite.
Item 13 - Review of Accounts
Periodic Reviews
The Portfolio Management Team reviews accounts for compliance with Client-stated investment
guidelines and restrictions. Frequencies vary with the level of review, which include regular reviews of
cash positions, weekly post-trade compliance and drift auditing, monthly peer-performance comparison,
and annual reviews of performance and objectives. WCM makes extensive use of technology (e.g.,
portfolio management system, customer relationship management system, and document management
system) to monitor and review accounts.
Review Triggers
Other factors that trigger an account review include: (1) a change in a Client’s investment objectives or
guidelines; (2) change in diversification; (3) change in asset allocation; (4) tax considerations (although
WCM does not provide tax advice); (5) cash added or withdrawn from management; (6) strategy trade
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program; (7) exception reports which monitor cash available for investment and security holdings whose
size must meet certain guidelines; (8) developments in domestic or international economies; and (9)
developments in a particular business in which Clients hold a position.
Regular Reports
WCM provides reports to Clients as requested by the Client in writing.
Clients can receive quarterly or monthly statements from the account custodian showing all activity
during the reporting period, including transactions and account holdings as well as the deduction of any
fees, expenses, or other charges from the account.
Wrap accounts will receive reports regarding their investments from the Wrap Sponsor, as described in
the Sponsor’s own disclosure documents.
Mutual fund, UIT, CIT, and UCITS investors receive reports as described in the respective Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information.
Private fund Investors receive reports as described in the applicable Private Placement Memorandum.
The fund administrator supplies monthly reports to Investors which include investment summaries as
well as the performance of the private fund. Each Investor also receives relevant tax reporting
information. Annual audit reports are provided in accordance with the Custody Rule. Reports may be
sent by a third-party service provider on behalf of WCM.
Australian and Canadian fund investors receive reports as described in the applicable Offering
Memorandum.
Item 14 - Client Referrals and Other
Compensation
Client Referrals
WCM compensates, either directly or indirectly, third parties for Client referrals. These third parties
include entities with which WCM has material business relationships as described earlier, including
Natixis IM and its affiliates. Such referral arrangements are governed by a written agreement between
WCM and the particular third party that (i) complies with the SEC’s “Advertising” rule (Rule 206(4)-1); (ii)
requires that Clients be provided with a separate disclosure of the nature of the referral arrangement
(including compensation features) applicable to the Client being referred and containing the information
required by the Rule; and (iii) provides that the third party will not be paid compensation for any Client
referral unless it is registered as an investment adviser or investment adviser agent to the extent
required under applicable regulations. Such third-parties are paid either a base fee and a portion of the
fee paid by each Client or only a portion of the fee paid by each Client they refer to WCM. WCM does
not charge referred Clients fees greater than those charged to new WCM Clients with similar portfolios
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managed by WCM who were not introduced by a third-party, subject to the conditions for case-by-case
fee negotiation described in the Fees and Compensation section of this brochure.
Placement Arrangements
As described above, First Trust Portfolios L.P. acts as the principal underwriter to the WCM Mutual
Funds. In connection therewith, First Trust is responsible for providing investor support services and
other marketing, sales, and distribution-related activities relating to the WCM Mutual Funds. First Trust
does not receive compensation from the Funds for its distribution services except the
distribution/service fees with respect to the shares of those classes of funds for which a 12b-1 plan is
effective. Therefore, First Trust has an incentive to recommend the investor share class over the
institutional share class. For more information on the compensation paid to First Trust for these
services, the WCM Mutual Funds’ offering documents.
Former Employees
Although currently WCM does not have any fee share arrangements with former employees, WCM will
on occasion share a portion of the management fee received on Client accounts with former employees
as part of a severance or retirement agreement. Such an arrangement will not change the management
fee paid by the Client (i.e., the Client will not pay a higher fee).
Charitable Contributions
WCM makes charitable contributions to organizations associated or affiliated with clients,
intermediaries, or consultants, and provides entertainment and gives gifts to intermediaries, consultants
or others in the process of soliciting new business and providing services to existing clients, in
compliance with its Code of Ethics and regulatory limits.
Item 15 - Custody
Account Statements
WCM is not a broker-dealer and does not take physical possession of Client assets. Our Client assets are
maintained in nationally recognized banks or brokerage firms, otherwise known as qualified custodians,
selected by the Client. WCM has the authority to directly debit Client accounts for quarterly fees, if
authorized in writing by the Client, and therefore is deemed to have custody.
WCM requires that the custodian, selected by the Client, send account statements directly to our Clients
at a minimum of a quarterly basis. We urge Clients to compare the account statements they receive
from the qualified custodian with those reports they receive from WCM (if requested).
WCM is deemed to have custody over the assets maintained in the WCM Investment Management
Employee Savings Plan Trust, as the Principals of the Firm act as trustee to this WCM managed account.
As required under the Custody Rule, WCM has retained a third-party certified public accounting firm to
conduct an annual surprise Custody Examination on any assets WCM is deemed to have custody.
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The funds for which WCM acts as the General Partner receive an annual audit from an independent
accounting firm registered with, and subject to, regular inspection by the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board. Audited financial statements are provided to the limited partners of the fund within
120 days after its fiscal year ends.
Item 16 - Investment Discretion
Discretionary Authority for Trading
WCM renders advice primarily on a discretionary basis. By signing the investment management
agreement, the Client generally gives WCM full discretion on all investment decisions regarding their
account. Depending on the terms of the agreement that WCM has entered into with each Client for
whom it provides discretionary management, WCM is generally given authority to make the following
determinations without obtaining the consent of the Client before a transaction is effected:
• Which securities to buy or sell
• The total amount of securities to buy or sell
• The prices at which securities are to be bought or sold, which may include dealer spreads or
mark-ups and transaction costs
• For non-directed brokerage account, the broker or dealer through whom securities are bought
or sold
• The commission rates our brokers charge
WCM’s authority is, however, subject to conditions imposed pursuant to its agreement with the Client.
Examples might include (a) restrictions on ownership of securities in a specific industry, or (b) directions
that transactions be accomplished using particular brokers.
Clients retaining WCM for discretionary services are free to select their own brokers as outlined in the
Directed Brokerage section. WCM does not select or recommend custodians.
WCM is retained as a discretionary sub-adviser. Additionally, WCM provides model portfolio
recommendations to UMA Programs, which are implemented by the UMA Sponsor (see Brokerage
Practices: UMA Programs.)
Limited Power of Attorney
By signing the investment management agreement, the Client typically gives WCM Power of Attorney on
all investment decisions regarding their account. However, unless WCM otherwise agrees in writing,
WCM does not advise or take any action on behalf of Clients in any legal proceedings, including
bankruptcies or class actions, involving securities held or formerly held in Client accounts or the issuers
of those securities.
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Item 17 - Voting Client Securities
Proxy Voting
WCM has written proxy voting policies and procedures as required by Advisers Act Rule 206(4)-6. Each
Client’s investment management agreement should specify whether WCM is to vote proxies relating to
securities held for the Client’s account. If the agreement is silent as to the proxy voting and no
instructions from the client are on file, WCM will assume responsibility of proxy voting.
In cases in which WCM has proxy voting authority for securities held by its advisory clients, WCM will
ensure securities are voted for the exclusive benefit, and in the best economic interest, of those clients
and their beneficiaries, subject to any restrictions or directions from a client. Such voting responsibilities
will be exercised in a manner that is consistent with the general antifraud provisions of the Advisers Act,
and the Proxy Voting Rule, Rule 206(4)-6, as well as with WCM’s fiduciary duties under federal and state
law to act in the best interests of its clients.
WCM uses the proxy voting recommendations of a Proxy Adviser. The purpose of the Proxy Advisers
research and advice is to facilitate shareholder voting in favor of governance structures that will drive
performance and create shareholder value. Because the Proxy Adviser is not in the business of providing
consulting services to public companies, it can focus solely on the best interests of investors. The Proxy
Adviser analyzes corporate governance, accounting, executive compensation, compliance with
regulation and law, risks and risk disclosure, litigation and other matters that reflect on the quality of
board oversight and company transparency.
The voting recommendations of the Proxy Adviser are strongly considered; however, the final
determination for voting in the best economic interest of the clients is the responsibility of the relevant
strategy Investment Strategy Group (“ISG”). When a decision is reached to vote contrary to the
recommendation of the Proxy Adviser, the ISG addresses any potential conflicts of interest (as described
in the Proxy policy) and proceed accordingly.
WCM acknowledges its responsibility for identifying material conflicts of interest relating to voting
proxies. When a material conflict of interest between WCM’s interests and its Clients’ interests appears
to exist, WCM will either (1) obtain a Client’s consent to how the ISG will vote the proxy; or (2) vote in
accordance with the Proxy Advisor’s recommendation. In the event that a conflict of interest arises
between the Proxy Advisor or the proxy issuer and a Client of WCM, WCM will evaluate the
circumstances and either (1) elevate the decision to the ISG who will make a determination as to what
would be in the Client’s best interest; (2) if practical, notify affected Clients of the conflict of interest and
seek a waiver of the conflict; or (3) if agreed upon in writing with the Clients, forward the proxies to
affected Clients allowing them to vote their own proxies.
For each proxy, WCM maintains all related records as required by applicable law. Clients may obtain
copies of WCM’s written proxy voting policies and procedures, as well as information on how proxies
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were voted for their accounts by requesting such information from WCM at the address and phone
listed on the cover of this brochure. WCM will not disclose proxy votes for a Client to other Clients or
third parties unless specifically requested in writing by the Client; however, to the extent that WCM
serves as a sub-adviser to another adviser to a Client, WCM will be deemed to be authorized to provide
proxy voting records on such Client accounts to such other adviser.
In certain circumstances, additional information from Clients, such as residency declarations, limited
power of attorneys or similar details, may be necessary for WCM to exercise its proxy voting authority in
compliance with jurisdictional or regulatory requirements. If such information is not provided by the
Client, WCM reserves the right to abstain from voting proxies for that Client without further notice.
In the event WCM does not have the authority to vote proxies on a Client’s behalf, Clients should
instruct their custodian to send proxies directly to them. WCM will us reasonable best efforts to
forwarded any proxies erroneously received by WCM to the Client. Clients are welcome to contact WCM
with questions regarding proxy ballots or other solicitations.
Item 18 - Financial Information
WCM has never been the subject of a bankruptcy petition, and it is not aware of any financial condition
that is reasonably likely to impair its ability to meet any contractual commitments to Clients.
Additional Disclosures
Investor Privacy Notice
Last updated: March 14, 2025
WCM Investment Management, LLC (“WCM”, “we”, “our”, “us”) respects your privacy rights. In offering
or providing investment management services to you, WCM obtains certain non-public personal
information. We recognize the sensitive nature of this information and take appropriate precautions to
protect your privacy.
Our policy is to keep this information strictly safeguarded and confidential, and to use or disclose it only
as necessary to provide services to you or as otherwise permitted or required by law. We do not sell,
rent or trade your information with other companies. We are sharing this Investor Privacy Notice with
you so you can understand how we use, store, and share your data. We also want you to know your
rights with regards to this information and the data we collect about you.
For privacy disclosures concerning your visits to our website or general marketing of our services, please
refer to our online privacy policy https://www.wcminvest.com/privacy_policy.
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This privacy disclosure applies to all clients, including investors in our funds.
1. What Types of Personal Information Do We Collect?
2. Retention of Information We Collect and Process
3. How Do We Use Personal Information?
4. How Do We Share Personal Information?
5. Your Privacy Choices
6. Safeguarding Your Data
7. Change of Control
8. Privacy Notice Changes
9. Contact Information
1. What Types of Personal Information Do We Collect?
Information You Give Us. You may give us information in subscription agreements, investor
questionnaires, applications or other forms. You may also provide us information in your
correspondence and transactions with us in person, by phone, mail, e-mail or other electronic
means. In most cases, you give us this information yourself or through a person you have authorized
to share it.
The categories of information include:
Identifiers, such as name, address, email, telephone number
•
• Personal information under California Civil Code section 1798.80, such as signature or date
of birth
• Background information, such as information revealed in know-your- customer (KYC) and
anti-money laundering (AML) due diligence
• Financial information, such as assets, income, net worth, investment amounts and history,
transaction information, tax information, brokerage, custodial arrangements, and family
relationships (for family trusts)
• Professional or employment-related information, such as your employer and employment
history
Inferences drawn from any of the above information categories
•
The categories of sensitive personal information include:
• National identification information, such as social security number, taxpayer identification
number, driver’s license, passport, or other government identification
Information We Collect From Third Parties. We may collect your information from third party
service providers, such as broker-dealers, screening companies, investor placement entities, or
public databases, who perform services on our behalf or at your request to verify or supplement our
information.
2. Retention of Information We Collect and Process
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We will only retain your personal information and data for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes
we collected it for, including for the purposes of satisfying any legal, regulatory, accounting, or
reporting requirements.
To determine the appropriate retention period for your personal information, we consider the
amount, nature, and sensitivity of the information, the potential risk of harm from unauthorized use
or disclosure, the purposes for which we process your personal information and whether we can
achieve those purposes through other means, and the applicable legal requirements.
3. How Do We Use Personal Information?
We use your personal information as follows:
• To fulfill your requests for financial and investment products and services offered and
subscribed or accepted by you, through any medium of communication
• To enforce our rights or the rights of other persons engaged in carrying out the financial and
investment products and services offered and subscribed or accepted by you
• To deliver to you any administrative notices, advice and communications relevant to your
use of the products and/or services
• To market our advisory or investment services to you
• For market research, project planning, troubleshooting problems
• For detecting and protecting against error, fraud or other criminal activity
4. How Do We Share Personal Information?
We may disclose non-public personal information about you that we have collected, only to those
persons that provide necessary services to your account or as permitted or required by law or
specifically authorized by you. The following discussion identifies categories of persons who may
have access to this information.
Within WCM
WCM employees are permitted access to the information they need to perform their jobs on your
behalf. We maintain strict internal policies against unauthorized disclosure or use of client
information by employees.
Companies That You Ask Us to Share With
From time to time, you may request that we provide information to third parties such as financial
planners, portfolio consultants, tax advisors or legal counsel. In these cases, WCM will obtain your
permission prior to sharing your information with the outside firm. WCM may get your written,
online, or verbal permission to share your information. Your consent will apply only to the specific
parties you request. If you have previously requested that we block the sharing of your information,
that request will remain in place for all other situations, except where required by law.
Outside Service Providers
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We have arrangements with companies whose experience is essential for our advisory services to
operate properly. For example, we work with firms that execute securities transactions for us or our
clients, custody client assets, provide systems or write software for accounting, compliance and
other critical operational functions. These companies work at WCM's direction and only the client
information necessary for them to perform these functions is shared. They are required to safeguard
your information and only use it for authorized purposes, and within the guidelines established by
WCM for the protection of client information. We also work with legal, tax, and accounting advisors
for compliance purposes and to enforce our rights or the rights of other persons engaged in carrying
out the financial and investment products and services offered and subscribed or accepted by you.
These advisors are under professional duties of confidentiality.
Courts and Government Bodies
Certain federal and state laws may require us to share information about you. For example, if you
are involved in a legal matter with a third party, we may be ordered to provide information to a
court or other party. In these circumstances, only the specific information required by law,
subpoena, or court order will be shared. The Fair Credit Reporting Act and other laws allow us to
share specific details about your transactions and experience with us. The use of this information is
limited by federal law to specific permissible purposes, such as applications for credit, insurance or
employment. In addition, we may share information with courts, government bodies, and other
parties to enforce our rights or the rights of other persons engaged in carrying out the financial and
investment products and services offered and subscribed or accepted by you.
5. Your Privacy Choices
We have listed several privacy rights below, but we understand you may have additional rights in
your jurisdiction. You may contact us directly at any time to inquire about exercising your data
protection rights. We will consider your request in accordance with applicable laws.
Right to Access/ Rectification: Please contact us if you would like to request a copy of your
information or to make any changes to your personal information.
Marketing Opt-Out: We may use your personal information to contact you with newsletters,
marketing or promotional materials and other information that may be of interest to you. You may
opt out of receiving any, or all, of these communications from us by following the unsubscribe
instructions provided in any email we send. You will still continue to receive service-related
messages concerning products and services you have purchased (unless we have indicated
otherwise).
6. Safeguarding Your Data
To protect the personal information of individuals, we permit access only by authorized employees
who need access to that information to provide services to us and to you. To guard investors'
personal information, we maintain physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with
applicable federal and state standards.
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Your right to privacy extends to all forms of contact with us, including telephone, written
correspondence and electronic media, such as the internet.
7. Change of Control
Personal information may be transferred to a third party as a result of a sale, acquisition, merger,
reorganization or other change in control. If we sell, merge or transfer any part of the business, part
of the sale may include your personal information.
8. Privacy Notice Changes
For current investors, we will provide you with a copy of this Investor Privacy Notice annually. For
prospective investors, we encourage you to periodically review this Investor Privacy Notice to
ensure you are familiar with the most current version.
9. Contact Information
If you wish to contact us or have any questions about or complaints in relation to this Investor
Privacy Notice, please contact us at: privacy@wcminvest.com or 949-380-0200.
Summary of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan
WCM maintains a document that outlines its immediate and long-term business continuity and disaster
recovery plan (the “Plan”). The purpose of the Plan is to provide specific guidelines WCM and its
employees will follow in the event of a disruption or failure of any critical business capability whether due
to an emergency, disaster or otherwise.
Key Concept
Distributed Workspace Environment (“DWE”): This is WCM’s architecture of systems that gives
personnel the ability to perform all business functions from anywhere and at any time. With access to
the Internet, personnel can perform all portfolio management functions (e.g., portfolio monitoring,
trade allocation, trading, trade settlement, reconciling, reporting); access client files; maintain electronic
communications; retrieve company research; process client billing; conduct HR functions; and process
company payables. A secured connection provides personnel access to the company network, which is
maintained at redundant data centers.
Areas Addressed by the Plan
• The Emergency Response Team
• The safety and mobility of employees
Lack of access to office facilities
•
• Disruption to office communications
• The disaster recovery plans of key third-party vendors
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• The stability and security of WCM’s computer network
• The protection, preservation, and recovery of critical data
• Key personnel
• Cash reserves & Insurance protection
• Maintenance and testing of the Plan
Notice to Canadian Clients
WCM Investment Management, LLC (“WCM”) provides advice to persons and companies located in
Canada in reliance upon the international adviser exemption that is available to persons or companies
registered, or exempt from registration, in a foreign jurisdiction pursuant to section 8.26 of National
Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations (“NI 31-
103”) and for purposes of such exemption we are required to advise you of the following:
1. WCM is not registered in any province or territory of Canada to engage in the advisory activity
that is contemplated by section 8.26(3).
2. The foreign jurisdiction in which WCM’s head office or principal place of business is located in
California, USA.
3. All or substantially all of WCM’s assets may be situated outside of Canada.
4. Consequently, there may be difficulty enforcing legal rights against WCM.
WCM is limited to advising clients in Canada who are “Permitted Clients” as defined under NI 31-103.
WCM has appointed the following agents for service of process in the Canadian provinces listed below:
Nova Scotia
Stewart McKelvey LLP
Purdy's Wharf Tower One
1959 Upper Water St.
Halifax NS B3J 3N2
Attention: Richard Hirsch
Alberta
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Suite 4000
421 – 7th Avenue SW
Calgary, AL T2P 4K9
Attention: John Osler, Q.C.
Quebec
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Bureau 2500
1000, De La Gauchetière Street West
Montréal QC H3B 0A2
Attention: Sonia J. Struthers
British Columbia
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Suite 2400
745 Thurlow Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 0C5
Attention: Robin Mahood
Ontario
Cartan Limited
Suite 5300
Toronto Dominion Bank Tower
Toronto, Ontario M5K 1E6
Attention: Sean D. Sadler
Manitoba
MLT Aikins LLP 30th Floor
Commodity Exchange Tower
360 Main Street
Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G1
Attention: Richard L. Yaffe
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Notice to Australian Clients
WCM Investment Management, LLC (“WCM”) is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian
financial services license under ASIC Corporations (Repeal and Transitional) Instrument 2016/396 in
respect of its financial services. WCM is regulated by the SEC under US laws, which may differ from
Australian laws.
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