At ECMA, our clients’ success is a measure of our own. It is this belief, along with a team comprised of some of the brightest professionals in our field that sets us apart from the rest. We welcome you to experience an exceptional kind of service – from an exceptionally dedicated team.

Investment Process

Our process is founded on the belief that thorough, client-focused financial planning should be the engine that drives investment decisions. For this reason, a considerable amount of time is spent working with each client to map out a long-term plan that identifies goals, objectives and strategies for achieving them.

This process begins with a personal meeting where we gain a complete understanding of the client's financial needs. Factors considered include the client’s risk tolerance, current asset allocation, time horizon, income requirements, tax considerations, insurance and estate plans.

We then provide a written, individually tailored investment plan that includes an asset allocation model and a set of recommended actions. All accounts are non-discretionary and therefore no transactions are made without prior consent from the client.

Investment Philosophy

Our investment philosophy stands on three pillars: diversification to reduce risk, superior investment selection to build wealth, and portfolio customization to meet specific needs.

Diversification
In order to reduce risk, we diversify a client’s portfolio using a variety of investments. For an investor with a conservative risk temperament we will recommend a broad range of investments that are more traditional and value-oriented. Conversely, we will include more growth-oriented equities in a portfolio when an investor’s disposition is more aggressive. Within the universe of stocks, a typical portfolio will include small-cap, mid-cap and large-cap issues as well as some exposure in overseas equities. In addition, we may include bonds, certificates of deposit (CD’s) and other fixed income investments, when appropriate for an investor.

Investment Selection
Our investment process combines both top-down and bottom-up elements and begins with an evaluation of the current economic environment. At this stage we analyze the global economy to identify the important driving trends. We examine the forces that are moving the economy and what regions of the world will benefit the most. Our efforts are not aimed at predicting precise targets for numerous economic statistics. The goal is to develop a position with regard to the broad economic patterns, which help us identify the industries and regions that should be emphasized. This leads us to a review of the major stocks within these sectors and of the mutual fund managers that have implemented similar strategies. Key characteristics of our holdings include above average earnings growth potential, quality management teams, pricing flexibility and industry leadership.

We are not market timers. The stock market is subject to a broad range of influences over the short term and few investors are successful in guessing what the markets will do from day to day. Over the long term however, we believe earnings growth and future earnings expectations are the primary factors influencing returns. Accordingly, we seek to stay fully invested in high quality securities at all times.

Portfolio Customization
Our investment management expertise is well suited to clients who desire a higher level of personal service and commitment that is not commonly offered by mass-marketed funds or brokerage firms. Specific personal considerations such as risk tolerance, time horizon and tax management play an important role in establishing which investments we recommend for a portfolio. In addition, our portfolio software also allows us to track the tax basis of our clients’ investments. This helps us to manage taxable accounts efficiently and allows us to provide clients with an annual accounting of all short and long-term gains at year-end.

Personalized Service

Our clients receive a comprehensive quarterly statement reporting overall portfolio returns, current positions, income, and realized gains and losses. We also have the ability to produce special reports detailing unrealized gains and losses, benchmark comparisons and other financial information specific to client needs.

In a world that is constantly changing, we encourage clients to meet with us quarterly to review their financial plan and to analyze any changes in their objectives and goals. In addition, our portfolio managers, financial advisors and support staff are always available to answer questions, including those from CPAs and attorneys, and to handle any special needs our clients may encounter.

Fees

Managed Assets Annual Fees First $500,000 Next $500,000 Next $1,500,000 Over $2,500,000 1.00 % .75 % .50 % Negotiable