Stratigraphic Asset Management logo

SEC Brochure ADV

pdf

The SEC’s FORM ADV, Part 2A (brochure) and Part 2B (supplement) —
shown below as a webpage — is also available as a PDF: ADV-Part2A and ADV-Part2B

pdf

The SEC’s FORM ADV, Part 3 (Client Relationship Summary) —
included below — is also available as a PDF: ADV-Part3 (Client Relationship Summary)

Link to Form ADV Part 2B, Supplement (below ▼)

Link to Form ADV Part 3, Client Relationship Summary (below ▼)


Item 1 ·

Stratigraphic Asset Management, Inc.
Brochure, Part 2A – Form ADV

This brochure was prepared by Stratigraphic Asset Management, Inc. for its clients and provides information about the firm’s qualifications and business practices. If you have any questions about the contents, please contact us at (305) 447-0300. The information in this brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or by any state securities authority.

Additional information about Stratigraphic Asset Management, Inc. is available elsewhere on this website and on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Alan S. Bernstein
7307 Los Pinos Boulevard
Coral Gables, FL 33143
Telephone (305) 447-0300
abernstein@stratigraphic.com

November 11, 2024

Item 2 · Material Changes

The last filing of Form ADV Part 2A and 2B was dated February 1, 2023, and filed with FINRA.

The following material changes are hereby reported:

On November 5, 2024, Alan S. Bernstein, CEO of Stratigraphic Asset Management, Inc. entered into an agreement with Neuberger Berman Investment Advisers LLC that provided the following:

Item 3 · Table of Contents

Item 1Cover Page
Item 2Material Changes
Item 3Table of Contents
Item 4Advisory Business
Item 5Fees and Compensation
Item 6Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
Item 7Types of Clients
Item 8Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss
Item 9Disciplinary Action
Item 10Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Item 11Code of Ethics
Item 12Brokerage Practices
Item 13Review of Accounts
Item 14Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Item 15Custody
Item 16Investment Discretion
Item 17Voting Client Securities
Item 18Financial Information
Item 19Requirements for State-Registered Advisers

Item 4 · Advisory Business

Stratigraphic Asset Management, Inc. offers an independent, flexible, and comprehensive approach to help clients manage their liquid assets and generate an attractive risk-adjusted return. Stratigraphic’s principals invest their own money alongside their clients and always put the interests of their clients first.

Stratigraphic has been engaged in the investment advisory business since April, 1993. The firm is private and wholly owned by Alan S. Bernstein.

Stratigraphic’s business is providing investment supervisory services through the management of client portfolios. Such portfolios are always held at a major financial institution that serves as custodian. Stratigraphic manages substantially all of its client portfolios on a discretionary basis. At December 31, 2023 the firm had two non-discretionary account under management with total assets valued at $38.6 million and 62 discretionary accounts valued at around $121.5 million. Managed accounts consist mainly of publicly traded securities: U.S. and foreign common stocks; U.S. Government, corporate debt securities, municipal securities; and exchange traded fund shares. For certain clients, Stratigraphic has utilized covered options writing as a supplemental investment strategy. Stratigraphic principals and clients have invested in real estate private placements in which a family member was a general partner/principal at the time of the offering.

We do structure portfolios and tailor asset class weightings to take into account risk preferences, account cash withdrawal requirements, age, and other related personal factors that have a bearing on the management of the account.

Alan Bernstein is not engaged in any other business outside of Stratigraphic.

Stratigraphic’s Principal

Alan S. Bernstein • Mr. Bernstein was engaged in the domestic petroleum industry until 1998, when Stratigraphic Asset Management, Inc. was founded. From 1968 to 1972, Mr. Bernstein was a senior energy analyst with Loeb, Rhoades & Co. in New York. Mr. Bernstein is a trustee emeritus of Amherst College, where he was a member of the budget and finance committee that advised the administration on all aspects of the financial affairs of the institution. He served on the Visiting Committee on Romance Languages at Harvard University, the Head of School Advisory Board of Sidwell Friends School, Washington, D.C., and the Board of Trustees of Ransom Everglades School in Miami. He was a trustee and treasurer of the Musical Arts Association of Miami, which supported the annual Miami residency of The Cleveland Orchestra. Currently he is a trustee of the Georges Lurcy Charitable and Educational Trust, a New York-based private foundation; and is a trustee of the Miami Music Project, which provides instruction to young musicians learning to perform classical music along the lines of the Venezuelan “Sistema” program. Mr. Bernstein holds a BA degree cum laude from Amherst College and an MBA degree from Harvard Business School.

Item 5 · Fees and Compensation

Billing Period

Fees are paid in arrears by Client on a semi-annual basis.

Account Valuations

Accounts are valued based on the average end of month market value during the billing period, including unrealized gains and losses, dividends receivable and accrued interest.

Fees

All Equity & Balanced Accounts

Less than or equal to $2.5 million1.25% Per Annum
Over $2.5 million1.00% Per Annum
Minimum Fee$10,000 Per Annum

Where special circumstances warrant, the foregoing conditions may be negotiable. Clients provide authorization to have the fees deducted from their accounts.

Other expenses that are assessed against the managed accounts such as trading commissions are charged at cost. Stratigraphic does not charge any fees other than its advisory fees and does not have any interest in charges that may be assessed by the custodian or funds such as ETFs held by the clients. We are fee-only advisers, meaning we accept no compensation related to any security or any “product” purchased by a client through Stratigraphic.

Stratigraphic clients can cancel investment advisory services at any time by written notice. Fees are calculated on a pro rata basis through the date that notice is given. Any refunds of fees due to clients will be promptly remitted.

Item 6 · Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management

Stratigraphic does not charge performance-based fees.

Item 7 · Types of Clients

Our clients are principally high net worth individuals who require portfolio management services for their individual investments, retirement accounts, trusts, foundations, corporations and other related entities. Our minimum portfolio is $1 million, although we make exceptions, chiefly for family members of larger clients.

Item 8 · Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies, and Risk of Loss

In recognition that there is always the risk of loss from investments, Stratigraphic adheres to the following four principles governing the investment process:

  1. We attempt to structure portfolios among different asset classes to reflect the risk tolerances of clients, taking into account that the risks associated with common stocks generally, but not always, are higher than the risks associated with fixed-income securities. We review asset allocations on at least a semi-annual basis with our clients.
  2. We also seek to mitigate risk by broadly diversifying the portfolios we manage.
  3. We attempt to reduce risk and enhance the potential returns of our investments by taking a rigorous fundamental analytical approach.
  4. As a rule, we do not use leverage to enhance portfolio returns.

Investment Process

Idea Generation – how we find potential ideas for inclusion in the portfolios

Idea Diligence – conducting a detailed financial and fundamental company analysis

Investment Decision – how a decision is made

Investment Process — Asset Allocation
Compose Macroeconomic View Determine Asset Class Exposure Identify Tactical OpportunitiesOptimize Structure
What currently drives the global markets?
  • Federal Reserve policy (monetary trends)
  • Fiscal policy trends
  • Interest rates
  • International capital flows
  • Political trends
  • Demographic trends
  • Secular trends
  • Global economic growth
  • Commodity pricing
  • Inflation
  • Currencies
What are the markets discounting?
  • Economic cycle
  • Yield curve and risk spreads
  • Inflation expectations
Which asset classes offer the best risk‐adjusted rates of return given our market view?

Where are we in the credit cycle?

Do we want to trade market exposure for interest rate risk?

What will protect portfolios from deflation or inflation?

What will protect us against a weakening dollar or how can we profit from a strengthening currency?
What short duration opportunities exist?

Is this appropriate for the client?

What is the expected risk/return?

Is the risk/return better elsewhere?

Why does the opportunity exist?

Sizing the investment

What are the expected net returns (i.e. after‐tax, after fees)?

Should we sacrifice liquidity?
Is the consensus correct?

Managing the Positions – how we reevaluate the portfolios

Item 9 · Disciplinary Action

Neither Stratigraphic nor its officers and directors have ever been involved in any disciplinary action in the securities or investment advisory business.

Item 10 · Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations

No officer of Stratigraphic is involved with any other entity in the financial industry.

Item 11 · Code of Ethics

Stratigraphic Core Values

Other Important Principles That Govern Our Conduct

We expect every employee of Stratigraphic to meet a high standard of ethical conduct and to adhere rigorously to applicable federal and state securities laws, and to promptly report all violations. Certain conduct that may result in a violation of federal securities laws such as front-running, insider trading, and the misuse of material nonpublic information are expressly prohibited.

We value and protect the privacy of our clients in accordance to a Privacy Statement that is provided to clients at least once each year.

We will never recommend or purchase a publicly traded security of a corporation in client portfolios in which we have or related family member has a material interest nor will we recommend or purchase a publicly traded security that we would not purchase for our own accounts, subject to investment objectives, risk preferences, and similar considerations. Transactions in publicly traded securities for Stratigraphic and related persons will be at the same prices and subject to the same commissions as our clients. When securities for more than one account are purchased or sold, the securities or the net proceeds are allocated on an average price basis.

Stratigraphic principals and clients have invested in real estate private placements in which a family member was a general partner/principal. Stratigraphic principals and clients will always subscribe to such investments on the same terms. Although Stratigraphic receives no compensation such as a finder’s fee or commission in connection with private placement offerings, the fair value of such investments may be included in the computation of Stratigraphic's investment advisory fee.

No Stratigraphic principal will have a brokerage account except with a designated custodian of Stratigraphic or unless the account is not considered material to Stratigraphic’s business. All security transactions and holdings of Stratigraphic’s principal are reviewed on a quarterly basis to ensure that there is full compliance with our Code of Ethics. A principal of Stratigraphic who desires to participate in an IPO or limited offering will obtain written approval beforehand.

Each year Stratigraphic employees are asked to affirm in writing that they have read and will abide by the firm’s code of ethics.

Item 12 · Brokerage Practices

Stratigraphic does not maintain physical custody of its client assets, although it may be deemed to have custody of client assets when clients give Stratigraphic authority to withdraw client advisory fees from their accounts (see Item 15 – Custody, below). All client assets are maintained in an account at a “qualified custodian,” generally a broker-dealer or bank approved by Stratigraphic. All client accounts are currently held at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., a qualified custodian.

Stratigraphic is independently owned and operated and not affiliated with its custodians. Schwab holds client assets in a brokerage account and buy and sell securities pursuant to instructions from Stratigraphic. Stratigraphic clients enter into agreements directly with custodians / brokers.

Stratigraphic selected the custodian/brokers that hold client assets and execute transactions on terms that compare favorably with the services of other providers. A wide range of factors are considered, including:

The custodian utilized by Stratigraphic does not charge separately for custody services, but it may be compensated through commissions, fees on trades that they execute or that settle into client accounts, and net interest earned on client cash balances. Substantially all transactions for clients are executed through a custodian at agreed upon rates, which are believed to be competitive in the industry. At the time of this writing, Schwab does not charge commissions on equity trades. However, this policy is subject to change, in which case Stratigraphic will make certain that the new level of charges are competitive with the charges assessed by alternative custodian/brokers.

Stratigraphic has a fiduciary responsibility to seek the best execution of securities transactions on behalf of clients. Schwab has systems and procedures in place to ensure purchases and sales are made at prices that reflect the most favorable market offers. In regard to fixed income securities, Stratigraphic also has procedures for testing the reasonableness of prices offered. Periodically we prepare a memorandum on "best execution" issues that is available to clients upon request.

Stratigraphic receives from custodian/brokers access to TRACE (fixed income historical trading data), research and data from Schwab and other service providers. Stratigraphic may receive other services from its custodian/brokers such as participation in educational conferences and events; consulting on technology, compliance, legal, and business needs; publications and conferences on practice management and related topics; marketing consulting and support.

Item 13 · Review of Accounts

The senior staff of Stratigraphic reviews the accounts at least monthly and more frequently depending upon the condition of capital markets, changes in asset allocations being made, bond and stock purchases and sales, among other factors.

We review the accounts with clients at least semi-annually through personal meetings or conference calls. Semi-annually we send to the clients an appraisal of the holdings in their accounts that we reconcile beforehand with the custodian statements as well as a computation of the return on the portfolio computed on an internal rate of return basis for the reporting period.

Item 14 · Client Referrals and Other Compensation

Stratigraphic has never paid a third party for client referrals.

As previously noted in Item 12 of this brochure, Stratigraphic receives an economic benefit from its custodians in the form of support products and services.

In the transition of Stratigraphic accounts to Schwab during the third and fourth quarters of 2019, Schwab reimbursed Stratigraphic accounts directly for exit fees charged by each client’s current custodian. Schwab also reimbursed Stratigraphic with limits certain third party expenses that Stratigraphic incurred during the period when accounts were transferred to Schwab.

Item 15 · Custody

In the case of two trust clients, Mr. Bernstein serves as a trustee and therefore is deemed to have custody of the accounts' assets. Pursuant to SEC regulations, Stratigraphic has arranged at its expense for a qualified independent accountant to examine annually the clients' cash and securities.

The custodian reports directly to the clients regarding any transaction that affects the account such as deposits and withdrawals, dividend and interest payments received, and purchases and sales transactions at least monthly. In addition, custodians report monthly (quarterly if there was no activity) to providing an appraisal of the accounts and a summary of all activity affecting their accounts during the period. Finally custodians provide year-end tax information to account holders necessary for filing U.S. income tax returns.

All Stratigraphic clients have the option to review their accounts on-line through special arrangements made with the custodians and to receive e-mail alerts concerning transactions in their accounts.

Item 16 · Investment Discretion

In all but two accounts, Stratigraphic has the authority to determine, without obtaining specific client consent, the securities to be bought and sold, the amount of the securities to be bought and sold, the broker or dealer to be used, and the commission rates to be paid. Such authority is conveyed by the client to Stratigraphic through a limited power of attorney contained in the investment advisory agreement that is executed when the account is established.

Item 17 · Voting Client Securities

Stratigraphic never votes client securities.

Item 18 · Financial Information

Stratigraphic is an S corporation organized under the state of New York in 1983. Our financial condition is sound. Our resources are more than adequate to fund our current operations. Our financial statements are available upon request.

Item 19 · Requirements for State-Registered Advisers

Stratigraphic is only registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and is not a state-registered adviser.

Item 1 ·

Stratigraphic Asset Management, Inc.
Brochure Supplement, Part 2B – Form ADV

This brochure supplement provides information about Alan S. Bernstein that supplements the Stratigraphic Asset Management, Inc. brochure. You should have received a copy of that brochure. Please contact Alan Bernstein at the address and telephone number shown below if you did not receive Stratigraphic’s brochure or if you have any questions about the contents of this supplement.

Additional information about Stratigraphic Asset Management, Inc. also is available on this website and on the SEC’s website at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Alan S. Bernstein
7307 Los Pinos Boulevard
Coral Gables, FL 33143
Telephone (305) 447-0300
abernstein@stratigraphic.com

November 11, 2024

Item 2 · Educational Background and Business Experience

Alan S. Bernstein

Stratigraphic Asset Management, Inc.
7307 Los Pinos Boulevard
Coral Gables, FL 33143
Telephone (305) 447-0300, E-Mail abernstein@stratigraphic.com

Date of Birth June 29, 1941

Education

Amherst College, Amherst, Massachusetts, Bachelor of Arts in Economics, 1963
Harvard Business School, Boston, Massachusetts, Master of Business Administration, 1966

Professional Experience

Stratigraphic Asset Management, Inc., President and Co-Founder, 1993–present (SEC registered investment advisory firm) www.stratigraphic.com; Stratigraphic Petroleum Corporation, Inc., President and Co-Founder, 1977–1998 (a privately held corporation engaged in petroleum exploration and production operations); Hanover Petroleum Corporation, Vice President, 1972–1977; Loeb, Rhoades & Co., 1968–1971; ADELA Investment Company, S.A., Lima, Peru, 1966–1967.

Selected Community Service

Amherst College: Medal for Eminent Service, May, 2013; Member of the Board of Trustees, 2004–2010; Amherst College South Florida Alumni Outreach Committee, Chair, March 2005–2010; Distinguished Service Award, 2002; The President’s Circle, 2000–present; Class President, 1998–2003; Dallas Alumni Association, President, 1991–1995; Class Planned Gifts Chair, 1996–2013; Class Reunion Chair, 35th Reunion, 1998; Leadership Gifts Chair, 40th Reunion 2003 and Co-Chair 50th Reunion 2013.

Education: Trustee, Georges Lurcy Charitable and Educational Trust, New York City, 1986–present; Board of Trustees, Vice President, The Ransom Everglades School, Miami, Florida, 1998–2003; Visiting Committee, Romance Languages, Harvard University, 1986–1990; Sidwell Friends School, Washington, DC: Member, Head of School Advisory Board, 1999–present, National Leadership Gifts Committee, 1995–1998. Harvard Business School, Boston: 25th Reunion Leadership Gift Committee.

Arts: Board of Trustees, Miami Music Project (social change through classical music education for children and young adults) 2009–2022; Board of Trustees and Treasurer, Musical Arts Association of Miami (MAAM supports The Cleveland Orchestra Miami Residency), July, 2008–2012; Board of Directors, Arsht Performing Arts Center Trust, Miami, Florida, 2001–2003, Finance Committee, 2003–2007; Board of Directors, Florida Philharmonic Orchestra, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 1999–2003; Board of Directors, Spanish Repertory Theater, New York City, 1979–1986; Director, Capital Campaign Chair, Westport-Weston Arts Council, Westport, Connecticut, 1984–1986.

Other: Temple Beth Am, Miami, Florida, Board of Directors; Co-Chair, Board of Trustees, March 2006–April 2009.

Family

Spouse: Married to Jayusia Perelman (deceased) of Lima, Peru in 1968; business partner from 1978 to 2022. New York University, 1971, Phi Beta Kappa; M.B.A., New York University, 1974.

Children: Leo, Amherst ’94, M.B.A., University of Chicago Graduate School of Business ’99. Marc, New York University ’07.

Item 3 · Disciplinary Information. Not applicable.

Item 4 · Other Business Activities. Not applicable.

Item 5 · Additional Compensation. Stratigraphic earns compensation exclusively through client advisory fees. Mr. Bernstein, in the case of one account, receives a trustee fee. This account does not pay an investment advisory fee to Stratigraphic. Mr. Bernstein's compensation in all other cases is derived through his ownership interest and employment with Stratigraphic.

Item 6 · Supervision. Mr. Bernstein is regarded as a principal and supervised person and is responsible for every aspect of Strati­graphic’s business including all transactions pertaining to client portfolios.

 

Item 1 ·

Stratigraphic Asset Management, Inc.
Client Relationship Summary, Part 3 – Form ADV

November 11, 2024

Client Relationship Summary (CRS)

Introduction

Stratigraphic Asset Management, Inc. is an investment adviser registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Investment advisory and brokerage services and fees differ and it is important for you to understand these differences.

Free and simple tools are available to individual investors, research firms and financial professionals at https://www.investor.gov/crs, which also provides educational materials about broker-dealers, investment advisers and investing.

What investment services and advice can you provide me?

We offer investment advisory services to retail investors. We typically manage investments in publicly traded bonds and common stocks based on your particular circumstances, and monitor them on an ongoing basis as part of our standard service. We do not offer financial planning services or insurance products.

We provide investment discretion for those services. If you invest with us on a discretionary basis, we will buy and sell investments in your accounts without requiring your pre-approval on an ongoing basis until you notify us in writing to terminate the agreement.

We do not offer advice with respect to any proprietary products. We typically offer advice regarding publicly traded securities such as U.S. and foreign common stocks, covered options positions, corporate debt securities, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, municipal securities and exchange traded fund shares.

Our minimum account size is $1 million, however we make exceptions, typically for family members of larger clients.

For additional information about our services, please review our Form ADV, Part 2A brochure, (Items 4 and 7) at: http://www.stratigraphic.com/stratigraphic-adv.htm or https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/107119

Ask your financial professional:

  • Given my financial situation, should I choose an investment advisory service? Why or why not? How will you choose investments to recommend to me?
  • What is your relevant experience, including your licenses, education and other qualifications? What do these qualifications mean?

What fees will I pay?

Our fees range between 1.25% per year for accounts less than $2.5 million and 1% for larger accounts, and we calculate the fee charged in arrears based on the average end of month market value during each semi-annual billing period. Our minimum fee is $10,000 per year, which could cause your fees to exceed the 1.25% rate if your account value ever goes below $800,000. Our fees are negotiable.

We do not receive any fees other than our advisory fees described above. All other expenses you would pay, such as trading commissions, interest on loan balances, wire fees, etc., are assessed at cost and paid to unaffiliated third parties.

Additional Information. You will pay fees and costs whether you make or lose money on your investments. Fees and costs will reduce any amount of money you make on your investments over time. Please make sure you understand what fees and costs you are paying. For more detailed information about our fees and costs, please review our Form ADV, Part 2A brochure (specifically Items 5.A, 5.B, 5.C and 5.D) available at: http://www.stratigraphic.com/stratigraphic-adv.htm or https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/107119

Ask your financial professional:

  • Help me understand how these fees and costs might affect my investments. If I give you $1,000,000 to invest, how much will go to fees and costs, and how much will be invested for me?

What are your legal obligations to me when acting as my investment adviser? How else does your firm make money, and what conflicts of interest do you have?

Each client executes an Investment Adviser Agreement with Stratigraphic that sets forth our obligations.

When we act as your investment adviser, we have to act in your best interest and not put our interest ahead of yours. At the same time, the way we make money creates some conflicts with your interests. You should understand and ask us about these conflicts because they can affect the investment advice we provide you. Below are some examples to help you understand what this means:

Additional Information: More information about conflicts of interest are contained in the Stratigraphic Form ADV, Part 2A brochure, available at http://www.stratigraphic.com/stratigraphic-adv.htm or https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/107119

How do your financial professionals make money?

Our principal is the only financial professional at our firm. He is compensated from advisory fees received by the firm, which means he has the opportunity to earn more when opening more accounts, increasing assets and investing in riskier investments, within each client’s risk tolerance, to increase overall performance.

Do you have legal or disciplinary history?

Our firm and its investment professional have no disciplinary history. Visit https://investor.gov/crs for a free and simple search tool to research our firm and our financial professionals.

Ask your financial professional:

  • As a financial professional, do you have any disciplinary history? For what type of conduct?

Additional information

You can find additional information about our services and request a copy of this relationship summary by visiting http://www.stratigraphic.com, mailing us at Stratigraphic Asset Man­age­ment, Inc., 7307 Los Pinos Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL 33143, or calling us at 305-447-0300.

Ask your financial professional:

  • Who is my primary contact person? Is he or she a representative of an investment adviser or a brokerdealer? Who can I talk to if I have concerns about how this person is treating me?