PARAMETRIC PORTFOLIO ASSOCIATES LLC
- Advisory Business
- Fees and Compensation
- Performance-Based Fees
- Types of Clients
- Methods of Analysis
- Disciplinary Information
- Other Activities
- Code of Ethics
- Brokerage Practices
- Review of Accounts
- Client Referrals
- Custody
- Investment Discretion
- Voting Client Securities
- Financial Information
Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC (Parametric) is organized as a limited liability company under the laws of the State of Delaware. Parametric has been providing investment advisory services since its formation in 1987. Parametric serves its clients through its offices located in Seattle, Wash., Minneapolis, Minn., Boston, MA, New York, NY, Westport, CT and Sydney, Australia. Parametric is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (EVC), a publicly held company that is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the ticker symbol EV. Parametric’s direct owners are Eaton Vance Acquisitions and Parametric Portfolio, L.P. Each is a privately-held subsidiary of EVC.
Parametric is a leading global asset management firm providing various portfolio management services and investment strategies directly to institutional investors and indirectly to individual investors through financial intermediaries. Parametric’s investment decision-making processes utilize proprietary technology and are guided by structured, mathematical, and rules-based methodologies. Parametric’s portfolio management services and strategies assist clients in meeting their desired market exposure, risk management, tax management and return objectives in a cost-effective manner. These services may be tailored to meet specific client needs, which include but are not limited to: systematic equity portfolios, tax-managed core equity portfolios for taxable investors, fixed-income, centralized portfolio management, futures and options-based overlay services for clients seeking to securitize cash, re-balance asset allocations, managed currency and duration exposure, and specialty index strategies. Parametric collaborates with clients and their advisers to design and implement customized solutions through the application of equity, fixed-income and derivative programs. Clients may impose restrictions on investments in securities or types of securities and set additional investment guidelines as they deem necessary.
Parametric’s provides investment management services through a variety of products and vehicles, These include but are not limited to: discretionary separate accounts for individual investors; U.S. registered investment funds such as mutual funds and ETFs sponsored by both affiliates and third parties; U.S. and non-U.S. collectively managed funds such as private funds, collective investment trusts, commingled trust funds, and UCITS which may be sponsored by Parametric, affiliates, or third parties.
Parametric provides portfolio management services to various wrap fee programs sponsored by broker- dealers, banks or other investment advisers. Parametric receives a portion of the wrap/program fee collected by the program sponsor for its services. Wrap accounts are generally managed in the same or similar manner to other separately managed accounts. However, wrap programs may impose specific restrictions and investment guidelines that are more restrictive than fully discretionary client accounts; this is discussed in the wrap program sponsor’s disclosure brochure. In addition, wrap programs may mandate that Parametric direct transactions to a specific broker-dealer, which may prohibit Parametric from seeking best execution or aggregating trades. As a result, wrap accounts may not achieve the same performance as fully discretionary accounts. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 2 Parametric provides non-discretionary investment advice through model portfolio delivery programs. Under such arrangements, Parametric provides third parties with a model portfolio. The third party retains discretion to implement, reject, or adjust such model and the third party is responsible for executing any corresponding transactions on behalf of the third party’s underlying clients. Parametric does not affect or execute transactions for any underlying clients of the third party participating in the model delivery program and Parametric does not consider such underlying clients of the third party to be clients of Parametric.
Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC claims compliance with the Global Investment Performance Standards (GIPS®). Parametric formed a GIPS®-compliant firm effective December 31, 2013. At that time, Parametric was divided into two segments: Parametric Investment & Overlay Strategies and Parametric Custom Tax- Managed & Centralized Portfolio Management. For compliance with GIPS®, the “Firm” was defined and held out to the public as Parametric Investment & Overlay Strategies. On July 1, 2019, these segments were combined and the Firm was redefined as Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC.
The Firm provides rules-based investment management services to institutional investors, individual clients, and commingled investment vehicles, including Systematic Alpha and Income Strategies, Custom Core®, Centralized Portfolio Management, Policy Implementation Overlay Services, Customized Exposure Management, Volatility Risk Premium, and Systematic Alternative Risk Premia. The Firm has complied with the GIPS® standards retroactive to January 1, 2000. To obtain a compliant presentation and or the Firm’s list of composite descriptions, prospective clients should contact us at 206-694-5575 or visit our website, www.parametricportfolio.com.
Parametric operates several business locations, all of which are integral divisions of the firm. The locations are: Seattle, Washington (herein referred to as Parametric Seattle or Seattle) Minneapolis, Minnesota (herein referred to as Parametric Minneapolis or Minneapolis) Westport, Connecticut (herein referred to as Parametric Westport or Westport) Boston, Massachusetts (Parametric Boston or Boston) New York, New York (Parametric New York or New York) Sydney, Australia (Parametric Australia or Australia) In June 2019, EVC announced a strategic initiative involving Parametric and Eaton Vance Management (EVM), an affiliated investment adviser. The initiative consisted of three primary components: (i) the rebranding of EVM’s rules-based, systematic fixed income strategies as Parametric strategies; (ii) integrating technology and operations platforms supporting the separately managed account businesses of EVM and Parametric; and (iii) integrating the sales and distribution teams serving registered investment adviser (RIA) and multi-family office (MFO) clients. Effective January 1, 2020, the investment personnel responsible for the day-to-day management of the rules-based, systematic investment-grade fixed income strategies, who are situated in Boston and New York, will become employees of EVM and Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 3 Parametric. In addition the sales and distribution teams serving RIA and MFO clients will be designated as employees of multiple firms, including Parametric, EVM, Calvert Research and Management (CRM) and Eaton Vance Distributors Inc., (EVD) an affiliated broker-dealer. Employees of multiple affiliates are subject to the policies and procedures of Parametric or those of Parametric’s affiliates that have been reviewed by Parametric’s Chief Compliance Officer and determined to sufficiently cover the material aspects of the Parametric policies and procedures. Please see Item 10—Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations for a description of these relationships and the conflicts and compliance policies and procedures applicable to these employees.
The Seattle, Minneapolis, Boston, and New York offices have customized investment policies and procedures, strategy-specific investment guidelines, separate portfolio management teams and individualized operations. Investment personnel who are located in Westport are subject to the customized investment policies and procedures of Parametric Minneapolis. For certain clients, Parametric utilizes the expertise of investment and operations personnel across more than one office. Parametric Australia consists of client service, sales and marketing personnel; it is not responsible for day-to-day portfolio management functions.
Parametric has been granted registration as a Portfolio Manager in the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec. The firm has also been granted registration as a Commodity Trading Manager in Ontario. Parametric advises or sub-advises qualified institutional or “permitted” clients in Canada and does so in accordance with rules and regulations set forth in National Instrument (NI) 31-103.
Parametric is registered as a Delegated Fund Manager by the Central Bank of Ireland. As detailed in Item 10—Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations, Parametric serves as a sub-adviser to certain affiliated, commingled funds registered with the Central Bank of Ireland.
Parametric is registered as a foreign company in Australia but is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services license under the Australian Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act) in respect of the provision of financial services to wholesale clients as defined in the Corporations Act and pursuant to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's (ASIC) Class Order 03/1100 and ASIC Corporations (Repeal and Transitional) Instrument 2016/396. Parametric has registered the name Parametric Portfolio Associates with ASIC. SEC rules and regulations may differ from Australian law. Parametric is not a licensed tax agent or adviser and does not provide tax advice in Australia or any other country. Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC markets under the following names: Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC Parametric Portfolio Associates Parametric Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 4 As of October 31, 2019, Parametric held approximately $265.9 billion in total client assets under management (AUM). This is comprised of roughly $242.4 billion in discretionary AUM and $23.5 billion in non-discretionary AUM. please register to get more info
All advisory fee schedules are negotiable and vary by investment strategy, product type, account size, customization requirements and required service levels. The investment strategies offered by Parametric fall within six general categories. The standard annual fee ranges for each category are as follows: Parametric's annual fee for Custom Core® strategies, as defined in Item 8, is typically between 0.15% and 0.35% of assets under management. Parametric’s annual fee for Fixed Income Solutions, as defined in Item 8, is typically between 0.08% and 0.32% of assets under management. Parametric's annual fee for Customized Exposure Management strategies, as defined in Item 8, is typically between 0.08% and 0.55% of assets under management. Minimum fees may apply to these strategies. Parametric’s annual fee for Centralized Portfolio Management strategies, as defined in Item 8, is typically between 0.06% and 0.25% of assets under management. Parametric’s annual fee for Systematic Alpha & Income Strategies, as defined in Item 8, is typically between 0.25% and 0.80% of assets under management. Parametric’s annual fee for Liquid Alternatives strategies, as defined in Item 8, is typically between 0.20% and 0.80% of assets under management.
In certain instances, the index selected as a client’s performance benchmark, or screens a client elects to apply to their account, will carry an additional fee for individual client use. These fees are documented in writing, and, in most cases, passed on to individual clients. These fees are charged on a percentage of client portfolio AUM or a flat fee depending on the screen, index or indexes chosen. Fees for the use of an index generally range between 0.01% and 0.10% of client AUM but are subject to change without notice.
The advisory fees charged by Parametric are confirmed in writing in the client’s investment advisory agreement with Parametric. Fees across all Parametric products are typically charged as a percentage of the client portfolio’s AUM as of the last business day of the quarter, but certain clients are billed based on the average month end value or average daily market value of the client’s account during the applicable quarter. Cash-flows of five percent or greater are factored into the fee calculation. Parametric may assess a minimum quarterly fee to accounts that do not trade or fall below the stated asset minimum during a given period. This minimum account fee is acknowledged in the written client agreement. A reporting fee may also be charged to clients requesting enhanced or specialized reporting. This reporting fee is usually charged on a monthly basis and added to the quarterly fee. Custom fixed-fee pricing, subject to negotiation, is also available for certain additional services. Fees are generally payable quarterly in arrears, Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 5 but Parametric and individual clients may agree that such client may pay in advance or on a monthly basis if so desired. Clients may elect to be billed directly for fees or authorize Parametric to directly bill fees to the client’s custodial account. If Parametric bills the client’s custodian directly, Parametric must have written authorization from the client to invoice the custodial account and the client must receive at least quarterly statements from their custodian in order to comply with regulations. Unless otherwise provided in an investment advisory contract, when Parametric is responsible for calculating the fees owed by a client, it will calculate the billable assets for which Parametric has investment discretion according to its internal accounting system, which may include assets for which current market prices are not available, Parametric elects to override a price of, or pending portfolio activities have not yet been fully processed. A conflict of interest exists when Parametric calculates fees based on securities it has set a fair value for as Parametric is incentivized to apply a higher valuation. Parametric has adopted valuation policies and procedures which are designed to value securities fairly, mitigating this conflict of interest. Due to fair-valued securities and pending portfolio activities, a client account’s AUM calculated by Parametric may not match the account’s AUM reported by the client’s custodian. When this occurs over a billing period end, Parametric will calculate fees based on the AUM reflected in its accounting systems, which may differ from the AUM reported by the client’s custodian if there is pending activity.
Clients or Parametric may terminate a contract for any reason. Normally, clients may cancel Parametric’s services upon specified written notice (e.g., 30 days). Parametric reserves the right to waive any applicable notice period. During the period specified in the advisory contact, Parametric's ordinary fees are earned and payable unless Parametric has waived the required notice period. Parametric may terminate an investment advisory contract by giving the specified written notice to the client. Accounts initiated or terminated during a calendar quarter are charged a prorated fee. Upon termination of an account, any prepaid, unearned fees are refunded, and any earned, unpaid fees are due and payable.
Parametric has entered into various advisory agreements with investment advisers and other financial intermediaries with respect to investment programs they offer. Typically, Parametric negotiates fees with the advisers, wrap sponsors or wrap providers and not with individuals participating in such programs. However, for specialized portfolio customization, additional fees may be charged based on the size and complexity of the accounts. Parametric reserves the right to change its standard fee schedules and absent contractual provisions to the contrary is not required to change the fee schedules of existing clients to match such updated fee schedules, even if such updated fee schedules would be more advantageous. Parametric may, at its sole discretion, offer certain clients more advantageous fee schedules than those offered to other clients for similar services provided. Parametric’s fees are exclusive of brokerage commissions, transaction fees, and other related costs and expenses. Clients may incur certain charges imposed by custodians, broker-dealers and other third- parties, including but not limited to: fees charged by third-party managers, custodial fees, deferred sales Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 6 charges, odd-lot differentials, transfer taxes, withholding fees, country tax or delivery fees, wire transfer and electronic fund fees, and other fees and taxes on brokerage accounts and securities transactions. Certain Parametric investment strategies invest in mutual funds, closed-end funds, exchange-traded notes and ETFs which charge shareholders with management fees. These fees are disclosed in the fund’s or ETF’s prospectus or offering memorandum. Parametric may invest client assets in mutual funds or closed-end funds offered or managed by EV or its affiliates. The Enhanced Income strategies invest in closed-end funds offered by EV and managed by EVM. The CPM strategy, as defined in Item 8, implements third- party manager models that may include mutual funds or closed-end funds managed by EV. In addition to the advisory fee paid directly to Parametric, a client that holds EV mutual funds or closed-end fund shares also pay a management fee indirectly to EVM as a fund shareholder. Parametric does not receive compensation from any affiliate when clients invest in EV closed-end funds. Management fees charged to fund shareholders are incremental to Parametric’s investment management fee. Clients should consider all fees and expenses prior to investing in any disciplines or securities. External legal fees incurred by Parametric on behalf of the client to establish trading accounts, or incremental fees to create specialized securities such as swaps, are billed to the client separately. Such costs are exclusive of and in addition to Parametric’s fee, and Parametric does not receive any portion of these payments. Please refer to Item 12 of this brochure regarding Parametric’s brokerage practices and various factors Parametric considers in selecting or recommending broker-dealers for client transactions and determining the reasonableness of their compensation.
Parametric generally negotiates the fees paid to us in wrap fee and sub-advised relationships directly with the sponsors of such programs, and not with individual participants. Some custody relationships require a minimum account size or annual fee. Wrap fee and sub-advisory program clients receive a brochure from the introducing sponsor detailing all aspects of the wrap fee or sub-advisory program before selecting Parametric as the sub-adviser. Fees and features of each program offered by the various introducing sponsors vary. Wrap fee or sub-advisory program clients should consult the introducing sponsor’s brochure for the specific fees and features applicable to their program. For wrap or sub-advised accounts, participants generally pay the sponsor a single fee and Parametric is paid its negotiated fee rate by the introducing sponsor for advisory services, while the introducing sponsor retains the remainder of the fee for trade execution, custody, and additional services. In addition to investment advisory fees received from clients, Parametric and its employees receive compensation and fees from affiliates for the sale of securities or other investment products. Parametric has entered into revenue sharing and/or solicitation agreements with the following affiliated firms: Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (EVD), an affiliated broker-dealer and distributor of affiliated mutual funds Eaton Vance Management (EVM), an affiliated registered investment adviser Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited (EVMI), an affiliated investment manager registered under the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 7 EVD, EVM and EVMI offer services and products that are cross-marketed with products and services offered by Parametric. Parametric personnel who are registered representatives of EVD receive compensation from EVD for selling affiliated registered mutual funds. Licensed personnel receive commissions for selling commingled funds advised or sub-advised by Parametric. In all such associations, Parametric and the related party or parties share the client fee. Parametric believes it adequately addresses potential conflicts of interest that may arise out of such arrangements. As outlined in Item 8, Parametric offers a broad array of investment strategies across different asset classes. Many of these strategies are offered in multiple types of investment vehicles (e.g. separately managed account, private fund, registered fund). The amount of compensation or commission earned by the sales personnel of Parametric and its affiliates varies across both investment strategy and investment vehicle. This could create a conflict of interest by incentivizing the sale of one strategy or investment vehicle over another. Parametric believes this potential conflict is largely mitigated through supervisory review and by the fact that Parametric strategies are offered to or through sophisticated institutional investors and financial intermediaries. please register to get more info
Parametric has entered into performance-based fee arrangements with a limited number of qualified clients. These arrangements are subject to negotiation with each individual client. Parametric will structure any performance or incentive-based fee arrangement subject to Section 205(a)(1) of the Advisers Act and in accordance with the exemptions available thereunder, including the exemption set forth in Rule 205-3. In measuring a client’s assets for the calculation of performance-based fees, Parametric shall include realized and unrealized capital gains and losses. Although such fee arrangements may create an incentive to favor accounts subject to a performance-based fee over other accounts when allocating investment opportunities, Parametric has implemented procedures designed to ensure that all clients are treated fairly and equitably. Parametric is a rules-based manager and, as such, accounts subject to performance- based fees are integrated with all other accounts in the optimization process. The optimization process is tracked as an aid in addressing the inherent conflicts associated with the allocation of investment opportunities across all accounts, regardless of their corresponding fee structure. The performance-based component of a fee may be negotiated for any part of the fee up to 100%. Performance-based fees are dependent on the achievement of an annualized performance objective relative to an agreed upon third-party index or benchmark (e.g., S&P 500® Index, Barclays Capital Intermediate Government Corporate Index, or 90-Day Treasury Bills). Fees for custom-designed or specialized strategies, and strategies comprised of more than one Parametric product are negotiable and are dependent upon the degree of complexity and creativity involved, the expected time period over which the service is to be performed, and the value of portfolio assets to be managed. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 8
Side-by-Side Management
Parametric provides investment advisory services to clients through various investment vehicles. Parametric client assets invested in the same or similar strategies are held in separately managed accounts (SMAs) or commingled in a private fund, mutual fund or other registered fund (collectively Funds). This gives rise to potential conflicts of interest since Parametric has an incentive to favor certain accounts over others. Examples of this include: Allocating favored investment opportunities to larger accounts or relationships which pay more fees in the aggregate than smaller accounts or relationships Allocating favored investment opportunities to accounts with performance-based fees or higher fee schedules than other accounts The portfolio manager allocating more time and attention to accounts with higher fee rates or larger aggregate fee amounts. Allocating investment opportunities to accounts or funds where an employee, Parametric, or an affiliate has a proprietary interest. Trades get executed for an account or client that may adversely impact the value of securities held by a different account or client. If there is limited availability of an investment opportunity, Parametric may not be able to allocate such opportunity to all eligible SMAs or Funds which could have otherwise participated in the investment opportunity Trading and securities selected for a particular SMA or Fund cause differences in the performance of other SMAs or Funds that have similar strategies. Parametric and affiliates have adopted trade allocation procedures and monitors performance to help ensure Parametric’s portfolio managers do not favor certain clients or accounts over each other and there is fair and equitable treatment of all clients and accounts over time. Please see Item12 – Brokerage Practices for more details on our trading practices. During periods of unusual market conditions, Parametric may deviate from its stated trade allocation practices. There is no assurance, however, that all conflicts have been or may be identified or addressed for all situations. please register to get more info
Parametric provides portfolio management services to: high net-worth individuals; corporations; corporate pension and profit-sharing plans; Taft-Hartley plans; banking and thrift institutions; charitable institutions, foundations and endowments; state, municipal and federal government entities; registered investment companies; trust programs; other investment advisers; sovereign funds; foreign registered and private funds; other pooled investment vehicles; other U.S. and international institutions. Parametric generally has a minimum account size of $10 million for opening a direct account. Parametric serves U.S. clients with assets maintained by qualified custodians in the U.S. Parametric may accept certain non-U.S. clients, in its sole discretion, in accordance with all applicable laws. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 9 Parametric does not generally engage retail clients directly. Retail investors may access Parametric’s advisory services by investing in registered investment companies sub-advised by Parametric or they can engage Parametric indirectly via their investment advisor or financial consultant, broker-dealers, and other financial intermediaries (each an “Advisor”). Parametric’s contractual relationship with retail clients is documented pursuant to a sub-advisory agreement between Parametric and their Advisor or a dual- or tri-party agreement to which Parametric is a party. Subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable agreement between Parametric and a client’s Advisor, Parametric may refuse to accept a client for any reason. It is the responsibility of the client or their Advisor to evaluate the client’s investment objectives, risks tolerance and financial standing and determine a suitable asset allocation for the client. Parametric ensures that its discretionary investment decisions are suitable according to the mandate for which it is hired. While Parametric may receive detailed client information either directly from the client or from the client’s Advisor, such information is used solely as background information for Parametric to familiarize itself with the client, and by accepting a retail client, Parametric does not imply or acknowledge that it has determined that the applicable strategy chosen by the client’s Advisor is suitable for the client. please register to get more info
Methods of Analysis
In providing investment advisory services to its clients, Parametric utilizes structured, mathematical and rules-based methods of analysis. Parametric has designed proprietary models and technology that guide its investment decision-making processes. Investment strategies employed are generally customized to address the specific needs of the client. As a result, the client’s portfolio is typically constructed using only the securities from the benchmark selected by the client. For an account using an overlay strategy, the securities or derivatives selected for inclusion are based on the client’s underlying portfolio. Parametric’s rules-based methodologies consider risks, expenses, taxes and other portfolio characteristics when making investment decisions.
Investment Strategies
Parametric offers a variety of quantitative, rules-based, risk-managed investment strategies to address the specific investment objectives of its clients. In pursuing these strategies, Parametric may invest in a wide range of securities and other financial instruments across various asset classes. Parametric recognizes that no investment strategy will achieve positive performance results in every political, economic and market environment. Investing in securities and other financial instruments involves the risk of total loss and, in certain circumstances, the risk of losses exceeding the value of the assets managed. In addition, the firm’s reliance on proprietary technology, third party applications and data, and investment models, Parametric’s investment strategies are all subject to additional risks which are detailed below. These include but are not limited to Cybersecurity Risk, Data Source Risk, and Model & Quantitative Risk. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 10 Parametric generally serves clients through six categories of offerings: Custom Core®, Fixed Income Solutions, Customized Exposure Management, Centralized Portfolio Management, Systematic Alpha & Income Strategies, and Liquid Alternatives strategies. These investment offerings, including material risks relevant to each, are described below. The investment strategies and material risks described are not intended to be comprehensive. For each investment strategy, Parametric has listed what it believes to be the most applicable risks, but such investment strategies may be subject to additional risks not listed. Parametric implements its investment strategies on behalf of individual and institutional investors around the world, each with its own set of investment objectives, restrictions, tax considerations and risk tolerances. Parametric may modify a strategy to meet the specific needs of a client. As a result, a particular investment strategy may involve risks not identified below.
CUSTOM CORE®
Parametric offers Custom Core® strategies to taxable and non-taxable investors. In Australia, Custom Core® is offered as Tax-Managed Indexing or TMI. The investment objective of each taxable Custom Core® strategy is to provide exposure to a client selected market segment while maximizing after-tax returns. For taxable accounts, Parametric seeks to minimize net realized capital gains to provide improved returns over the designated benchmark on an after-tax basis. This is achieved by utilizing tax-efficient trading methodologies such as tax-loss harvesting whenever possible. Tax-loss harvesting means selling a security that has lost value in order to offset capital gains on the investor’s tax return. In order to preserve a “harvested” loss in the U.S., Parametric will temporarily restrict a security from repurchase for 30 days to avoid a violation of the wash-sale rule. Non-taxable Custom Core® accounts seek to provide an exposure similar to the client’s specified model or market segment while saluting client specific customizations. Custom Core® strategies can be benchmarked to any standard or customized index, including but not limited to the S&P 500®, the Russell 1000®, and MSCI EAFE®. Custom Core® strategies typically invest directly in a subset of the securities which make up the designated benchmark. Custom Core® strategies generally invest in equity securities but may also invest in other securities to the extent they are a constituent of the designated benchmark.
Custom Core® strategies can be implemented via individual separately managed accounts, which can be customized to meet the unique needs of each client, or in a pooled or commingled investment vehicle. In addition to enhanced tax management as described above, Custom Core® portfolios can also be customized based on responsible investing principles or by factor investing. As directed by the client or their advisor, Parametric can construct a “socially responsible” Custom Core® portfolio based on environmental, social and governance criteria (ESG) using screens and/or tilts that remove or underweight targeted issuers, sectors or industries. Custom Core® portfolios can also be customized by emphasizing factor exposures such as issuer size, value, momentum, quality, low volatility and dividend yield (Factors). By introducing a systematic bias towards these Factors, the strategy seeks additional return opportunities and attractive risk profiles. When managing and presenting performance for Custom Core portfolios that have been customized based on ESG principals or Factors, Parametric utilizes internal models as benchmarks to measure client performance. When applying ESG screens or Factors tilts to a client portfolio, a large number of index constituents may be excluded for investment. As such, comparing an Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 11 ESG or Factor account to a broad-based index is not as meaningful to the client and their adviser. For this reason, Parametric will present the internal, target benchmark performance when providing performance reports for ESG and Factor portfolios as they serve as a more meaningful gauge for assessing account performance and tracking error. Clients may request their performance be reported against a standard index. Similar to indexes, internal models are hypothetical and do not reflect the deduction of fees or expenses. Unlike indexes, Parametric investment personnel are responsible for maintaining the internal models and calculating their performance. This creates a potential conflict of interest, as Parametric may be incentivized to manipulate the constitution of a target benchmark in order to make client performance appear stronger. To mitigate such a conflict of interest, Parametric has adopted governance oversight and has adopted procedures which limits reconstitution of the model to specific timeframes or for certain limited events.
Custom Core® strategies are subject to material risks, including one or more of the following: Active Management Risk, Equity Risk, Foreign and Emerging Markets Risk, General Investing Risk, Leverage Risk, Liquidity Risk, Market Risk, Responsible Investing and ESG Risk, Small Companies Risk, Structured Management Risk, Tax-Managed Investing Risk, Tax Risk, Tax Straddle Risk and Tracking Error Risk. Not all of these risks apply to each Custom Core® strategy. The specific risks associated with each Custom Core® strategy depends on the client-selected benchmark, portfolio management techniques and tax considerations. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below. Parametric does not hold itself out as a tax advisor or consultant and does not provide such services.
When calculating after-tax returns for U.S. accounts, Parametric applies the client’s individual tax rate (which may include federal and state income taxes) as provided by the client. If the individual tax rate is not provided by the client, Parametric applies the highest U.S. federal tax rates. Applying the highest U.S. federal tax rate may cause the after-tax performance shown to be different than an investor’s actual experience. There is a material risk that investors’ actual tax rates, the presence of current or future capital loss carryforwards, and other investor tax circumstances may materially and negatively affect the investor’s actual returns.
FIXED INCOME SOLUTIONS
Corporate Ladders Parametric offers Corporate Ladders, customized, professionally managed portfolios which seek predictable income and capital preservation by investing in high-quality corporate bonds. A Corporate Ladder portfolio may invest in below-investment-grade corporate bonds if directed by the client. A laddered portfolio targets equally weighted maturity exposure over a specified yield curve range. A fixed percentage of a portfolio’s bonds mature or roll out each year and the proceeds are reinvested on the longer end of the ladder. Alternatively, clients can elect to take proceeds in cash. The ladder structure can provide the opportunity to increase returns in rising interest rate scenarios. Even maturities provide stable annual income. Corporate Ladder portfolios are diversified by sector and have limits on individual issuer exposure to help mitigate risks. Corporate Ladders can be customized per the client’s objectives and Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 12 needs, by duration, credit quality, sector restrictions, coupon income, maturing bond principal and ESG preferences. Proprietary credit analysis is used to identify corporate bonds for investment and credit analysts provide continuous monitoring of issuers and fixed income markets. The Corporate Ladder strategy is subject to material risks, including one or more of the following: Active Management Risk, Call Risk, Corporate Debt Risk, Credit Risk, Debt Market Risk, Duration Risk, General Investing Risk, Lower Rated Investments Risk, Income Risk, Interest Rate Risk, LIBOR Risk, Market Risk, Maturity Risk, Responsible Investing and ESG Risk, and Structured Management Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below. Tax-Advantaged Bond Strategies (TABS) Municipal Ladders
Parametric offers TABS Municipal Ladders, customized, professionally managed National or State portfolios which seek to generate predictable tax-free income and capital preservation by investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality municipal bonds. A TABS Municipal Ladders portfolio generally targets about equally weighted maturity exposure over a specified yield curve range. A fixed percentage of a portfolio’s bonds mature, or roll out, each year and the proceeds are reinvested on the longer end of the ladder. The strategy seeks to minimize the impact of interest-rate risk by reinvesting maturing bond proceeds at higher interest rates. The firm uses relative value analysis and institutional purchasing power to buy attractively priced bonds. All bonds are systematically analyzed using the firm’s proprietary credit analysis that seeks to avoid potential problems and uncover potential value. A TABS Municipal Ladder portfolio can be customized to meet a client’s risk considerations by adjusting the maturity range, duration, credit quality and state concentration. The TABS Municipal Ladders strategy is subject to material risks, including one or more of the following: Active Management Risk, Call Risk, Credit Risk, Debt Market Risk, Duration Risk, General Investing Risk, Lower Rated Investments Risk, Income Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Liquidity Risk, LIBOR Risk, Market Risk, Maturity Risk, Municipal Bond Risk, Responsible Investing and ESG Risk, Structured Management Risk, Tax-Managed Investing Risk, and Tax Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below.
TABS Managed Municipals
Parametric offers TABS Managed Municipals, actively managed National or State portfolios which seek tax-free income and capital preservation by investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality municipal bonds across varying duration ranges. The strategy takes an opportunistic approach to the municipal bond market. The strategy seeks to add value by purchasing bonds on the institutional bid side while selling on the retail offer side. The strategy also seeks to add value by taking advantage of long-term credit trends and adjusting positioning along the yield curve. All bonds are systematically analyzed using the firm’s proprietary credit analysis that seeks to avoid potential problems and uncover potential value. Clients can select one of three TABS Managed Municipal strategies which differ only by the duration target of the portfolio (short, intermediate, or long average duration). The TABS Managed Municipal strategy is subject to material risks, including one or more of the following: Active Management Risk, Call Risk, Credit Risk, Debt Market Risk, Duration Risk, General Investing Risk, Lower Rated Investments Risk, Income Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Liquidity Risk, LIBOR Risk, Market Risk, Maturity Risk, Municipal Bond Risk, Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 13 Responsible Investing and ESG Risk, Structured Management Risk, Tax-Managed Investing Risk and Tax Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below. TABS Total Return Parametric offers TABS Total Return, actively managed National portfolios which seek after-tax total return while seeking to preserve capital by investing in a diversified portfolio of high-quality municipal bonds and U.S. government and/or agency securities. TABS Total Return employs a quantitative investment process to systematically determine asset allocation based on after-tax relative value. The strategy seeks to add value by purchasing bonds on the institutional bid side while selling on the retail offer side. TABS Total Return seeks to add value by adjusting the portfolio along the yield curve to benefit from yield curve forecasts. When municipal bonds become overvalued, the strategy will crossover into taxable U.S. government and/or agency securities. All investments are systematically analyzed using the firm’s proprietary credit analysis that seeks to avoid potential problems and uncover potential value. Clients can select one of three TABS Total Return strategies which vary by duration target (limited, intermediate or long duration). The TABS Total Return strategy is subject to material risks, including one or more of the following: Active Management Risk, Call Risk, Credit Risk, Debt Market Risk, Duration Risk, General Investing Risk, Income Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Lower Rated Investments Risk, Market Risk, Liquidity Risk, LIBOR Risk, Maturity Risk, Municipal Bond Risk, Responsible Investing and ESG Risk, Structured Management Risk, Tax-Managed Investing Risk, Tax Risk, and U.S. Government Securities Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below.
CUSTOMIZED EXPOSURE MANAGEMENT
Policy Implementation Overlay Services (PIOS®)
PIOS® is a comprehensive set of custom overlay strategies designed to achieve investment objectives through information technology and adherence to detailed investment management guidelines. The program’s objectives are to increase expected portfolio returns, improve fund liquidity, and reduce performance risk relative to policy benchmarks. PIOS® is intended to be a risk neutral strategy relative to the target mix defined by the client. When a PIOS® portfolio is combined with a client’s underlying portfolio, it is expected to produce volatility similar to that of the benchmark portfolio. Overlays of client designated “cash equivalent” positions may also be a part of the program. Leverage is not employed unless desired by the client. Clients may use PIOS® for cash securitization, rebalancing, transition management, interest rate management currency management and other exposure management positions as needed based on client objectives. PIOS® utilizes exchange-traded instruments, over-the- counter (OTC) instruments, and other financial products to achieve its objective. PIOS® strategies are subject to material risks, including one or more of the following: Active Management Risk, Commodities Risk, Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk, Currency Risk, Derivatives Risk, Duration Risk, Equity Risk, ETF Risk, ETN Risk, General Investing Risk, Hedge Correlation Risk, Income Risk, Inflation- Linked Security Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Leverage Risk, LIBOR Risk, Market Risk, Maturity Risk, Options Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 14 Strategy Risk, Structured Management Risk, Swap Risk and Tracking Error Risk. Not all of these risks apply to each PIOS® strategy. The specific risks associated with each PIOS® strategy depend on the client’s investment objective and the types of instruments used to achieve that client’s investment objective. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below. Liability Driven Investing Parametric’s Liability Driven Investing (LDI) strategy is intended to assist pension plan clients in the design and implementation of a plan that seeks to reduce risk and manage pension surplus volatility within a defined range. The strategy seeks to manage the key drivers of pension surplus volatility through the use of Treasury futures, interest rate swaps, swaptions, nominal Treasuries, STRIPs and Investment Grade Bonds. Parametric seeks to incorporate the client’s objectives and constraints in the design, implementation and ongoing management of a custom LDI risk management solution. The LDI strategy is subject to Active Management Risk, Commodities Risk, Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk, Derivatives Risk, Duration Risk, General Investing Risk, Hedge Correlation Risk, Income Risk, Inflation-Linked Security Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Leverage Risk, LIBOR Risk, Market Risk, Maturity Risk, Options Strategy Risk, Structured Management Risk, Swap Risk and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below. CENTRALIZED PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
Centralized Portfolio Management (CPM) is an investment management process that is customized to address the investment objective, risk tolerance, and tax considerations of each client. The investment objective of a CPM portfolio is to provide—within a single coordinated portfolio—the pre-tax return of a combination of asset managers or styles while seeking to maintain control over total portfolio risk, costs and taxes. CPM utilizes the expertise of multiple third-party managers who deliver their investment recommendations for their respective asset class to Parametric, who then serves as the centralized portfolio manager. Third party manager allocation is generally designated by the client’s financial advisor or other fiduciary. Parametric considers all of the third-party managers’ recommendations and, using proprietary technology, executes trades that best serve the overall portfolio’s needs. The benefits of CPM include coordinated account rebalancing, enhanced tax lot management and processes designed to control risk relative to the client asset allocation. CPM portfolios generally invest exclusively in equity securities, including mutual funds and exchange-traded funds, but may also invest in other security types to the extent that the customized strategy permits the use of non-equity securities. CPM strategies are subject to material risks, including one or more of the following: Active Management Risk, Equity Risk, Foreign and Emerging Markets Risk, General Investing Risk, Liquidity Risk, Market Risk, Small Companies Risk, Structured Management Risk, Tax-Managed Investing Risk, Tax Risk and Tracking Error Risk. Not all of these risks apply to each CPM strategy. The specific risks associated with each CPM strategy depend on the client’s investment objective and the types of instruments used to achieve that client’s investment objective. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 15 Multi-Asset Solutions Parametric offers Multi-Asset Solutions to investors who are seeking equity and fixed income exposure in a single portfolio customized pursuant to the client’s unique investment objectives. Implemented in a separately managed account, a Multi-Asset Solutions portfolio may include equity securities, fixed income securities, exchange-traded funds or mutual funds. Parametric manages the entire portfolio and, if fixed income securities are selected, it coordinates management of the fixed-income allocation internally or with any third-party fixed-income manager. The allocations to equity and fixed income securities are set by the client and/or their advisor. In addition to the risks material to CPM strategies detailed above, Multi- Asset Solutions are also subject to the following: Credit Risk, Debt Market Risk, Duration Risk, Income Risk, Interest Rate Risk, LIBOR Risk, Maturity Risk, Municipal Bond Risk, and U.S. Government Securities Risk.
SYSTEMATIC ALPHA & INCOME STRATEGIES
Parametric offers the following Systematic Alpha and Income strategies, each of which is designed to outperform a capitalization-weighted index by investing in a portfolio that is less concentrated and bears lower expected risk. To achieve this objective, Parametric uses a modified equal-weight approach with systematic rebalancing.
The Parametric U.S. Equity strategy invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of companies domiciled in the U.S. The strategy’s primary investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation by investing in securities which are representative of the major industries within the U.S. The Parametric U.S. Equity strategy is also offered in a tax-managed account. The strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Equity Risk, ETF Risk, General Investing Risk, Market Risk, Small Companies Risk, Structured Management Risk, Tax-Managed Investing Risk, Tax Risk, and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below.
The Parametric International Equity strategy invests primarily in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of companies domiciled in developed markets outside of the U.S. The strategy may also invest in equity securities of companies located in emerging market countries. The strategy’s primary investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation by investing in securities which are representative of the major industries within each market in order to participate in the potential growth of these markets. The Parametric International Equity strategy is also offered in a tax-managed account. The strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Currency Risk, Equity Risk, Derivatives Risk, ETF Risk, Foreign and Emerging Markets Risk, General Investing Risk, Market Risk, Small Companies Risk, Structured Management Risk, Tax-Managed Investing Risk, Tax Risk, and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below. The Parametric Emerging Markets Equity strategy invests in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of companies located in emerging and frontier market countries. Emerging and frontier market countries are generally countries not considered to be developed market countries, and therefore are not included Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 16 in the MSCI World Index. There are two investment disciplines: the Emerging Markets approach, which emphasizes broad coverage and diversification among emerging and frontier market securities (primarily equities) using a four-tiered investment allocation approach designed to allow for greater exposure to smaller markets; and the Emerging Markets Core approach, which emphasizes exposure and diversification among the top three of the four tiers of designated developed market countries. Portfolios invested in the Parametric Emerging Markets Equity strategy are designed to capture returns with less volatility and concentration risk than the benchmark. The investment objective of this strategy is to buy and hold securities that are representative of the major industries within each market in order to participate in the potential growth of these markets. The Parametric Emerging Markets Equity strategy is also offered in a tax-managed account. The strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Currency Risk, Equity Risk, Derivatives Risk, ETF Risk, Foreign and Emerging Markets Risk, General Investing Risk, Liquidity Risk, Market Risk, Small Companies Risk, Structured Management Risk and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below.
The Parametric Emerging Markets Small Cap strategy is an equity strategy that includes small-cap stocks from up to 24 developing countries, primarily countries in the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. The strategy utilizes a top-down, three-part process, designed to actively eliminate country and sector concentrations, and applies a disciplined, unemotional trading approach to build and maintain the strategy’s investment exposures. The strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Currency Risk, Equity Risk, Derivatives Risk, ETF Risk, Foreign and Emerging Markets Risk, General Investing Risk, Liquidity Risk, Market Risk, Small Companies Risk, Structured Management Risk and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below.
The Parametric Dividend Income strategy invests in a diversified portfolio of equity securities of companies domiciled in the U.S. The strategy constructs portfolios consisting of approximately 200 securities. Sectors are equal-weighted and generally consist of 20-25 securities. The investment objective of the Parametric Dividend Income strategy is to seek a portfolio of durable dividend payers to provide a steady source of dividend income while outperforming the designated index on a total return basis by one to two percent. This strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Dividend Strategy Risk, Equity Risk, General Investing Risk, Income Risk, Market Risk, Structured Management Risk, Tax-Managed Investing Risk, Tax Risk, and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below. The Parametric Enhanced Income and Enhanced Income Core strategies invest in portfolios of closed- end funds and exchange-traded funds across multiple asset classes. The strategies use an engineered, rules-based approach with systematic reconstitution, and are designed to provide a high level of return and the ability to target an investor’s particular income needs. The Enhanced Income strategy typically holds a larger portfolio of securities than the Enhanced Income Core strategy. All closed-end funds and exchange-traded funds charge their shareholders management fees. The Enhanced Income strategies may invest in closed-end funds offered by EV and managed by EVM. In addition to the advisory fee paid directly to Parametric, a client that holds EV closed-end fund shares also pay a management fee indirectly to EVM as a fund shareholder. Parametric does not receive any compensation from EVM when its clients Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 17 invest in EV closed-end funds. Closed-end funds are less liquid than other equity securities. As such, it is common for Parametric to step-out trade orders for closed-end funds. For additional information about Parametric’s brokerage practices, see Item 12 of this brochure. The strategies are subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Dividend Strategy Risk, Equity Risk, ETF Risk, General Investing Risk, Liquidity Risk, Market Risk, Pooled Investment Vehicles Risk, Structured Management Risk and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below. The Parametric Energy MLP strategy invests in a portfolio consisting of master limited partnerships (MLPs) operating in the energy industry. The strategy’s investment objective is to efficiently deliver the risk and return of the designated index in a tax-sensitive manner. The strategy typically invests in ten MLPs, which are rebalanced on an annual basis, thus providing the investor with exposure to the energy industry. The strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Concentration Risk, Equity Risk, General Investing Risk, Income Risk, Liquidity Risk, Market Risk, Small Companies Risk, Structured Management Risk, Tax Risk and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below.
LIQUID ALTERNATIVES
Defensive Equity
The Defensive Equity strategy uses derivatives in combination with equities and Treasury securities in seeking to produce significantly lower return volatility and consistently favorable risk-adjusted returns compared to a fully invested equity portfolio. Over a full market cycle, the return objective of the strategy is to outperform a fully invested equity portfolio with reduced volatility. The Defensive Equity strategy creates implicit downside protection through a core position in the designated index and Treasury securities, combined with fully collateralized short equity index call and put options. The strategy does not utilize leverage. The Defensive Equity strategy uses a disciplined implementation process that adapts to changing market volatility without the need for market timing or forecasts. The strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Counterparty Risk Derivatives Risk, ETF Risk, General Investing Risk, Hedge Correlation Risk, Interest Rate Risk, LIBOR Risk, Market Risk, Maturity Risk, Option Strategy Risk, Structured Management Risk, Tax Straddle Risk, and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below. Global Defensive Equity The Global Defensive Equity (GDE) strategy seeks to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns relative to the MSCI ACWISM Index across all market environments. The strategy structurally reduces equity market risk, while adding a relatively uncorrelated risk premium using derivatives to enhance returns. GDE portfolios are constructed and managed to capitalize on the financial "volatility risk premium" that has historically been embedded in index option prices. GDE creates implicit downside protection through a core asset allocation that is split between equity and U.S. Treasury Bills. Equity index call and put options are then sold against these core positions. All short option positions are fully-collateralized in order to eliminate Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 18 any potential leverage. The strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Counterparty Risk, Derivatives Risk, ETF Risk, Foreign Markets Risk, General Investing Risk, Hedge Correlation Risk, Interest Rate Risk, LIBOR Risk, Market Risk, Maturity Risk, Option Strategy Risk, Structured Management Risk, Tax Straddle Risk, and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below. Commodity Strategy The Parametric Commodity strategy invests primarily in a portfolio comprised of commodity futures contracts, which are fully backed by cash collateral invested in U.S. Treasury securities. The investment objective of this strategy is to provide a broad-based, long-only portfolio of commodities to capture the potential diversifying and inflation-fighting characteristics of the asset class. The Parametric Commodity strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Allocation and Position Limits Risk, Commodities Risk, Concentration Risk, Credit Risk, Derivatives Risk, Duration Risk, ETF Risk, General Investing Risk, Income Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Leverage Risk, LIBOR Risk, Liquidity Risk, Market Risk, Maturity Risk, Structured Management Risk and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below.
Multi-Asset Volatility Risk Premia The Parametric Multi-Asset Volatility Risk Premia strategy is designed to capitalize on the observed historical tendency for option premiums across multiple asset classes to trade at implied volatility levels that exceed the subsequent level of actual (i.e. realized) market volatility. The strategy seeks, primarily, to capture volatility risk premium generally across four asset classes – equities, fixed income, commodities and currencies – by selling (i.e., writing) call and put options to buyers seeking financial insurance in exchange for a premium, or payment, from the option buyer. The strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Allocation and Position Limits Risk, Commodities Risk, Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk, Currency Risk, Derivatives Risk, Equity Risk, ETF Risk, General Investing Risk, Hedge Correlation Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Leverage Risk, LIBOR Risk, Liquidity Risk, Market Risk, Maturity Risk, Structured Management Risk, Swap Risk, Tax Straddle Risk, and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below.
Absolute Return Volatility Risk Premia The Parametric Absolute Return Volatility Risk Premia strategy is designed to capitalize on the observed historical tendency for equity index option premiums to trade at implied volatility levels that exceed the subsequent level of actual (i.e., realized) market volatility. The strategy seeks to generate absolute returns by selling an approximately equal blend of equity index calls and puts collateralized by a portfolio of Treasury securities. Accounts may be funded or unfunded. Additionally, the account may be customized to have less derivatives exposure therefore less return potential and less risk than the standard design. For funded accounts, the strategy consists of a core position in US Treasury securities fully collateralizing short options positions. Its objective is to outperform the base portfolio of short-term US Treasury securities. Unfunded accounts consist of short positions in S&P 500® Index options collateralized by margin eligible Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 19 assets owned by the client. For unfunded accounts, the objective is absolute positive return.
Notwithstanding the strategy’s objective, a sharp appreciation or depreciation of the underlying index over a short period of time may result in significant losses. For unfunded accounts, such movement may require significant cash to be contributed to the portfolio to satisfy portfolio obligations. A sharp appreciation or depreciation can result from various causes including but not limited to: (i) news announcements or economic data concerning the US or global economy or specific sectors or issuers; (ii) political risk; (iii) rational or irrational market behavior; or (iv) real or perceived liquidity crisis. The strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Concentration Risk, Derivatives Risk, Equity Risk, General Investing Risk, Hedge Correlation Risk, LIBOR Risk, Market Risk, Option Strategy Risk, Structured Management Risk, Tax Straddle Risk, and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below.
DeltaShift
The DeltaShift strategy is a managed call writing program for investors who hold concentrated stock positions or equity or ETF portfolios. The DeltaShift strategy seeks to improve expected performance through the sale of equity or equity index call options. Portfolio volatility is reduced in exchange for the willingness to limit upside profit potential. Notwithstanding the strategy’s objective, a sharp appreciation of a call option’s underlying over a period of time may result in significant losses that could require the sale of some or all of the portfolio’s shares or require for significant cash to be contributed to the portfolio to avoid the sale of such shares. A sharp appreciation can result from various causes including but not limited to: (i) positive news announcements concerning an issuer, sector or economy; (ii) better than expected earnings announcements; (iii) changes of analysts’ expectations or ratings; or (iv) certain corporate actions including dividends, mergers and acquisitions. The strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Concentration Risk, Derivatives Risk, Equity Risk, General Investing Risk, Hedge Correlation Risk, LIBOR Risk, Market Risk, Option Strategy Risk, Structured Management Risk, Tax Straddle Risk, and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below. Option Absolute Return Strategy
The Option Absolute Return strategy (OARS) is designed to serve as an overlay solution for a client’s underlying equity or bond portfolio. An OARS portfolio seeks to generate excess returns through the sale of index call spreads and index put spreads. Notwithstanding the strategy’s objective, a sharp appreciation or depreciation of the underlying index over a short period of time may result in significant losses (still generally limited to the maximum 28 day drawdown identified in the Investment Management Agreement). Such movement may require for significant cash to be contributed to the portfolio to satisfy portfolio obligations. A sharp appreciation or depreciation can result from various causes including but not limited to: (i) news announcements or economic data concerning the U.S. or global economy or specific sectors or issuers; (ii) political risk; (iii) rational or irrational market behavior; or (iv) real or perceived liquidity crisis. The strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Concentration Risk, Derivatives Risk, Equity Risk, General Investing Risk, Hedge Correlation Risk, LIBOR Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 20 Risk, Market Risk, Option Strategy Risk, Structured Management Risk, Tax Straddle Risk, and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below. Risk-Managed Put Selling The Risk-Managed Put Selling strategy (RPS) seeks to generate excess returns through the sale of index put spreads. It is designed to serve as an overlay solution for a client’s underlying bond portfolio. Notwithstanding the strategy’s objective, a sharp depreciation of the underlying index over a short period of time may result in significant losses (still generally limited to the maximum 28 day drawdown identified in the Investment Management Agreement). Such movement may require for significant cash to be contributed to the portfolio to satisfy portfolio obligations. A sharp depreciation can result from various causes including but not limited to: (i) news announcements or economic data concerning the US or global economy or specific sectors or issuers; (ii) political risk; (iii) rational or irrational market behavior; or (iv) real or perceived liquidity crisis. The strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Concentration Risk, Derivatives Risk, Equity Risk, General Investing Risk, Hedge Correlation Risk, LIBOR Risk, Market Risk, Option Strategy Risk, Structured Management Risk, Tax Straddle Risk, and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below.
Dynamic Put Selling
The Dynamic Put Selling strategy (DPS) seeks to produce positive absolute returns in all but significant down markets. DPS accounts may be funded or unfunded. For funded DPS accounts, the strategy consists of a core position in US Treasury securities, fully collateralizing short positions in S&P 500® Index put options. Its objective is to outperform the base portfolio of short-term US Treasury securities over a full market cycle with less volatility of the S&P 500. Unfunded DPS consists of short positions in S&P 500® Index put options collateralized by margin eligible assets owned by the client. For unfunded DPS accounts, the objective is absolute positive return.
Notwithstanding the strategy’s objective, a sharp depreciation of the underlying index over a short period of time may result in significant losses. For unfunded DPS, such movement may require significant cash to be contributed to the portfolio to satisfy portfolio obligations. A sharp depreciation can result from various causes including but not limited to: (i) news announcements or economic data concerning the US or global economy or specific sectors or issuers; (ii) political risk; (iii) rational or irrational market behavior; or (iv) real or perceived liquidity crisis. The strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Concentration Risk, Derivatives Risk, ETF Risk, General Investing Risk, Hedge Correlation Risk, Interest Rate Risk, LIBOR Risk, Market Risk, Maturity Risk, Option Strategy Risk, Structured Management Risk, Tax Straddle Risk, and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below. Low Beta VRP The Low Beta VRP strategy is designed to systematically capture a distinct and diversifying volatility risk premium. The strategy follows a transparent, rules-based investment process that targets an equity beta comparable to hedge funds, without the use of leverage. The strategy employs a mix of fully collateralized Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 21 S&P 500® index put and call options to seek increased returns without increased risk. The strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Concentration Risk, Derivatives Risk, Equity Risk, General Investing Risk, Hedge Correlation Risk, LIBOR Risk, Market Risk, Option Strategy Risk, Structured Management Risk, Tax Straddle Risk, and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below. Elevated Beta VRP The Elevated Beta VRP strategy is designed to capitalize on the tendency of implied volatility to exceed subsequent realized volatility. The strategy creates implicit downside protection through a core position in the S&P 500 and Treasury securities, and then systematically sells an equal blend of equity index and put options to capture the options-based volatility risk premium. The notional value of options is not expected to exceed the portfolio’s market value. This strategy is designed to increase portfolio diversification at a lower cost than traditional alternative investments, without sacrificing liquidity. The strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Concentration Risk, Derivatives Risk, Equity Risk, General Investing Risk, Hedge Correlation Risk, LIBOR Risk, Market Risk, Option Strategy Risk, Structured Management Risk and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below.
Systematic Alternative Risk Premia
The Systematic Alternative Risk Premia strategy seeks to produce desirable risk-adjusted returns in an efficient, liquid and transparent manner by capturing risk premiums generated by value, carry and momentum (also known as trend) factors. The strategy utilizes long/short futures and forwards positions across the following asset classes: fixed income, currencies, equities and commodities. Parametric employs risk management rules that guide a portfolio’s leverage, liquidity and diversification. The strategy is subject to the following material risks: Active Management Risk, Allocation and Position Limits Risk, Commodities Risk, Counterparty Risk, Credit Risk, Currency Risk, Derivatives Risk, Equity Risk, ETF Risk, Foreign, Emerging and Frontier Markets Risk, General Investing Risk, Hedge Correlation Risk, Interest Rate Risk, Leverage Risk, LIBOR Risk, Liquidity Risk, Market Risk, Maturity Risk, Structured Management Risk, Swap Risk and Tracking Error Risk. For a summary of each risk, see Summary of Material Risks below.
Summary of Material Risks
Active Management Risk: The success of a client’s account that is actively managed depends upon the investment skills and analytical abilities of the portfolio manager to develop and effectively implement strategies that achieve the client’s investment objective. Subjective decisions made by the portfolio manager may cause a client portfolio to incur losses or to miss profit opportunities on which it may have otherwise capitalized. Allocation and Position Limits Risk: A client account’s performance depends upon how its assets are allocated and reallocated, and an investor could lose money as a result of these allocation decisions and Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 22 related constraints. The CFTC and the exchanges on which commodity interests (futures, options on futures and swaps) are traded may impose limitations governing the maximum number of positions on the same side of the market and involving the same underlying instrument that may be held by a single investor or group of related investors, whether acting alone or in concert with others (regardless of whether such contracts are held on the same or different exchanges or held or written in one or more accounts or through one or more brokers). A portfolio manager may trade for multiple accounts and the commodity interest positions of all such accounts will generally be required to be aggregated for purposes of determining compliance with position limits, position reporting and position “accountability” rules imposed by the CFTC or the various exchanges. Swaps positions in physical commodity swaps that are “economically equivalent” to futures and options on futures held by an account and similar accounts may also in the future be included in determining compliance with federal position rules, and the exchanges may impose their own rules covering these and other types of swaps. These trading and position limits, and any aggregation requirement, could materially limit the commodity interest positions the portfolio manager may take for an account and may cause the portfolio manager to close out an account’s positions earlier than it might otherwise choose to do so. Call Risk: Fixed income securities will be subject to the risk that an issuer may exercise its right to redeem a fixed income security earlier than expected (a call). Issuers may call outstanding securities prior to their maturity for a number of reasons (e.g., declining interest rates, changes in credit spreads and improvements in the issuer’s credit quality). If an issuer calls a security that a client holds, the client may not recoup the full amount of its initial investment or may not realize the full anticipated earnings from the investment and may be forced to reinvest in lower-yielding securities, securities with greater credit risks or securities with other, less favorable features. Commodities Risk: The value of commodities investments will generally be affected by overall market movements and factors specific to a particular industry or commodity, such as weather, embargoes, tariffs, health, political, international and regulatory developments. Economic and other events (whether real or perceived) can reduce the demand for commodities, which may reduce market prices and cause the value of a client portfolio to fall. The frequency and magnitude of such changes cannot be predicted. Exposure to commodities and commodities markets may subject a client portfolio to greater volatility than investments in traditional securities. No active trading market may exist for certain commodities investments, which may impair the ability to sell or to realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such investments. In addition, adverse market conditions may impair the liquidity of actively traded commodities investments. Certain types of commodities instruments (such as total return swaps and commodity-linked notes) are subject to the risk that the counterparty to the instrument will not perform or will be unable to perform in accordance with the terms of the instrument. Concentration Risk: A strategy that concentrates its investments in a particular sector of the market (such as the utilities or financial services sectors) or a specific geographic area (such as a country or state) may be impacted by events that adversely affect that sector or area, and the value of a portfolio using such a strategy may fluctuate more than a less concentrated portfolio. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 23 Corporate Debt Risk: Corporate debt securities are subject to the risk of the issuer’s inability to meet principal and interest payments on the obligation and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as interest rate sensitivity, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer and general market liquidity. When interest rates rise, the value of corporate debt securities can be expected to decline. Debt securities with longer maturities tend to be more sensitive to interest rate movements than those with shorter maturities. Company defaults can impact the level of returns generated by corporate debt securities. An unexpected default can reduce income and the capital value of a corporate debt security. Furthermore, market expectations regarding economic conditions and the likely number of corporate defaults may impact the value of corporate debt securities. Counterparty Risk: A financial institution or other counterparty with whom an investor does business (such as trading or securities lending), or that underwrites, distributes or guarantees any investments or contracts that an investor owns or is otherwise exposed to, may decline in financial condition and become unable to honor its commitments. This could cause the value of an investor’s portfolio to decline or could delay the return or delivery of collateral or other assets to the investor. Although there can be no assurance that an investor will be able to do so, the investor may be able to reduce or eliminate its exposure under a swap agreement either by assignment or other disposition, or by entering into an offsetting swap agreement with the same party or another creditworthy party. The investor may have limited ability to eliminate its exposure under a credit default swap if the credit of the referenced entity or underlying asset has declined. Credit Risk: Debt obligations are subject to the risk of non-payment of scheduled principal and interest. Changes in economic conditions or other circumstances may reduce the capacity of the party obligated to make principal and interest payments on such instruments and may lead to defaults. Such non-payments and defaults may reduce the value of, or income distributions from, a client portfolio. The value of a fixed income security also may decline because of concerns about the issuer’s ability to make principal and interest payments. In addition, the credit ratings of debt obligations may be lowered if the financial condition of the party obligated to make payments with respect to such instruments changes. Credit ratings assigned by rating agencies are based on a number of factors and do not necessarily reflect the issuer’s current financial condition or the volatility or liquidity of the security. In the event of bankruptcy of the issuer of debt obligations, a client portfolio could experience delays or limitations with respect to its ability to realize the benefits of any collateral securing the instrument. In order to enforce its rights in the event of a default, bankruptcy or similar situation, a client may be required to retain legal or similar counsel at their own expense. Currency Risk: In general, the value of investments in, or denominated in, foreign currencies increases when the U.S. dollar is weak (i.e., is losing value relative to foreign currencies) or when foreign currencies are strong (i.e., are gaining value relative to the U.S. dollar). When foreign currencies are weak or the U.S. dollar is strong, such investments generally will decrease in value. The value of foreign currencies as measured in U.S. dollars may be unpredictably affected by changes in foreign currency rates and exchange control regulations, application of foreign tax laws (including withholding tax), governmental administration of economic or monetary policies (in the U.S. or abroad), intervention (or the failure to Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 24 intervene) by U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, and relations between nations. A devaluation of a currency by a country’s government or banking authority will have a significant impact on the value of any investments denominated in that currency. Currency markets generally are not as regulated as securities markets and currency transactions are subject to settlement, custodial and other operational risks. Exposure to foreign currencies through derivative instruments will also be subject to the Derivatives Risks described below. Cyber Security Risk: As technology becomes more engrained in businesses, information about clients and Parametric may be more susceptible to cyber security breaches. Cyber security breaches and risks include both intentional and unintentional events and may include, but are not limited to: third parties purposefully hacking Parametric’s systems to access confidential client information; attacks designed to disrupt Parametric’s normal business operations; corruption or destruction of data; or inadvertent disclosure by Parametric of confidential information. Additionally, Parametric utilizes third parties for a variety of services, including custodians, broker dealers, vendors, transfer agents, and advisors. Such third parties may have access to Parametric’s systems or confidential information, or Parametric may rely on the third party’s systems to perform certain business functions. If the third party suffers a cyber security event, confidential information about Parametric’s clients may be exposed or Parametric may not be able to access the systems. Moreover, a security in a client’s account may decline in value if the issuer or counterparty to such security suffers a cyber security event. Parametric has adopted both business continuity plans and a program designed to reduce the risk of cyber security breaches. However, there are no guarantees that these actions will prevent cyber security breaches or foresee future threats.
Data Source Risk: Parametric subscribes to a variety of third party data sources that are used to evaluate, analyze and formulate investment decisions. If a third party provides inaccurate data, client accounts may be negatively affected. While Parametric believes the third party data sources are reliable, there are no guarantees that data will be accurate. Debt Market Risk: Economic and other events (whether real or perceived) can reduce the demand for certain income securities or for investments generally, which may reduce market prices and cause the value of a client portfolio to fall. The frequency and magnitude of such changes cannot be predicted. Certain securities and other investments can experience downturns in trading activity and, at such times, the supply of such instruments in the market may exceed the demand. At other times, the demand for such instruments may exceed the supply in the market. An imbalance in supply and demand in the market may result in valuation uncertainties and greater volatility, less liquidity, wider trading spreads and a lack of price transparency in the market. No active trading market may exist for certain investments, which may impair the ability to sell or to realize the full value of such investments in the event of the need to liquidate such assets. Adverse market conditions may impair the liquidity of some actively traded investments. Derivatives Risk: The use of derivatives can lead to losses because of adverse movements in the price or value of the asset, index, rate or instrument underlying a derivative, due to failure of the counterparty or tax or regulatory constraints. In this context, derivatives include but are not limited to: futures, forwards, Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 25 options, participatory notes, warrants, and other similar instruments that may be valued based upon another or related asset. Derivatives can create economic leverage in a client portfolio, which magnifies the portfolio’s exposure to the underlying investment. Derivatives risk may be more significant when derivatives are used to enhance return or as a substitute for a position or security, rather than solely to hedge the risk of a position or security held by a client portfolio. Derivatives for hedging purposes may not reduce risk if they are not sufficiently correlated to the position being hedged. A decision as to whether, when and how to use derivatives involves the exercise of specialized skill and judgment, and a transaction may be unsuccessful in whole or in part because of market behavior or unexpected events. Derivative instruments may be difficult to value, may be illiquid, and can be subject to wide swings in valuation caused by changes in the value of the underlying instrument. If a derivative counterparty is unable to honor its commitments, the value of a client portfolio may decline and/or the portfolio could experience delays in the return of collateral or other assets held by the counterparty. The loss on derivative transactions can substantially exceed the initial investment. Certain strategies use derivatives extensively.
Dividend Strategy Risk: Clients invested in strategies designed to invest in dividend paying securities may be subject to certain risks. These include issuers which have historically paid dividends reducing or ceasing to pay dividends in the future, which may additionally negatively impact the price of the security. In times of economic stress, large amounts of issuers may reduce or eliminate dividends, impacting the ability of Parametric to execute its desired strategy. Duration Risk: Duration measures the expected life of a fixed-income security, which can determine its sensitivity to changes in the general level of interest rates. Securities with longer durations tend to be more sensitive to interest rate changes than securities with shorter durations. A portfolio with a longer dollar-weighted average duration can be expected to be more sensitive to interest rate changes than a portfolio with a shorter dollar-weighted average duration. Duration differs from maturity in that it considers a security’s coupon payments in addition to the amount of time until the security matures. As the value of a security changes over time, so will its duration.
Equity Risk: Portfolios may be sensitive to stock market volatility and some stocks within a client’s portfolio may be more volatile than the market as a whole. The value of stocks and related instruments may decline in response to conditions affecting the general economy; overall market changes; local, regional or global political, social or economic instability; and currency, interest rate and commodity price fluctuations, as well as issuer or sector specific events. Market conditions may affect certain types of stocks (such as large-cap or growth stocks) to a greater extent than other types of stocks. If the stock market declines, the value of a portfolio will also likely decline and, although stock values can rebound, there is no assurance that values will return to previous levels. ETF Risk: Investing in an exchange-traded fund (ETF) exposes a client portfolio to all of the risks of that ETF’s investments and subjects it to a pro rata portion of the ETF’s fees and expenses. As a result, the cost of investing in ETF shares may exceed the cost of investing directly in its underlying investments. ETF shares trade on an exchange at a market price which may vary from the ETF’s net asset value. ETFs may be Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 26 please register to get more info
In this Item, registered investment advisers are required to disclose all material facts regarding any legal or disciplinary event that may be material to a client or prospective client’s evaluation of the adviser. Parametric has no legal or disciplinary information to disclose that is applicable to this Item. please register to get more info
In addition to its registration with the SEC as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, Parametric is registered as a Commodity Trading Adviser and Commodity Pool Operator with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and is a member of the National Futures Association (NFA). Certain management and sales personnel are registered with the NFA as Principals and/or Associated Persons.
As detailed in Item 4, as of November 1, 2019, Parametric is a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of Eaton Vance Corp. (EVC), a publicly held company traded on the NYSE. Parametric’s Chief Executive Officer serves on the EVC Board of Directors. Parametric’s direct owners are Eaton Vance Acquisitions and Parametric Portfolio, L.P. Eaton Vance Acquisitions and Parametric Portfolio, L.P. are wholly owned subsidiaries of EVC. As a subsidiary of EVC, Parametric has several relationships with affiliates which are material to its advisory business and its clients.
Parametric provides investment advisory services to various private and public pooled investment vehicles sponsored by EVC or its subsidiaries (the EV Funds). The EV Funds include various registered investment companies (EV Mutual Funds), investment companies exempt from registration (Private Funds), and investment companies domiciled and distributed outside the United States (Offshore Funds).
Parametric is under common control with Eaton Vance Distributors, Inc. (EVD), a broker-dealer registered with the SEC and a FINRA member firm. EVD is a wholly owned subsidiary of EVC. EVD is the principal underwriter and distributor of certain EV Funds. Parametric currently does not conduct any brokerage business with EVD. Parametric and EVD have entered into a revenue sharing agreement under which Parametric compensates EVD with a portion of the advisory fees earned by Parametric for certain client accounts. Certain Parametric sales personnel are registered representatives of EVD and receive compensation for promoting sales of EV Funds sub-advised by Parametric and for which Parametric receives a separate advisory fee. Certain EVD sales and distribution personnel who serve RIA and MFO clients are considered to be employees of Parametric, and are authorized to offer the investment advisory services of Parametric and EVM as well as the EV Funds on behalf of EVD. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 33 Parametric is under common control with Eaton Vance Management (EVM), an investment adviser registered with the SEC. EVM is also registered as a Commodity Trading Adviser and Commodity Pool Operator with the CFTC through the NFA. EVM is a wholly owned subsidiary of EVC. Parametric has entered into an agreement with EVM whereby EVM provides to Parametric certain services such as accounting, finance, human resources, information technology and legal. As such, certain EVM personnel are situated in Parametric offices and are generally subject to certain, if not all of the policies and procedures of and oversight by Parametric. Likewise, certain Parametric personnel are situated in EVM offices and are generally subject to certain, if not all of the policies and procedures of and oversight by EVM. Parametric and EVM compensate each other for the costs of these services. EVM serves as the investment adviser, transfer agent, and/or administrator to certain EV Funds and other unaffiliated client portfolios. Parametric has entered into sub-advisory agreements with EVM with respect to certain EV Funds and other unaffiliated client portfolios. Parametric also provides investment overlay services to EVM for certain client accounts utilizing certain EVM investment strategies. Pursuant to a revenue sharing agreement between EVM and Parametric, Parametric receives a portion of the total fees paid to EVM for such accounts. Parametric and EVM have also entered into a mutual solicitation agreement whereby one party will compensate the other for certain client referrals.
Parametric is under common control with Calvert Research and Management (CRM), an investment adviser registered with the SEC. CRM is a wholly owned subsidiary of EVM. CRM serves as an investment adviser to various separate accounts and pooled funds, including registered investment companies underwritten by EVD (the Calvert Funds). Certain employees of Parametric who are responsible for the day-to-day management of certain separate accounts and Calvert Funds on behalf of CRM are considered employees of both Parametric and CRM. In addition to Parametric, these employees are subject to certain policies and procedures of and oversight by CRM.
Parametric is under common control with Boston Management and Research (BMR), an investment adviser registered with the SEC. BMR is also registered as a Commodity Trading Adviser and Commodity Pool Operator with the CFTC through the NFA. BMR is an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of EVC. BMR serves as the investment adviser to certain EV Funds. Parametric has entered into sub-advisory agreements with BMR with respect to certain EV Funds.
Parametric is under common control with Eaton Vance Advisers International Ltd. (EVAIL), Eaton Vance Management (International) Limited (EVMI), Eaton Vance Global Advisors Limited (EVGA). EVAIL, EVMI, and EVGA are subsidiaries of EVM. EVAIL, EVMI, and EVGA each serve as the investment adviser or distributor to certain Offshore Funds. Parametric has entered into sub-advisory agreements with EVAIL and EVMI with respect to certain Offshore Funds and other unaffiliated client portfolios. Parametric is under common control with Eaton Vance Trust Company (EVTC), a limited-purpose trust company organized under the laws of Maine. EVTC is owned by EVC. EVTC serves as trustee to common trust funds and collective investment trusts for which Parametric serves as the sub-adviser. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 34 Parametric has organized and serves as the investment adviser to certain private investment companies that are exempt from registration (PPA Private Funds). Parametric serves as the managing member of the Parametric Defensive Equity Fund LLC, the Parametric Global Defensive Equity Fund LLC, the Parametric Liquid Alternative Fund LLC and the Parametric Multi-Asset Volatility Risk Premium Fund, LLC. Parametric also serves as the general partner, either directly or through an interposed entity, of the Parametric TMEMC Fund, L.P. Parametric is the Investment Manager of the Parametric, Research Affiliates Systematic Alternative Risk Premia Fund, Ltd. The PPA Private Funds are only offered to sophisticated investors that are qualified purchasers. Investment strategies and products of Parametric, EVM and other affiliates are cross-marketed. Parametric works closely with its affiliates to jointly market advisory services and strategic investment strategies to institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals, and refers clients to its affiliates when appropriate. These shared marketing efforts and sales referrals result in intercompany transfers and cost-sharing payments between Parametric and its affiliates.
As described in Item 4 – Advisory Business and within this Item 10, certain employees of Parametric have also been designated as employees of EVM, EVD, and/or CRM. The Parametric Chief Compliance Officer and the respective Chief Compliance Officers of EVM, EVD, and CRM (collectively the “CCOs”) have determined that it is not feasible for these employees to be subject to up to four compliance programs. As such, the CCOs have determined on a case-by-case basis which employees will be subject to which affiliated compliance program, or which specific policies and procedures of Parametric or an affiliate will be applicable to the individual employee. Factors such as which office the employee is located in, what access to information such as research recommendations the employee has access to, and what compliance program the employee has historically been subject to, among other considerations, were considered when making determinations. The CCOs meet regularly to discuss matters affecting these employees and the CCOs are required to promptly report to other CCOs certain events such as material violations of policies and procedures, violations of a code of ethics, and client complaints. please register to get more info
In accordance with Rule 204A-1, Parametric and its affiliates have adopted written Codes of Ethics (the Code), one of which is applicable to all employees and other supervised persons of the firm (collectively Access Persons) see Item 10 – Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations above for a description of why an employee of Parametric may be subject to an affiliated Code instead of the Parametric Code. The Code sets high standards for the personal and professional conduct of Access Persons and emphasizes their fiduciary duty to the firm’s clients. The primary focus of the Code is personal securities trading. Consistent with Rule 204A-1, the Code imposes various reporting obligations on Access Persons and restricts their ability to personally trade securities. All Access Persons of Parametric must acknowledge, in writing, that they have read, understand and fully agree to comply with the Code. The Code requires Access Persons and their immediate family members to promptly report all personal investment accounts and securities holdings to Compliance. The Code further requires that Compliance Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 35 receive duplicate portfolio holdings and transaction information for all reportable investment accounts, that all reportable securities transactions are reported on a quarterly basis, and that all Access Persons certify compliance with the Code at least annually. In addition to reporting and recordkeeping requirements, the Code also imposes various substantive and procedural restrictions on all non-exempt reportable personal securities transactions, such as daily transaction limits and holding periods. The Code prohibits Access Persons from engaging in derivatives transactions, including options, swaps and futures. In addition, certain equity investment personnel are required to notify the CCO of all personal securities transactions one business day prior to their execution. Likewise, certain fixed income personnel are required to pre-clear all personal securities transactions prior to their execution.
Parametric anticipates that, in appropriate circumstances and consistent with the clients’ investment objectives, it will recommend to investment advisory clients, the purchase or sale of securities in which Parametric and/or its clients, directly or indirectly, have a position or interest. From time to time, Parametric or its affiliates may also recommend to investment advisory clients the purchase or sale of mutual funds in which Parametric receives a sub-advisory fee. Subject to terms and conditions of the Code, Access Persons of Parametric may trade for their own accounts in securities that are recommended to and/or purchased for the firm’s clients. The Code is designed to ensure that the activities, interests and relationships of Access Persons do not interfere with their ability to make decisions in the best interests of Parametric’s clients, while allowing employees to invest for their own benefit. Thus, the Code designates certain classes of securities as exempt securities and certain classes of transactions as exempt transactions, based upon a determination that these securities and transactions would not materially interfere with the best interests of Parametric's clients. Nonetheless, because the Code in some circumstances would permit Access Persons to invest in the same securities as clients, there is a possibility that Access Persons might benefit from market activity by a client in a security held by an Access Person. Personal trading is continually monitored to reasonably ensure Access Persons comply with the Code, and to reasonably address conflicts of interest between Parametric and its clients.
Parametric may trade in securities of issuers of which persons related to its Access Persons may be considered to be insiders. Parametric’s investment recommendations and trading activities will not be based on material, non-public information, as defined in Parametric’s Insider Trading Policy and Procedures.
A client or prospective client may obtain a copy of Parametric’s Code of Ethics upon request by contacting the Chief Compliance Officer at 206-694-5575 or ppa-compliance@paraport.com. In special circumstances and consistent with a client’s investment objectives, Parametric may invest a portion of a client’s assets in shares of registered investment companies, including funds sponsored and managed by Eaton Vance Management (EVM), an affiliate. This strategy may create a conflict of interest with respect to the allocation of affiliated funds. Since EVM receives management and/or administrative fees for serving as the adviser to the funds, Parametric may have an incentive to allocate more client assets to funds managed by EVM. However, Parametric does not consider the fee structures of the underlying investment companies during trade allocation. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 36 please register to get more info
Parametric is generally assigned full investment authority and discretion to purchase, sell or exchange client assets in accordance with the client’s specified investment objective or strategy. Unless directed otherwise, Parametric is also authorized to select the broker-dealers to be used to execute securities transactions on behalf of client accounts. As noted earlier, Parametric advises its clients from and maintains trading desks at its offices located in Seattle, Minneapolis, Boston, New York, and Westport. Parametric does not maintain a trading desk at its office in Sydney, Australia. Trading on behalf of Australian clients is conducted at the firm’s other trading desks. Parametric Seattle trades primarily in equity securities, including stocks of issuers located in developed, emerging and frontier markets, depository receipts, participatory notes, exchange-traded funds, closed-end funds and foreign currencies. Parametric Minneapolis trades primarily in futures, options, exchange-traded funds, swaps, forwards and Treasury securities. Parametric Westport trades exclusively in equity and equity index put and call options. Parametric Boston and Parametric New York trade exclusively in fixed-income securities. In some cases, a client’s portfolio is managed by more than one office. It is unlikely that one trading desk would compete with the others when implementing buy and sell transactions. The Equities & Derivatives Best Execution Committee monitors the trading activities of the Seattle, Minneapolis and Westport offices. The Eaton Vance Trade Management Committee monitors the trading activities of the Boston and New York offices.
Best Execution
Parametric has a fiduciary obligation to act, at all times, in the best interest of its clients and to seek best overall execution in client trading. The firm generally has the authority to execute trades through any broker-dealer, dealer and/or exchange it deems appropriate, and may negotiate commission and similar fees and expenses. To guide investment personnel in seeking best execution, Parametric Seattle, Minneapolis, and Westport only use brokers or counterparties which have been pre-approved by the firm’s Best Execution Committees, Parametric New York and Boston, which generally only trade on a delivery-versus-payment basis (DVP), maintain respective approved broker lists which are reviewed annually and do not require pre-approval from the firm’s Best Execution Committees. Parametric does not consider the promotion or sale of mutual funds or other products affiliated with or managed by Parametric or its affiliates when selecting brokers to execute client transactions. Parametric carefully monitors and evaluates transaction costs and the quality of execution across all strategies and client portfolios. Parametric utilizes the services of third-party service providers, such as ITG, to assist with best execution analysis on equity trades. Additionally, Parametric utilizes certain transaction information provided by electronic execution platforms and a third party service provider for options executions to assist with best execution analysis. In analyzing best overall execution, Parametric considers various factors, including but not limited to: specific market and trading impact, number of shares being traded, share price, trading costs, exchange costs, and other material inputs. The nature of fixed income markets makes it more difficult to analyze best execution on a trade-by-trade basis, as fixed income securities often trade less frequently than securities such as equities, and as described in the following paragraph, Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 37 are frequently traded on a principal basis and not on exchanges. The Eaton Vance Trade Management Committee actively monitors overall fixed income trading to identify any best execution trends. Parametric always seeks to effect transactions at the price, commission and other relevant factors that provide the most favorable total overall cost or proceeds reasonably attainable given the circumstances. Parametric may consider various factors when selecting a broker-dealer, including but not limited to: the nature of the portfolio transaction; the size of the transaction; the execution, clearing and settlement capabilities of the broker-dealer; the broker-dealer’s experience and ability to place difficult trades; access to markets; the reputation, financial strength and stability of the broker-dealer; availability of alternative trading platforms; the desired timing of the transaction, and confidentiality. Parametric tracks trade order volumes and commissions paid to approved brokers for use in evaluating the firm’s trading practices and for client reporting purposes. Fixed income trades are generally purchased from the issuer or a broker- dealer, where each of these parties are acting as a principal on a net basis (e.g. the spread between the bid and offer prices), so unlike with equity trades, brokerage commissions are uncommon. Fixed income securities may also be purchased in public offerings from underwriters where underwriting fees and commissions are baked into the price, or may also be purchased at a spread to a reference U.S. Treasury security. In recent years, an increased volume of fixed income trading has moved to electronic trading platforms which may charge a fee for trades executed on such platform. Parametric New York has agreements with certain independent broker-dealers under which Parametric New York has the ability to execute competitive odd-lot sales through such independent broker-dealers, and retains the option, but not the obligation, to purchase that security from that broker for another account on that day at competitive prices (generally subject to a markup at the broker-dealer). As a fiduciary to the selling and buying client, to address potential conflicts of interests with these trades, Parametric New York has established policies and procedures designed to monitor compliance with best execution obligations for clients on both sides of the transactions.
Many of Parametric’s investment management services involve some level of custom portfolio construction and implementation. In such instances, accounts and trades (initial investment, portfolio rebalancing, or redemption/contribution) are created and evaluated as a unique scenario.
Separate accounts do not follow the trading or regulatory conventions employed by or required of mutual funds and/or ETFs. Parametric requires time to construct trades in client accounts and requires that activity such as rebalancing, or cash flows be submitted by strategy specific deadlines. While Parametric generally executes trades within the same day of receiving or processing account activity, execution timing varies. It is not uncommon for trade execution to extend to the following day. Additionally, trade execution can take several days. There are many reasons for trades being delayed or extended, including complex scenarios or client requests, market activity and liquidity, data verification, vendor issues, system issues and upgrades, etc. Due to the customized, separately managed nature of the firm’s portfolio management activities, Parametric strategies are not suitable for market timing or price targeting activities. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 38
Cross Trades
Parametric has not historically sold securities from one client’s account managed by Parametric or an affiliate to another client account managed by Parametric or an affiliate (Cross Trade). However, in the future, Parametric may deem it advisable to enter into a Cross Trade. Cross Trades present an inherent conflict of interest because Parametric (or an affiliate) acts on behalf of both the selling and buying accounts in the same transaction. As a result, the use of Cross Trades could result in more favorable treatment of one client over the other. Additionally, there is a risk that the price at which a Cross Trade is executed may not be as favorable as the price available in the open market. To address such risks and conflicts, Parametric has adopted policies and procedures which, among other requirements: acknowledge Parametric is a fiduciary; any Cross Trade is subject to Parametric’s duty to obtain best execution; requires clients to consent to Cross Trades before the Cross Trade may be executed, and; prohibits Parametric from collecting any commissions. Parametric has adopted specific policies for Cross Trades in a mutual fund for which Parametric acts as a sub-adviser to ensure compliance with Rule 17a-7 of the 1940 Act. For regulatory, legal or other reasons, Parametric will not execute Cross Trades for certain clients, such as ERISA clients, which could disadvantage those clients as compared to clients for whom Parametric executes Cross Trades.
Soft Dollars
Parametric does not enter into soft dollar agreements to pay for research and does not otherwise allocate brokerage commissions to pay for research or other products or services. In connection with seeking best execution, Parametric will send trades to brokers that provide brokerage services that directly relate to the execution of trades and satisfy the temporal standard under Section 28(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These brokerage services include trading software used to route orders electronically to market centers and the provision of fixed connections used to electronically effect securities transactions. These brokerage services are provided at no cost to Parametric. These brokerage services are used for trading for any client, regardless of the selection of broker. Parametric will only continue to use such services if it is satisfied that access to the resources does not increase client costs directly or indirectly.
Client Directed Brokerage
Certain clients request that Parametric direct some or all trading activity to a single broker-dealer or group of broker-dealers to accommodate an external agreement between those parties or to comply with client investment guidelines. If a client decides to direct trading activity to a broker-dealer and its brokerage is placed by Parametric, the client should first consider the following information: Parametric has existing integrated trading and reporting systems with some broker-dealers which reduce the cost of transacting business with those broker-dealers. A client who directs Parametric to use a specific broker-dealer often pays higher commissions on some transactions than might be attainable by Parametric, or may receive less favorable execution on some transactions, or both. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 39 A client who directs Parametric to use a specific broker-dealer may forego any benefit from savings on execution costs that Parametric could obtain for its clients through negotiating volume discounts on batched transactions. Parametric may not begin to execute client securities transactions with broker-dealers that have been directed by clients until all non-directed brokerage orders are complete. If the broker-dealer the client directs Parametric to use does not have access to new issue bonds, or is not able to source bonds with limited inventory, the client may not be able to participate in investment opportunities available to other Parametric clients. Clients directing brokerage may not generate returns equal to clients that do not direct brokerage.
FX Transactions
Portfolio transactions in foreign currencies or in overseas markets often involve foreign currency transactions when settling trades, adding/removing unwanted currency exposure, or when converting or repatriating dividends and proceeds from other corporate actions. Parametric generally executes foreign exchange transactions for clients with approved counterparties. When executing these transactions for clients, Parametric recognizes its responsibility to seek best execution for the portfolio and to pursue favorable rates with foreign exchange broker-dealers. In some cases, such as when local laws require it, a client’s custodian may be required to execute any foreign exchange transactions in a client’s account. In such cases, Parametric is not involved with the execution of a foreign exchange transaction and does not monitor the client’s custodian to ensure the custodian obtains best execution.
Trade Aggregation and Allocation
Parametric will aggregate or “block” trades if, in Parametric’s reasonable judgment, such aggregation may result in an overall economic benefit participating clients’ accounts, taking into consideration the more advantageous purchase or selling price, brokerage commissions, and the execution capabilities of the selected broker-dealer. By aggregating trades for multiple client accounts into a larger, single block order, Parametric ensures that participating client accounts receive the same execution price. In addition, Parametric may be able to obtain a better execution price and more favorable trade execution for all participating client accounts. Although certain client accounts are subject to directed brokerage requirements, Parametric frequently conducts step-out transactions when it is deemed to be in a client’s best interest. Parametric will “step- out” a trade when it places a trade order for one or more client accounts with a broker-dealer who executes the trade and then steps-out portions of the trade to the applicable directed broker-dealer(s) for clearance and settlement. In certain cases, the executing broker-dealer will receive commissions from the participating discretionary client accounts, but will not receive commissions from participating directed brokerage accounts. There are also instances where Parametric will execute a step-out transaction on a net basis, whereby the negotiated price is marked up or marked down to compensate the executing Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 40 broker-dealer for its services. Although mark-up/mark-downs may independently be more costly to the client in terms of commissions, Parametric believes that the selected broker-dealer being paid for these additional services offers the best combination of price and cost-execution. That is, the combination of directed brokerage and discretionary accounts in one block order benefits all participating accounts because concentrating the execution of the orders with one broker-dealer can result in a better overall price and execution for all participating accounts. Step-out transactions are conducted more frequently for certain strategies that invest in security types which are less liquid. The Enhanced Income strategies, which invest primarily in less liquid closed-end funds, consistently step-out trades on behalf of clients. As noted in Item 10, Parametric has organized and serves as the investment adviser to the PPA Private Funds. Parametric trades these portfolios in the same manner as other portfolios, using the same broker- dealers who charge the same rates. These portfolios participate in the same block trade allocation procedures and do not receive any benefits not accorded to other managed accounts.
In the event that trade allocation is required, trade allocation policies are designed to ensure fair and equitable allocation of investment opportunities among accounts over time and to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. Accounts are treated in a non-preferential manner, such that allocations are not based upon account performance, fee structure or the portfolio manager. The policies do not provide or require mathematical precision in all instances.
The trade allocation process Parametric Seattle, Minneapolis, and Westport is automated within the firm’s order management systems. When an aggregated order is completed in its entirety, the order will then be allocated to accounts in accordance with the preliminary allocation schedule, or on a pro rata basis if the order is only partially filled. For certain securities and derivatives which may have liquidity or other trading limitations, it may be necessary to place the order before setting the allocation among the participating accounts. In such instances, the allocation will be completed as soon as reasonably possible after execution. In any event, allocations must be placed or defined no later than the end of the trading day. Fully executed orders will receive the average price obtained in the trades. Partially filled orders will be allocated pro rata based on the original predetermined allocation, on an average price basis, subject to certain limited exceptions. If the allocation is de minimis (i.e., disproportionately small in relation to the size of the account or strategy), the allocation may be reallocated to other participating accounts which remain unfilled. There may be situations in certain portfolios where non pro-rata trade allocations occur due to limited liquidity or market rules. Records shall be kept by traders and/or portfolio managers supporting the reason for any such reallocation. Parametric Boston and New York utilize proprietary models and third parties tools to assist in the allocation process, but the investment groups retain discretion to allocate in compliance with such group’s policies and procedures governing allocation. If the availability of bonds is not sufficient to create meaningful positions in all client accounts eligible to participate, and to avoid creating odd-lots which may encounter future liquidity problems, Parametric Boston and New York may choose to allocate to a limited number of clients, taking into account factors such as the cash holdings of accounts, the impact to the account’s weighted average duration as compared to similar client accounts within the same composite, or other account specific considerations. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 41 As discussed in Item 6 – Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management, Parametric is incentivized to favor certain accounts (e.g. larger accounts/relationships, or higher fee paying accounts) when allocating investment opportunities. Parametric believes that the policies and procedures discussed above are designed to mitigate these conflicts of interest by requiring all clients are treated fairly and equitably over time.
Trade Rotation
As disclosed above, Parametric Seattle is subject to several client directed-brokerage arrangements. As such, Parametric Seattle regularly transmits trade orders for the same securities to multiple “non- discretionary” brokers. Parametric Seattle aggregates trade orders and generally transmits them to these brokers at the same time so that no client account or set of accounts is favored over another. However, the Seattle trading desk has adopted trade rotation procedures for those occasions when the transmission of multiple, competing orders into the marketplace will be harmful to participating clients. The price of less liquid securities and certain types of securities, such as ADRs and non-exchange traded securities, can be materially impacted by a large increase in order volume. These procedures are designed to ensure that participating client accounts are treated fairly and equitably over time. When it is deemed necessary, Parametric Seattle will transmit trade orders to multiple brokers following a randomly generated rotation schedule. By staggering the release of competing orders into the market, Parametric will attempt to limit the impact on the execution price of the securities.
Parametric Seattle’s trade rotation procedures are generally applicable to equity securities only. Parametric Boston, Minneapolis, New York, and Westport have trading procedures that are designed to ensure that participating client accounts are treated fairly and equitably within its investment strategies, which utilize fixed-income securities, derivatives and other financial instruments that are typically provided to clients who are not subject to directed brokerage requirements or allocation restrictions. As such, Parametric Boston, Minneapolis, New York and Westport follow the firm’s trade allocation and aggregation procedures when trading non-equity securities.
Model Rotation
Parametric has entered into agreements with wrap fee program sponsors with whom Parametric provides investment advisory services to an overlay manager in connection with their provision of investment advisory services to program participants. Under these agreements, Parametric’s advisory services are limited to the regular provision of a model portfolio to the overlay manager, who is responsible for implementation of the model, including the purchase and sale of securities in client accounts. Parametric also manages fully discretionary client portfolios using these models. In accordance with its policy to treat all clients fairly and equitably over time, Parametric has implemented procedures whereby Parametric rotates the order in which each model is released to the overlay managers and traded internally on behalf of Parametric clients. By rotating the order in which the model is released or traded, Parametric ensures it is not competing with the overlay managers when trading portfolio holdings in the marketplace. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 42
Wrap Accounts
Parametric serves as an investment manager to separate accounts in various wrap fee programs. While Parametric may have discretion to select broker-dealers other than the wrap program sponsor to execute trades for wrap accounts in a particular program, equity trades are generally executed through the financial institution sponsoring the wrap program, while fixed income trades are frequently executed away from the financial institution sponsoring the wrap program. A wrap program sponsor may instruct Parametric not to execute transactions on behalf of the wrap accounts in that program with certain broker-dealers. When a sponsor restricts Parametric in this way, it may affect Parametric’s ability to negotiate favorable commission rates or volume discounts, the availability of certain spreads, and the timeliness of execution. This may consequently result in a less advantageous price being realized by the account. Parametric endeavors to treat all wrap accounts fairly and equitably over time in the execution of client orders. Depending on various factors, such as the size of the order and the type and availability of a security, orders for wrap accounts may be executed throughout the day. When orders are placed with broker-dealers, such trades may experience sequencing delays and market impact costs, which the firm attempts to minimize. When the trading desks deem it appropriate, trades for wrap accounts may be rotated in accordance with Parametric’s trade rotation policy to treat all clients fairly and equitably over time.
Counterparties
Parametric enters into agreements with unaffiliated financial intermediaries for certain trading in client portfolios. To assess counterparty risk, Parametric and its affiliates conduct initial due diligence on the counterparty prior to the execution of the trading agreement and continues monitoring each financial counterparty on a periodic basis. Counterparty arrangements for swaps, forwards, certain participatory notes, and similar transactions involve greater counterparty risk than execution through a registered exchange or trades done on a DVP basis. Parametric attempts to reduce the risk of non-performance or default by counterparty by dealing primarily with established, well-financed organizations that continually demonstrate creditworthiness.
Trade Errors
On occasion, Parametric, a broker-dealer, or a third party will make an error when ordering, executing, or settling a securities transaction on behalf of a client account. In accordance with its fiduciary obligation to each client, Parametric will seek to correct trade errors promptly, fairly, and consistently. Parametric will not correct an error in a manner which favors one client at the expense of another client. Parametric will reimburse a client for losses resulting from a Parametric error or subsequent actions taken to correct the error in the client’s account. If an erroneous trade settles in a client account and results in a gain, it will be retained by the client unless the client elects to decline it; any gains declined by a client will be donated to charity. Parametric has established error accounts with certain brokers for the sole purpose of correcting trade errors. Each such account is maintained subject to the terms and conditions set by the broker. Any securities acquired by an account during the trade correction process are promptly disposed of. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 43 Brokerage commissions from client transactions will not be used to correct trade errors or compensate broker-dealers for erroneous trades. Certain trade errors create a conflict of interest when Parametric is responsible for calculating the gain or loss to a client account. When Parametric will have to reimburse a client for a loss, Parametric is incentivized to calculate the loss in a manner which would minimize such loss. To mitigate this risk, Parametric will notify the client or their adviser of the error and offer to provide the analysis conducted to determine the reported loss. Clients can be reimbursed directly via check, wire transfer, or by deducting the loss from future management fees. please register to get more info
Parametric Seattle
In addition to ongoing daily management of accounts, Parametric Seattle reviews all of its investment advisory accounts on an exception basis in the monthly Portfolio Management Committee meetings. The individuals performing this review include Parametric Chief Investment Officer – Equities & Derivatives, Head of Investment Management, Managing Directors of Portfolio Management, Head of Investment Strategy, Directors of Research, Senior Researchers and Directors of Portfolio Management. As part of such review, an account's investment strategy, performance and other factors are analyzed. A determination is then made as to whether an account’s respective strategy requires alteration in light of its investment objectives and restrictions.
Reviews of accounts also occur when investment strategies and objectives are changed by the investment advisory client or Parametric, or when significant events occur which are expected to impact the value of the account.
Parametric Seattle provides written reports to clients on at least a quarterly basis. These reports are delivered directly by mail, electronically by email, or are accessible to clients via a password-protected website portal. The frequency of reports and method of their delivery vary from client to client. Such reports generally consist of an account valuation combined with both a pre- and post-tax performance summary and analysis (when applicable). Performance, cost basis, unrealized gain/losses, and realized gains/losses calculated and reported by Parametric may vary from official custodial statements based on different accounting procedures, reporting dates or valuation methodologies for certain securities. Client performance summaries and any related data produced by Parametric are not audited. Clients are encouraged to carefully review and compare the official custodial records with the various data and performance statistics reported by Parametric. Reporting to clients in sub-advisory or wrap fee programs where Parametric is the sub-adviser is generally provided by the program sponsor; content will vary by program. Upon request, Parametric may provide a detailed inventory of all holdings, a transaction summary, a listing of all dividend and income payments received, and a realized gain and loss report. Reports provided by Parametric are not audited and may differ from statements provided by client custodians. If a client chooses not to receive a statement from Parametric, the firm will reasonably assume Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 44 and will rely on such assumption that the custodian is a “qualified custodian” under the Advisers Act and is providing the client with quarterly statements in accordance with Rule 206(4)-2 promulgated under the Advisors Act.
Parametric Minneapolis & Westport
Parametric Minneapolis and Westport enters applicable client restrictions into its trading systems and additionally evaluates client account performance relative to mutually agreed upon objectives on a monthly basis, or more frequently should market actions dictate. Parametric Minneapolis and Westport’s investment staff meets regularly to review market activity, discuss developments affecting short-term strategies, present updated market outlooks, and discuss potential strategy changes and matters affecting client portfolios. Parametric Minneapolis and Westport’s Portfolio Managers have primary responsibility for the specific investments in client portfolios. Parametric Minneapolis and Westport’s investment staff includes the Chief Investment Officer – Equities & Derivatives, Managing Director–Customized Exposure Management, Managing Director–Investment Strategy and Research, Managing Director, Senior Portfolio Managers and Portfolio Managers.
Reviews of accounts will also occur when investment strategies and objectives are changed by the investment advisory client or Parametric, or when significant events occur which are expected to impact the value of the account.
Parametric Minneapolis and Westport provides written reports to clients on at least a quarterly basis. These written reports are delivered to clients by mail, electronically via email or are accessible to clients via a password protected internet site. The frequency of reports and method of their delivery may vary from client to client. Generally, these reports detail the account’s current holdings broken down by type of investment, a list of all cash transactions for the past quarter, a summary of all transactions that resulted in realized gain or loss, and a summary of the account performance for the current period and year to date. Indexed equity, fixed income and specialty derivative securities accounts may elect to receive reporting on a monthly basis. Reports provided by Parametric are not audited and may differ from statements provided by client custodians because of different accounting procedures, reporting dates or valuation methodologies for certain securities. Clients are encouraged to carefully review and compare the official custodial records with the various data and performance statistics reported by Parametric. If a client chooses not to receive a statement from Parametric, the firm will reasonably assume and will rely on such assumption that the custodian is a “qualified custodian” under the Advisors Act and is providing the client with quarterly statements in accordance with Rule 206(4)-2 promulgated under the Advisors Act.
Parametric Boston and New York
The firm’s fixed income strategies are managed by investment personnel situated in Boston and New York, subject to oversight from applicable investment committees. The frequency of the review of fixed income accounts, the nature of the review and the factors which may trigger reviews can vary widely among particular accounts, depending on the client’s investment objectives and circumstances and the Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 45 complexity, portfolio structure and size of an account. The portfolio manager of each account (or his or her designated representative) is responsible for reviewing all accounts for which he or she is the principal account manager. The responsible portfolio managers conduct regular reviews at or prior to the time quarterly written reports are sent to clients. Interim reviews may be triggered by numerous factors, such as: significant price or interest rate changes; new economic forecasts; investment policy changes; asset additions or withdrawals to the account by the client; and/or changes in a client’s objectives, instructions, or circumstances. The report also may include other data, including (among other things) investment commentary. The number of accounts assigned to individual portfolio managers may vary depending upon an individual’s responsibilities within the firm or upon the complexity, size, discretion level or other circumstances of the particular accounts involved. please register to get more info
Parametric has entered into revenue sharing and mutual solicitation agreements with certain affiliates, including EVD, EVM and EVMI, with regard to certain investment products or services that are jointly marketed and promoted. Under such agreements, Parametric receives from or pays to the affiliate a portion of the advisory fee received. Clients do not pay higher advisory fees to compensate for any payments made pursuant to these agreements. Parametric has written arrangements with sales personnel that detail incentive-based compensation to be paid in connection with the sale of Parametric’s investment products and services. Certain Parametric employees are also registered representatives of EVD and receive compensation for promoting Eaton Vance sponsored mutual funds sub-advised by Parametric.
Parametric has engaged third parties to solicit business on its behalf. Solicitors are paid a portion of the investment advisory fee charged by Parametric to the solicited client. All solicitation fees paid to a solicitor are paid pursuant to a written agreement between Parametric and the solicitor. Parametric will enter into solicitation arrangements only if written agreements are in place, and all parties are in full compliance with all requirements under the Adviser’s Act Rule 206(4)-3. A written disclosure document, which details the terms of the compensation arrangement between Parametric and the solicitor as well as administrative proceedings and disciplinary events involving the solicitor, if any, will be provided to any solicited client. From time to time, Parametric consults with an advisory council made up of experienced industry professionals (Family Office Advisory Council or Council). Council members (Council Member) may be current or former partners, officers, directors or employees of registered investment advisers (Council Related Advisers). Council Members are hired to consult with Parametric on certain industry trends, market opportunities and best practices. Although Council Members do not solicit on behalf of Parametric, Parametric may manage investment products for or provide services to Council Related Advisers or manage the assets of Council Related Advisers’ clients (Council Related Clients). The provision Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 46 of investment products and/or services to Council Related Advisers and Council Related Clients creates a potential conflict of interest for Parametric, Council Members, and/or the Council Related Advisors. please register to get more info
Client assets are maintained by unaffiliated qualified custodians. Parametric does not select custodians on behalf of clients. In addition, Parametric does not recommend custodians to clients nor does it require or request client assets to be maintained by specific custodians. In connection with the management of certain private pooled investment vehicles (Private Funds) and in connection with other client accounts for which Parametric has discretion to deduct its advisory fee (Other Accounts), Parametric is deemed to have custody of client assets under Rule 206(4)-2 under the Advisers Act (Custody Rule). In regard to the Private Funds, each fund has made arrangements with a qualified custodian to maintain its assets. The annual financial statements of the Private Funds are audited by an independent public accountant registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board as required by the Custody Rule. In relation to the Other Accounts, Parametric has a reasonable basis to believe that such accounts receive a custodial statement on at least a quarterly basis.
Certain separate account client’s custody agreements with third party custodians, of which Parametric is not a party to, may grant Parametric powers which may be interpreted as granting Parametric custody over the clients assets. Parametric expressly disclaims and rejects such authority in order to avoid being deemed to have custody over such assets.
Clients generally receive quarterly statements from the broker-dealer, bank or other qualified custodian that holds and maintains custody of the specified client assets. Clients are encouraged to carefully review such statements and to compare such official custodial records to the quarterly performance summaries that Parametric may provide to clients or their advisors. Parametric summaries may vary from custodial statements based on different accounting procedures, reporting dates, or valuation methodologies for certain securities. please register to get more info
Parametric receives discretionary authority from the client during the onset of the advisory relationship to select the identity and amount of securities to be bought or sold. In all cases, however, such discretion is to be exercised in a manner consistent with the stated investment objectives for the particular client account. Investment guidelines and restrictions must be provided to Parametric in writing. When selecting securities and determining amounts, Parametric observes the investment policies, limitations and restrictions of the clients it advises. For registered pooled investment vehicles, Parametric’s authority to trade securities may also be limited by certain federal or country-specific securities and tax laws that require diversification of investments and favor the holding of investments made for a Fund account. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 47 Certain client relationships are non-discretionary. In these cases, Parametric executes transactions as specifically directed by the client.
Class Actions and Other Legal Proceedings
Parametric clients frequently receive notices of class action litigation, bankruptcy proceedings and settlements involving a security held in their portfolios. These notices provide the client the opportunity, as a shareholder, to participate in the proposed litigation or the settlement of claims. The responsibility and authority for responding to class actions and other legal proceedings rests with the registered shareholder, its legally appointed agent (i.e., custodian) or its attorney. Parametric will not act as a registered or legally appointed agent for its advisory clients. Parametric does not provide legal advice. Parametric is not authorized or qualified to respond to class action notices on behalf of its clients. Parametric’s responsibilities are limited to the provision of investment advisory services as documented in the investment management agreement between Parametric and each client. Clients are strongly urged to consult with appropriate legal counsel before evaluating, responding to and participating in any class action litigation or other legal proceedings. please register to get more info
Parametric Seattle manages investment strategies that invest primarily in equity securities. As such, Parametric is delegated the responsibility to vote proxies on behalf of most clients. Parametric Boston, Minneapolis, New York, and Parametric Westport, which manage fixed-income, overlay and options-based strategies, generally do not vote proxies on behalf of their clients but may have discretion to do so from time to time.
Parametric has adopted and implemented proxy voting policies and procedures (Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures) that govern proxy voting on behalf of clients for whom Parametric has voting responsibility. These policies and procedures are intended to ensure Parametric votes proxies in the best interest of its clients, that Parametric complies with Rule 206(4)-6, and fulfills its fiduciary obligations to its clients. Additionally, the Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures are intended to reflect the fiduciary standards and responsibilities set forth by the Department of Labor for ERISA accounts.
It is Parametric’s policy to vote proxies in a prudent and diligent manner after careful review of each company's proxy statement. Parametric votes on an individual basis and bases its voting decision on its reasonable judgment of what will serve the best financial interests of its clients, the beneficial owners of the security. If deemed necessary, Parametric may consider research and guidance issued by a third party proxy service provider when making a vote determination. In determining its vote, Parametric will not and does not subordinate the economic interests of its clients to any other entity or interested party. To ensure that Parametric votes proxies consistently with this policy, Parametric has established predetermined proxy voting guidelines (the Guidelines), which are contained within the Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures. The Guidelines are set and annually reviewed by the firm’s Stewardship Committee. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 48 The responsibility for voting proxies on behalf of a client account is typically assigned to Parametric in the investment management agreement or other documentation. Once Parametric has agreed to vote proxies on behalf of a client account, it will instruct the client’s custodian to forward all proxy materials to Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), a proxy voting service provider currently engaged by Parametric to administer proxy voting. Parametric currently utilizes ISS’s ProxyExchange tool to manage, track and vote proxies in a more accurate and timely manner. For those clients for whom Parametric has undertaken the responsibility to vote proxies, Parametric will retain final authority and responsibility for such voting. Parametric will not accept instruction from a client as how to vote a proxy unless such instruction has been requested by Parametric due to a conflict of interest. In addition to voting proxies, Parametric will: Provide clients with the Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures upon request, which may be updated and supplemented from time to time. Apply the policy consistently and keep records of votes for each client in order to verify the consistency of such voting. Keep records of such proxy voting available for inspection by the client or governmental agencies to determine whether such votes were consistent with policy and demonstrate that Parametric voted all proxies. Monitor such voting for any potential conflicts of interest and maintain procedures to deal with these issues appropriately.
Parametric’s proxy voting is administered on a daily basis by Investment Strategy personnel (each a Coordinator), who are responsible for ensuring that proxies are received and voted in accordance with the Guidelines. The Director of Responsible Investing (the Director) will actively review research and guidance issued by third party proxy voting analysts regarding upcoming shareholder meetings. The Director may provide guidance to the Coordinator regarding the Guidelines and how they apply to a specific ballot. In the event that a proxy ballot item is received which is not addressed by the Guidelines, the Director will forward the proxy to the Proxy Voting Committee for their determination as to how to vote the proxy in the client’s best interest. The Coordinator may recommend a client refrain from voting a ballot if the economic effect on shareholders’ interests or the value of the portfolio holding is indeterminable or insignificant (e.g., proxies in connection with securities no longer held in the portfolio of a client or proxies being considered on behalf of a client no longer in existence); or the cost of voting a proxy outweighs the benefits ( e.g., certain international proxies, particularly in cases in which share blocking practices may impose trading restrictions on the relevant portfolio security). In such instances, the Coordinator may instruct the agent not to vote such proxy.
Proxy Voting Committee
Parametric has established a proxy voting committee (the Committee), which meets on a quarterly basis to oversee and monitor the firm’s proxy voting practices. The Committee is comprised of senior managers Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 49 representing Compliance, Investment Strategy, and Portfolio Management. The Committee is responsible for making vote determinations for ballots items that are not addressed by the Guidelines. When doing so, the Committee may consider research and guidance issued by third party proxy service providers. The Committee will review any requests from clients or Parametric employees as how to vote a particular proxy. Parametric will not accept instruction unless it has been requested by Parametric due to a conflict of interest. On an annual basis, the Committee will review the Guidelines to ensure they are current, appropriate and designed to serve the best interests of clients and fund shareholders and recommend changes to the Stewardship Committee.
Proxy Advisor Due Diligence
Parametric may deem it to be in a client’s best interest to engage a third party to research and/or vote a client’s proxies. In all such cases, Parametric will exercise due diligence to ensure that the third-party firm can make recommendations and/or vote proxies in an impartial manner and in the best interest of the client. This evaluation will consider the proxy voting firm’s business and conflict of interest procedures, and confirm such procedures appropriately address the firm’s conflicts. On an annual basis, Parametric will evaluate the performance of any third-party proxy-voting firm and consider if business changes have impacted their ability to vote proxies objectively.
Certain institutional clients of Parametric have directed the firm to engage ISS to vote shareholder proxies in accordance with their customized proxy voting guidelines. ISS is responsible for coordinating with these clients’ custodians to ensure that all proxy materials are received and processed in a timely manner. ISS is also responsible for maintaining copies of all proxy statements received and to promptly provide them to Parametric upon request.
Conflicts of Interest
Parametric will identify and actively monitor potential material conflicts of interest which may compromise its ability to vote a proxy ballot in the best interest of clients. Since the Guidelines are predetermined and designed to serve the best interest of clients, application of the Guidelines should, in most cases, adequately address any possible conflict of interest. Regardless, Parametric will monitor relationships that may result in a conflict of interest by and among its clients, Parametric or any affiliates by maintaining a list of actual or potentially conflicted companies. If Parametric is to vote a proxy ballot item not addressed by the Guidelines for a company on the list, the Coordinator will report the issue to the Director to confirm that the Guidelines do not address the proposal. If confirmed, the Director will escalate the proposal to the Committee. If the Committee determines that a material conflict exists and the proposal is not addressed by the Guidelines, it will make a good faith determination as how to vote the proxy and provide appropriate instructions to the Coordinator. The Committee will document its rationale when making determinations regarding potential conflicts of interest. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 50
Record Keeping
Proxy voting records are maintained for seven years. Records can be retrieved and accessed online by Parametric via a third-party vendor. In addition to maintaining voting records, Parametric maintains the following: Proxy Voting Policy and Procedures All written client requests as they relate to proxy voting Any material research or other documentation related to proxy voting
To Obtain Proxy Voting Information
Clients have the right to access any proxy voting activity taken on their behalf. Upon written request, this information will be provided free of charge.
Phone number (you may place a collect call if you wish): 206-694-5542 E-mail address: proxyinfo@paraport.com In order to maintain confidentiality, Parametric will not provide voting records to any third party unless authorized by the client in writing. please register to get more info
Registered investment advisers are required in this Item to provide certain financial information or disclosures about their financial condition. Parametric has no financial commitments that impair its ability to meet its contractual and fiduciary commitments to clients, and has not been the subject of any bankruptcy proceeding. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 51
PARAMETRIC PRIVACY NOTICE
Parametric Portfolio Associates LLC (Parametric) considers client privacy to be a fundamental aspect of its relationship with clients and is committed to safeguarding all client-related personal information as defined under the privacy rules published under Section 504 of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, as amended. Parametric does not disclose non-public personal information concerning its clients, former clients, or investors in certain private funds over which the firm acts as a general partner or manager, to any other party or person except as permitted and/or required by law, an applicable regulatory authority, or as outlined below.
Parametric may, in limited circumstances, have the need to collect non-public personal information about its clients and investors in certain private funds over which the firm acts as a general partner or manager. This information may include but is not limited to: Name, address, telephone number, and tax identification number. Government issued identification such as a driver’s license or passport. Assets, income, bank and investment accounts, credit information, custodian, IRS tax status or other financial or investment related information. Applications, subscriptions, suitability and similar forms or questionnaires. Legal documents such as trust agreements, financials, and ownership records.
Parametric may collect personal information when an individual account is opened or when the information is provided by that client’s advisor. This material may be accumulated from sources such as account applications and related documents; other written, electronic or verbal correspondence; transactions; a brokerage or financial advisory firm, financial adviser or consultant; and/or information captured on Parametric’s internet web site. Parametric retains the personal information of current and former clients in accordance with Rule 204-2 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Parametric may share client information with its affiliates or subsidiaries as needed to conduct business. From time to time, Parametric may engage the services of third-party vendors or consultants to assist with the management of client portfolios and other administrative tasks. In that respect, information will be provided on a need-to-know basis only and the external parties will agree to hold all such information confidential. Parametric may also disclose or share information, to the extent permitted by law, with other financial institutions with which Parametric and/or its clients have a joint business arrangement in managing and/or servicing the client. Parametric - Form ADV Part 2A – 12/9/2019 Page 52 Parametric’s procedures are designed to restrict access to non-public personal information to appropriate personnel. Parametric maintains physical, electronic and procedural safeguards that comply with federal standards to safeguard current and past client related personal information. Parametric does not sell non-public personal information to any external source and does not distribute this information to unrelated third-party providers unless necessary for business related purposes in connection with the servicing and management of client assets. Parametric cannot, however, guarantee clients against information theft which is beyond its reasonable technological abilities and controls. Clients are provided with Parametric’s Privacy Notice at the time their account is incepted. Parametric reserves the right to periodically review and revise its Privacy Notice and will provide updates when it is materially amended or as required by applicable law. At all times, a client may notify Parametric in writing to restrict all non-public personal information from being distributed (except to regulators and/or by law) to any external parties including affiliates, consultants, and client-related financial advisors. Clients are forewarned, however, that doing so may severely inhibit Parametric’s ability to properly manage the client’s assets and/or appropriately conduct business on behalf of the client. Please direct any questions or concerns to Parametric Compliance at 800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2800, Seattle, WA 98104, or 206-694- 5575. Revised: November 1, 2019 please register to get more info
Open Brochure from SEC website
Assets | |
---|---|
Pooled Investment Vehicles | $11,958,530,177 |
Discretionary | $242,421,189,610 |
Non-Discretionary | $23,535,755,399 |
Registered Web Sites
- HTTP://WWW.PARAMETRICPORTFOLIO.COM
- HTTPS://TWITTER.COM/PARAMETRICLLC
- HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/PARAMETRIC-920610347977656/
- HTTPS://WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/company/17536/
- HTTPS://WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/company/PARAMETRIC/
- HTTPS://CUSTOMCORE.PARAMETRICPORTFOLIO.COM/
- HTTPS://WWW.LINKEDIN.COM/company/PARAMETRIC-PORTFOLIO-AUSTRALIA/
- HTTPS://WWW.PARAMETRICPORTFOLIO.COM.AU/
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When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to select. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures.Eaton Vance Corp.
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1 Day 2382 0.59% DJIA 0.65% S&P 500 0.64% Industrial Goods -0.01% Liao Ning Ye, 53 Chairman Ningbo Sunny Opotech Co., Ltd., Sunny Optical Technology (Group) Co., Ltd. Yang Sun, 46 Chief Executive ...Eaton Vance Limited Duration Income Fund
Stocks: Real-time U.S. stock quotes reflect trades reported through Nasdaq only; comprehensive quotes and volume reflect trading in all markets and are delayed at least 15 minutes. International ...Royal Mail plc (ROYMY)
S&P 500, Dow and Nasdaq each rise to record closing highs as traders hold out hope for another stimulus dealFast Retailing Co., Ltd. (FRCOY)
You continue to worry that many companies are not living their values: Ariel Investments founder John RogersEaton Vance Int (Ire) Parametric Emerging Markets I USD
FE fundinfo Crown Ratings assign a rating to funds based on quant analysis of consistency, volatility and performance. The Adviser Fund Index (AFI) is a basket of funds chosen by the UK’s ...Hot Reads: Year-End Portfolio Tweaks
2021 Outlook: Please, No More Surprises (Parametric Portfolio) Between hopes for a COVID-19 vaccine, and expectations for the Biden administration, how should investors think about the year ahead?A new way to invest for the vengeful and the high-minded
Some of the biggest names on Wall Street are adding tools for direct indexing, which lets investors buy baskets of stocks while excluding those they wish to avoid.Industry Voice: Loan rally caps remarkable rebound
EVMI markets the services of the following strategic affiliates: Parametric Portfolio Associates® LLC ("PPA") is an investment advisor registered with the SEC and is a majority owned subsidiary of EVC. Hexavest Inc. ("Hexavest") is an investment advisor ...
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