# ESL INVESTMENT SERVICES, LLC X-17A-5 (2021-02-26) — Broker-dealer annual report - Company: ESL INVESTMENT SERVICES, LLC - Form: X-17A-5 - Filed: 2021-02-26 - Period: 2020-12-31 - Accession: 0001347881-21-000002 - CIK: 1347881 - File #: 8-67195 - Material weakness: No - Auditor: Moss Adams - Auditor location: San Diego, CA - Contact: Pascal Roche - Phone: 2127514422 - Signed by: Leo Iacobelli (President and COO) Original filing: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1347881/000134788121000002/ISLLCAudited_2020a.pdf --- {0}------------------------------------------------ **UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549** 0MB Number: 3235-0123 Expires: October 31, 2023 Estimated average burden hours per response ...... 12.00 0MB APPROVAL ## **ANNUAL AUDITED REPORT FORM X-17A-5 PART Ill** | SEC FILE NUMBER | |-----------------| | 8-67195 | **FACING PAGE** **Information Required of Brokers and Dealers Pursuant to Section 17 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 17a-5 Thereunder** | | ---
REPORT FOR THE PERIOD BEGINNING 01/01/20
AND ENDING 12/31/20 | | ------- | | |--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------|------------------------------------|--| | | MM/DD/YY | | -
MM/DD/YY | | | | A. REGISTRANT IDENTIFICATION | | | | | NAME OF BROKER-DEALER: ESL Investment Services, LLC
ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL PLACE OF BUSINESS: (Do not use P.O. Box No.) | | | OFFICIAL USE ONLY
FIRM I.D. NO. | | | | | | | | | 225 Chestnut Street | | | | | | | (No. and Street) | | | | | Rochester | NY | | 14604-2424 | | | (City) | (State) | | (Zip Code) | | | NAME AND TELEPHONE NUMBER OF PERSON TO CONTACT IN REGARD TO THIS REPORT
Pascal Roche | | | (212) 751-4422 | | | | | | (Area Code - Telephone Number) | | | | B. ACCOUNTANT IDENTIFICATION | | | | | INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT whose opinion is contained in this Report* | | | | | | Moss Adams, LLP | | | | | | | (Name - if individual, state last, first, middle name) | | | | | 4 7 4 7 Executive Drive, Ste 1300 San Diego | | CA | 92121 | | | (Address) | (City) | (State) | (Zip Code) | | | CHECK ONE: | | | | | | I
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Certified Public Accountant | | | | | | DPublic Accountant | | | | | | | DAccountant not resident in United States or any of its possessions. | | | | | | FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | *\*Claims for exemption from the requirement that the annual report be covered by the opinion of an independent public accountant must be supported by a statement of facts and circumstances relied on as the basis for the exemption. See Section 240. I* 7 *a-5(e)(2)* > **Potential persons who are to respond to the collection of Information contained in this form are not required to respond unless the form displays a currently valid 0MB control number.** SEC 1410 (11-05) {1}------------------------------------------------ #### **OATH OR AFFIRMATION** | __________
I, _L_e_o_la_c_o_b_e_lli _
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_ , swear ( or affirm) that, to the best of | |--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | --
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ESL Investment Services, LLC | my knowledge and belief the accompanying financial statement and supporting schedules pertaining to the firm of
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of December 31 | -
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are true and correct. I further swear (or affirm) that | | classified solely as that of a customer, except as follows: | neither the company nor any partner, proprietor, principal officer or director has any proprietary interest in any account | | | r | | | C | | | Signature | | | President & COO | | Notary/Public
This report** contains (check all applicable boxes):
0 (a) Facing Page.
[2J (b) Statement of Financial Condition.
of Comprehensive Income (as defined in §210.1-02 of Regulation S-X).
~ (d) Statement of Changes in Financial Condition.
0 (e) Statement of Changes in Stockholders' Equity or Partners' or Sole Proprietors' Capital.
D (f) Statement of Changes in Liabilities Subordinated to Claims of Creditors.
(g) Computation of Net Capital.
(h) Computation for Determination of Reserve Requirements Pursuant to Rule 15c3-3 .
.,,
./ (i) Information Relating to the Possession or Control Requirements Under Rule 15c3-3.
~
Computation for Determination of the Reserve Requirements Under Exhibit A of Rule 15c3-3.
consolidation.
./ (I) An Oath or Affirmation.
(m) A copy of the SIPC Supplemental Report.
" | Title
SUSAN YANUS
Notary Public, State of New York
No. 01YA4822860
Qualified in Monroe Co[:nty /
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[{] (c) Statement oflncome (Loss) or, if there is other comprehensive income in the period(s) presented, a Statement
D (j) A Reconciliation, including appropriate explanation of the Computation of Net Capital Under Rule l 5c3-l and the
0 (k) A Reconciliation between the audited and unaudited Statements of Financial Condition with respect to methods of
(n) A report describing any material inadequacies found to exist or found to have existed since the date of the previous audit. | u *For conditions of confidential treatment of certain portions of this filing, see section 240. 17a-5(e)(3).* {2}------------------------------------------------ ### ESL INVESTMENT SERVICES, LLC (A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of ESL Federal Credit Union) Financial Statements and Supplemental Information As of December 31, 2020 Together with Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm {3}------------------------------------------------ # **Table of Contents** | | PAGE | |-----------------------------------------------------------|------| | Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm | 1-2 | | Financial Statements | | | Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition | 3 | | Consolidated Statements of Operations and Member's Equity | 4 | | Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows | 5 | | Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements | 6-15 | | Supplementary Information | | | Computation of Net Capital and Aggregated Indebtedness | 16 | | Exemption Report Pursuant to SEA Rule 17a-5(d)(4) | 17 | {4}------------------------------------------------ # @ MOSS~DAMS # **Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm** To the Members and the Oversight Committee ESL Investment Services, LLC #### *Opinion* **on** *the Financial Statements* We have audited the accompanying statement of financial condition of ESL Investment Services, LLC (the "Company") as of December 31, 2020, the related statement of operations and changes in member's equity, and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. #### *Basisfor Opinion* These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures to respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. {5}------------------------------------------------ #### *Opinion on the Supplementary Iriformation* The information in the Computation of Net Capital and Aggregate Indebtedness has been subjected to audit procedures performed in conjunction with the audit of the Company's financial statements. The information in the Computation of Net Capital and Aggregated Indebtedness is the responsibility of the Company's management. Our audit procedures include determining whether the information in the Computation of Net Capital and Aggregated Indebtedness reconciles to the financial statements or the underlying accounting and other records, as applicable, and performing procedures to test the completeness and accuracy of the information presented in the Computation of Net Capital and Aggregated Indebtedness. In forming our opinion on the information in the Computation of Net Capital and Aggregated Indebtedness, we evaluated whether the information in the Computation of Net Capital and Aggregated Indebtedness including its form and content is presented in conformity with 17 C.F.R. §240.17a-5. In our opinion, the information in the Computation of Net Capital and Aggregated Indebtedness is fairly stated in all material respects in relation to the financial statements as a whole. Portland, Oregon February 25, 2021 We have served as the Company's auditor since 2017. {6}------------------------------------------------ ## **ESL Investment Services, LLC (A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of ESL Federal Credit Union) Consolidated Statement of Financial Condition December 31, 2020** | ASSETS | | |----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Cash and cash equivalents
Restricted cash
Securities owned
Other assets
Goodwill
Other intangible assets, net
Operating lease - right-of-use asset, net
Property and equipment, net | \$
6,182,587
600,989
26,156,205
1,287,506
2,309,223
6,022,871
1,634,965
138,557 | | Total assets | \$
44,332,903 | | LIABILITIES AND MEMBER'S EQUITY | | | LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Operating lease - liability | \$
2,099,520
1,656,092 | | Total liabilities | 3,755,612 | | COMMllMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Contingent liability | 1,863,000 | | Total member's equity | 38,714,291 | | Total liabilities and member's equity | \$
44,332,903 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. {7}------------------------------------------------ ## **ESL Investment Services, LLC (A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of ESL Federal Credit Union) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Member's Equity Year ended December 31, 2020** | REVENUES: | | |--------------------------------------------|------------------| | Commission and fee re\enue | \$
8,404,468 | | Advisory income | 4,359,130 | | Other income | 8,793 | | Trading profits | 4,197,428 | | | | | Total re\enues | 16,969,819 | | | | | OPERATING EXPENSES: | | | Salaries, commissions, and benefits | 9,172,838 | | Origination and servicing | 958,945 | | Professional and outside services | 1,030,925 | | General and administrati\e | 856,743 | | Occupancy | 412,559 | | Marketing and promotion | 271,240 | | Depreciation and amortization | 615,900 | | | | | Total operating expenses | 13,319,150 | | INCOME FROM OPERATIONS | 3,650,669 | | | | | BEGINNING MEMBER'S EQUITY, January 1, 2020 | 35,063,622 | | ENDING MEMBER'S EQUITY, December 31, 2020 | \$
38,714,291 | 4 {8}------------------------------------------------ ## **ESL Investment Services, LLC (A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of ESL Federal Credit Union) Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Year ended December 31, 2020** | CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash | \$
3,650,669 | |--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------| | from operating activities:
Net unrealized gain on im.estments | (3,134,617) | | Depreciation expense | 40,479 | | Amortization of acquired intangibles | 575,421 | | Amortization of right-of-use asset | 181,156 | | Change in goodwill | 51,000 | | Net change in assets and liabilities: | | | (Increase) in securities owned | (1,010,684) | | (Increase) in other assets | (37,081) | | (Decrease) in contingent liability | (1,539,000) | | (Decrease) in lease liability | (164,688) | | Increase in accrued expenses and other liabilities | 555,736 | | | | | Net cash from operating activities | (831 ,609) | | CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | Purchases of property and equipment | (18,114) | | | | | Net cash from im.esting activities | (18,114) | | Decrease in cash and cash equivalents | (849,723) | | Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year | 7,633,299 | | Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year | \$
6,783,576 | | RECONCILIATION OF CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH | | | Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | 6,182,587 | | Restricted cash at end of period | 600,989 | | | | | Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of the year | \$
6,783,576 | | | | | SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES | | | Establishment of right-of-use asset | \$
32,614 | | Establishment of lease liability | \$
32,614 | The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements. 5 {9}------------------------------------------------ #### **Note 1 - The Organization** ESL Investment Services, LLC (the "Company") is a limited-purpose securities broker-dealer, registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of ESL Federal Credit Union (the "Credit Union"). The Company was originally incorporated in 1996 with operations beginning on January 1, 1997. The Company was established by the Credit Union to provide investment management, financial planning, and insurance solutions primarily to Credit Union members in the Rochester, New York area. The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of its wholly-owned subsidiary Cooper/Haims Advisors, LLC ("CHA"), a registered investment advisor located in Rochester, New York providing investment advisory, financial planning, and tax services to high net worth clients. The Company claims exemption from the provisions of Rule 15c3-3 pursuant to paragraph k(2)(i) for the year ended December 31, 2020, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as a broker or dealer who carries no customer accounts, or performs no custodial functions related to customer securities. Operating under such claim of exemption, the Company has not prepared a Determination of Reserve Requirements for Brokers or Dealers. #### **Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies** #### **Basis of Accounting** The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (U.S. GAAP). #### **Basis of Consolidation** The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, and its whollyowned subsidiary, CHA. All the intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. #### **Cash and Cash Equivalents** Cash and cash equivalents include deposits with the Credit Union, and other highly liquid investments with original maturities of less than three months, that are not held for sale in the ordinary course of business. Balances with these financial institutions exceeded federally insured limits on December 31 , 2020. The Company has not experienced any losses related to cash and cash equivalents, and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk with respect to these balances. #### **Restricted Cash** At December 31 , 2020, the Company had \$600,989 in an escrow account as security for potential indemnification claims against the seller, CHA. The escrow amount will be held for a period of 18 months subject to amounts held back from pending claims that arise. {10}------------------------------------------------ #### **Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)** #### **Securities Owned** The Company has classified its investments as trading securities. Trading securities are recorded at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses included in earnings. Gains and losses on the sale of securities are recorded on the trade date and determined using the specific identification method. #### **Investment Risk** The Company invests in various types of investment securities. Investment securities are exposed to various risks, such as interest rate, market, and credit risk. Due to the level of risk associated with certain investment securities, it is at least reasonably possible that changes in the values of investment securities will occur in the near term and that such change could affect the amounts reported in the accompanying financial statements. #### **Fair Value Measurement** U.S. GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy for valuation inputs that gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs, as follows: - **Level 1 Inputs** Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that are accessible at the measurement date. - **Level 2 Inputs** Inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. These might include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability (such as interest rates, volatilities, prepayment speeds, credit risks, etc.) or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by market data by correlation or other means. - **Level 3 Inputs** Unobservable inputs for determining the fair values of assets or liabilities that reflect an entity's own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities. The availability of observable inputs can vary from security to security and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of security, the liquidity of markets, and other characteristics particular to the security. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. Accordingly, the degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. The inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, for disclosure purposes, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement falls in its entirety is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. {11}------------------------------------------------ #### **Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)** #### **Property and Equipment** Property and equipment are stated at cost and depreciated over useful lives ranging from three to ten years using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the period of the lease or the estimated life of the property, whichever is shorter. #### **Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets** Goodwill represents the cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired (including identifiable intangibles) in transactions accounted for as business combinations. Goodwill is tested annually for impairment and more frequently if circumstances exist that indicate it is more-likely-than-not that the fair value is below the carrying value. The annual impairment test is based on various assumptions and internal projections of future cash flows and operating plans. Other intangible assets include premium paid for acquisition of customer list and other intangibles. Intangibles other than goodwill, which are determined to have finite lives, are amortized based on the estimated economic benefits received. #### **Revenue Recognition** Revenues are recognized when control of the promised services is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those services. #### **Commission and Fee Revenue** Commission revenue relates primarily to the sale of mutual funds, annuities, life insurance, and other security products. These products are offered to customers through LPL Financial ("LPL"), an unaffiliated entity and a registered clearing broker-dealer, which compensates the Company for each sale based upon a contractual commission schedule. Fee revenue is earned in the form of management fees assessed on managed accounts offered through LPL's advisory platform. Commission revenue from the sale of mutual funds, annuities, life insurance, and other security products is accrued monthly to properly record the revenues in the month they are earned. The fee revenue assessed on managed accounts is earned in the form of management fees and is recorded in the month in which the service is being performed. Commissions and fees arise from transactions between a consumer that the Company has referred to a third-party broker and that third-party securities broker. As transactions between those two parties occur, and for which there is no performance obligation on the Company's behalf, the Company receives a portion of the revenues generated by the third-party securities broker. Because there are no enforceable rights or obligations between the Company and the consumer, these revenues are scoped out of the recognition requirements of ASC 606. {12}------------------------------------------------ #### **Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)** #### **Advisory Fees** The Company provides investment advisory services on an ongoing basis. The Company believes the performance obligation for providing advisory services is satisfied over time because the customer is receiving and consuming the benefits as they are provided. Fee arrangements are based on a percentage applied to the customer's assets under management. Fees are received quarterly and are recognized as revenue at that point in time as they relate specifically to the services provided in that period, which are distinct from the services provided in other periods. #### **Trading Profits** Trading profits include investment income, realized gains and losses from trading activities and unrealized gains and losses on securities owned by the Company. #### **Income Taxes** The Company elected to be taxed as a Limited Liability Corporation {"LLC"), which provides that the LLC passes on all income and expenses to its sole member, the Credit Union, to be taxed at the member level. The Credit Union is a federally chartered credit union with the National Credit Union Administration, and as such, is not subject to taxes under state or federal laws. #### **Adoption of New Accounting Standards** Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses ("ASC 326"). ASC 326 impacts the impairment model for certain financial assets measured at amortized cost by requiring a current expected credit loss ("CECL") methodology to estimate expected credit losses over the entire life of the financial asset, recorded at inception or purchase. Under the accounting update, the Company has the ability to determine whether there are no expected credit losses in certain circumstances. The Company identified fees receivable carried at amortized cost as impacted by the new guidance. ASC 326 specifies that the Company adopt the new guidance prospectively by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period effective. The Company believes there is no impact to opening member's equity upon adoption of ASC 326. The allowance for credit losses is based on the Company's expectation of the collectability of financial instruments carried at amortized cost, including fees receivable utilizing the CECL framework. The Company considers factors such as historical experience, credit quality, age of balances, and current and future economic conditions that may affect the Company's expectation of the collectability in determining the allowance for credit losses. The Company's expectation is that the credit risk associated with fees receivable is not significant until they are 90 days past due on the contractual arrangement and expectation of collection in accordance with industry standards. Management does not believe that an allowance is required as of December 31, 2020. {13}------------------------------------------------ #### **Note 2 - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)** #### **Leases** Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recorded at the lease commencement date based on the present value of the lease payments to be made over the lease term using an estimated incremental borrowing rate. We expense rent monthly on a straight-line basis, as a reduction to the right-of-use asset. Rent expense is included in occupancy expenses in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations and member's equity (Note 5). #### **Statement of Cash Flows** For purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company has defined cash equivalents as highly liquid investments, with original maturities of less than three months, that are not held-for-sale in the ordinary course of business. #### **Estimates** The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. #### **Advertising Costs** Advertising costs are expensed as incurred by the Company. The Company's advertising expense totaled \$271,240 in 2020 and is included in the marketing and promotion expense in the accompanying statement of income. #### **Note 3 - Property and Equipment** Property and equipment as of December 31, 2020, consisted of the following: | Leasehold improvements | \$
164,907 | |--------------------------------|---------------| | Computer equipment | 188,222 | | Software | 36,942 | | | 390,071 | | Less: Accumulated depreciation | (251,514) | | | \$
138,557 | Depreciation expense totaled \$40,479 for the year ended December 31, 2020. {14}------------------------------------------------ #### **Note 4 - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets** The goodwill of \$2,309,223 represents the future economic benefit expected to be recognized from combining the operations of the Company and CHA, including expected synergies and operating efficiencies. Additionally, the goodwill represents the incremental cash flows that the Company will achieve as an exempt organization vis-a-vis market participant (for fair value purposes, assumed to be tax-paying entities) over the course of its ownership of CHA Intangible assets as of December 31, 2020, consisted of the following: | Customer list in place
Trademarks
Non-compete agreements | \$
5,708,900
424,400
575,500 | |----------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | | 6,708,800 | | Less: Accumulated amortization | (685,929) | | | \$
6,022,871 | | Estimated amortization expense for the years ended: | | | 2021 | \$
548,743 | | 2022 | \$
548,743 | | 2023 | \$
548,743 | | 2024 | \$
519,968 | | 2025 | \$
433,643 | | Thereafter | \$
3,423,031 | {15}------------------------------------------------ #### **Note 5 - Commitments and Contingent Liabilities** #### **Leases** The Company leases office space under noncancelable leases. The leases are all classified as operating primarily due to the amount of time such spaces are occupied relative to the underlying asset's useful lives. Additional space for the Company's activities is obtained from the Credit Union (see Note 7). The thirdparty operating leases contain renewal options and provisions requiring the Company to pay property taxes and operating expenses over base period amounts, most of which are not included in the measurement of the right-of-use assets as they are not considered reasonably certain of estimable value. The third-party leases also contain escalation clauses calling for rental payments to be adjusted for increases in price indices. The Company's operating lease costs for the year ended December 31, 2020, totaled \$219,081. December 31 , 2020, future minimum rental commitments under the non-cancellable operating leases are as follows: | 2021 | \$
207,057 | |----------------------------------------|-----------------| | 2022 | 211 ,906 | | 2023 | 209,177 | | 2024 | 203,475 | | 2025 | 207,545 | | Thereafter | 778,150 | | | | | Total lease payments | 1,817,310 | | Less: present value discount | 161,218 | | Total present value of lease liability | \$
1,656,092 | | | | Lease term and discount rate as of December 31, 2020, are as follows: | Weighted-a\erage remaining lease term (years)
Weighted-a\erage discount rate | | 8.43
2.20% | |--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----|---------------| | Cash flow supplemental information at December 31, 2020, is as follows : | | | | Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liability
Operating cash flows from operating leases
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations | \$ | 202,497 | | Operating leases | \$ | 32,614 | #### **Contingent Liability** The contingent liability of \$1,863,000 represents assumed liabilities associated with future earn-out payments from the business combination of CHA in accordance with purchase agreement. {16}------------------------------------------------ #### **Note 6 - Employee Benefits** #### **Defined-Benefit Retirement Plan** The Credit Union has a noncontributory defined-benefit retirement plan ("Plan") covering substantially all of its and the Company's employees. The benefits are based on years of service and average compensation prior to retirement. The Credit Union will make future contributions to the Plan, as necessary, based on the recommendations of its actuaries and within the requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The Credit Union allocates a portion of the annual expense to the Company based on headcount. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized pension costs of \$70,284. #### **Defined Contribution Retirement Plan** The Credit Union also sponsors a defined contribution plan that covers substantially all of its and the Company's employees who meet certain age requirements. The Credit Union matches 100 percent of the first 1 % and 50% of the next 5% of participant contributions. The Credit Union allocates a portion of the annual expense to the Company based on relative compensation levels. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized defined contribution plan costs of \$228,960. #### **Post-Retirement Insurance Benefit Plan** The Company provides certain medical and healthcare benefits to qualifying retirees under the Credit Union benefit plan. The Credit Union allocates a portion of the annual expense of the plan to the Company based on headcount. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the company recognized insurance income of \$2,172, in conjunction with this plan. The expense related to these benefits is included in salaries, commissions, and benefits on the statement of income. #### **Note 7 - Related-Party Transactions** The Company's investment portfolio is managed by ESL Trust Services, LLC ("Trust"), another whollyowned subsidiary of the Credit Union. Under this arrangement, Trust executes transactions in compliance with its standard policies and procedures. Trust managed investments for the Company that, as of December 31, 2020, had a fair market value of \$26,156,205. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized investment management expense of \$52,955 from this relationship. Pursuant to agreements between the parties, the Company is charged for certain expense allocations, including professional and administrative services provided by the Credit Union. During the year ended December 31 , 2020, related-party costs consisted of the following: | Marketing and promotion | \$
269,700 | |---------------------------------|-----------------| | Professional and administrati\e | 669,876 | | Office and branch space | 152,844 | | | \$
1,092,420 | {17}------------------------------------------------ #### **Note 7 - Related-Party Transactions (continued)** The Company's qualifying personnel are covered under defined contribution, defined-benefit, other benefits, medical, dental, disability, and workers' compensation insurance plans sponsored by the Credit Union. The Credit Union allocates a portion of expense under these plans to the Company based on headcount and compensation. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company was allocated costs of \$739,140. At December 31, 2020, the Company had cash balances with the Credit Union in the amount of \$3,105,203. #### **Note 8 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments** #### **Financial Instruments Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis** The Company's securities owned are measured at fair value on a recurring basis utilizing the following input levels at December 31, 2020: | | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |-----------------------|---------------|---------|---------|---------------| | Mutual Funds and ETFs | | | | | | Equity | | | | | | Domestic | \$ 12,077,638 | | | \$ 12,077,638 | | International | 8,390,585 | | | 8,390,585 | | Fixed income | | | | | | Domestic | 1,790,467 | | | 1,790,467 | | Other | 3,897,515 | | | 3, 897,51 5 | | | | | | | | | \$ 26,156,205 | \$ | \$ | \$ 26,156,205 | Fair values for securities are based on quoted market prices. #### **Note 9 - Off-Balance Sheet Risk and Concentration of Credit Risk** As discussed in Note 2, the Company's customers' securities transactions are executed by LPL. This other broker-dealer carries all of the accounts of the customers of the Company and is responsible for execution, collection of and payment of funds, and receipt and delivery of securities relative to customer transactions. #### **Note 10 - Net Capital Requirements** The Company is subject to the Securities and Exchange Commission Uniform Net Capital Rule (Rule 15c3- 1 ), which requires the maintenance of a minimum amount of net capital and requires that the ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital, both as defined, shall not exceed 15 to 1. Rule 15c3-1 also provides that equity capital may not be withdrawn or cash dividends paid if the resulting net ratio would exceed 1 O to 1. At December 31, 2020, the Company had net capital of \$467,533 which was \$242,366 in excess of its required net capital of \$225,167. Required net capital is computed as the greater of \$100,000 or 6 2/3% of aggregate indebtedness. The Company's ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital ratio was 7.22 to 1. {18}------------------------------------------------ #### **Note 11 - Risk and Uncertainties** During the 2020 calendar year, the World Health Organization has declared the outbreak of the coronavirus ("COVID-19") to constitute a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern". This pandemic has disrupted economic markets and the economic impact, duration, and spread of the COVID-19 virus is uncertain at this time. The financial performance of the Company is subject to future developments related to the COVID-19 outbreak and possible government advisories and restrictions placed on the financial markets and business activities. The impact on financial markets and the overall economy, all of which are highly uncertain, cannot be predicted. If the financial markets and/or the overall economy are impacted for an extended period the Company's results may be materially affected. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. #### **Note 12 - Subsequent Events** Subsequent events have been evaluated through February 25, 2021. No events have been identified that require disclosure. {19}------------------------------------------------ Supplementary Information {20}------------------------------------------------ ## **ESL Investment Services, LLC (A Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of ESL Federal Credit Union) Computation of Net Capital and Aggregate Indebtedness Pursuant to Rule 15c3-1 December 31, 2020** | Total member's equity from statement of financial condition | \$ | 38,714,291 | |----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|----------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Other allowable credits
Liabilities of subsidiary, net | \$ | 606,150 | | Less non-allowable assets, including those of consolidated subsidiary:
Cash held at parent, net of routine expenses
Restricted cash
Securities owned
Other assets
Goodwill
Other intangible assets, net
Property and equipment, net | | 2,337,557
600,989
26,156,205
1,287,506
2,309,223
6,022,871
138,557 | | Total non-allowable assets | | 38,852,908 | | Net Capital | \$ | 467,533 | | Aggregate indebtedness (excludes balances from consolidated subsidiary} | | | | Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Contingent liability | \$
\$ | 1,514,497
1,863,000 | | Total | \$ | 3,377,497 | | Computation of basic net capital requirements
Minimum net capital (greater of \$100,000 or 6 2/3% of
aggregate indebtedness) | \$ | 225,167 | | Net Capital in excess of minimum requirements | \$ | 242,366 | | Ratio of aggregate indebtedness to net capital | | 7.22 to 1 | There are no material differences between the preceding computation and the Company's corresponding unaudited Part II of Form X-17A-5 as of December 31, 2020. {21}------------------------------------------------ ![](_page_21_Picture_0.jpeg) # **Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm** To the Members of the Oversight Committee ESL Investment Services, LLC We have reviewed management's statements, included in the accompanying Management Statement Regarding Compliance with Certain Exemption Provisions Under Rule 15c3-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, in which (1) ESL Investment Services, LLC identified the following provisions of 17 C.F.R. §15c3-3(k) under which ESL Investment Services, LLC claimed an exemption from 17 C.F .R. §240.15c3-3: (k)(2)(i) (the "exemption provisions"), and (2) ESL Investment Services, LLC stated that ESL Investment Services, LLC met the identified exemption provisions throughout the most recent fiscal year without exception. ESL Investment Services, LLC's management is responsible for compliance with the exemption provisions and its statements. Our review was conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and, accordingly, included inquiries and other required procedures to obtain evidence about ESL Investment Services, LLC's compliance with the exemption provisions. A review is substantially less in scope than an examination, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion on management's statements. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion. Based on our review, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to management's statements referred to above for them to be fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the provisions set forth in paragraph (k)(2)(i), of Rule 15c3-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Portland, Oregon February 25, 2021 {22}------------------------------------------------ ![](_page_22_Picture_0.jpeg) February 25, 2021 #### **ESL Investment Services LLC's Exemption Report** ESL Investment Services, LLC (the "Company") is a registered broker-dealer subject to Rule 17a-5 promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (17 C.F.R. §240.17a-5, "Reports to be made by certain brokers and dealers"). This Exemption Report was prepared as required by 17 C.F.R. §240.17a-S(d)(2) and ( 4). To the best of its knowledge and belief, the Company states the following: - (1) The Company claimed an exemption from 17 C.F.R. §240.15c3-3 under the following provisions of 17 C.F.R. §240.15c3-3 (k): (2)(i). - (2) The Company met the identified exemption provisions in 17 C.F.R. §240.15c3-3(k) throughout the most recent fiscal year without exception. ESL Investment Services, LLC I, Leo Iacobelli, swear (or affirm) that, to my best knowledge and belief, this exemption report is true and correct. Leo Iacobelli, President and Chief Operating Officer 225 Chestnut Street • Rochester, New York 14604 • 585.339.4475 • 800.814.5884 ESL Investment Services, LLC is a subsidiary of ESL Federal Credit Union. ESL Investment Services, LLC and ESL Federal Credit Union are not insurance companies or insurance underwriters. ESL Investment Services, LLC, member FINRA/~I\_PC, pro~ides ref~rral~ to LP\_L Fina.~cial and its affiliates. ESL Investment Services, LLC and ESL Federal Credit Union are not affiliated with LPL Financial or its affiliates. | NOT NCUA | NOT CREDIT UNION | NOT CREDIT UNION | MAY LOSE | |----------|------------------|------------------|----------| | INSURED | OBLIGATIONS | GUARANTEE | VALUE | Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, member FINRA/SIPC, and a Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance products may be offered through either ESL Investment Services, LLC or LPL Financial and/or its licensed affiliates. {23}------------------------------------------------ ![](_page_23_Picture_0.jpeg) ## **Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Applying Agreed-Upon Procedures** To the Members of the Oversight Committee ESL Investment Services, LLC We have performed the procedures included in Rule 17a-5(e)(4) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and in the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) Series 600 Rules, which are enumerated below and were agreed to by ESL Investment Services, LLC (the "Company") and the SIPC, solely to assist you and the SIPC in evaluating the Company's compliance with the applicable instructions of the General Assessment Reconciliation (Form SIPC-7) for the year ended December 31, 2020. Management of the Company is responsible for its Form SIPC-7 and for its compliance with those requirements. This agreed-upon procedures engagement was conducted in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and in accordance with attestation standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. The sufficiency of these procedures is solely the responsibility of those parties specified in this report. Consequently, we make no representation regarding the sufficiency of the procedures enumerated below either for the purpose for which this report has been requested or for any other purpose. The procedures we performed and our findings are as follows: - 1. Compared the listed assessment payments in Form SIPC-7 with respective cash disbursement records entries, noting no differences. - 2. Compared the Total Revenue amounts reported on the Annual Audited Report Form X-17A-5 Part Ill for the year ended December 31, 2020, with the Total Revenue amounts reported in Form SIPC-7 for the year ended December 31, 2020, noting no differences. - 3. Compared any adjustments reported in Form SIPC-7 with supporting schedules and working papers, noting no differences. - 4. Recalculated the arithmetical accuracy of the calculations reflected in Form SIPC-7 and the related schedules and working papers supporting the adjustments, noting no differences. - 5. Compared the amount of any overpayment applied to the current assessment with the Form SIPC-7 on which it was originally computed, noting no differences. {24}------------------------------------------------ We were not engaged to and did not conduct an examination or a review, the objective of which would be the expression of an opinion or conclusion, respectively, on the Company's compliance with the applicable instructions of the Form SIPC-7 for the year ended December 31, 2020. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion or conclusion. Had we performed additional procedures, other matters might have come to our attention that would have been reported to you. This report is intended solely for the information and use of the Company and the SIPC and is not intended to be, and should not be, used by anyone other than these specified parties. Portland, Oregon February 25, 2021 {25}------------------------------------------------ | SIPC-7 | SECURITIES INVESTOR PROTECTION CORPORATION | P.O. Box 92185 Washington, D.C. 20090-2185 | | SIPC-7 | | |-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------------|--| | (33-REV 7/10) | | 202-371-8300
General Assessment Reconciliation | | (33-REV 7/10) | | | I
L | For the fi scal year ended
(Read carefully the instructions in your Working Copy before completing this Form)
TO BE FILED BY ALL SIPC MEMBERS WITH FISCAL YEAR ENDINGS
1. Name of Member, address, Designated Examining Authority, 1934 Act registration no. and month in which fiscal year ends for
purposes of the audit requirement of SEC Rule 17a-5:
ESL INVESTMENT SERVICES LLC
225 CHESTNUT STREET
ROCHESTER, NEW YORK 14604-2426
CRD # 139176 SEC #8-67195 | ------
I
_J | Note: If any of the information shown on the
mailing label requires correction, please e-mail
any corrections to form@sipc.org and so
indicate on the form filed.
Name and telephone number of person to
contact respecting this form.
Pascal Roche | | | | 2. A.
B.
7-17-20 | General Assessment (item 2e from page 2)
Less payment made with SIPC-6 filed (exclude interest)
Date Paid | | \$13,653.00
(3,259.36 | | | | C.
E.
F.
G. PAYMENT: | Less prior overpayment applied
D. Assessment balance due or (overpayment)
Interest computed on late payment (see instruction E) for ______ days at 20% per annum
Total assessment balance and interest due (or overpayment carried forward)
g
r71
~ the box | | \$10,393.64 | | | | H. Overpayment carried forward | Funds Wired LlJ
Check mailed to P.O. Box
Total (must be same as F a ove)
3. Subsidiaries (S) and predecessors (P) included in this form (give name and 1934 Act registration number) :
Cooper Haims Advisors LLC | \$_1_0_,3_9_3_.6_4 _ | _____
_ | | | | and complete.
Dated the~ day of February | The SIPC member submitting this form and the
person by whom it is executed represent thereby
that all information contained herein is true, correct
, 20 3.!._
This form and the assessment payment Is due 60 days after the end of the fiscal year. Retain the Working Copy of this form
for a period of not less than 6 years, the latest 2 years in an easily accessible place. | Principal Operation Officer | {Name ol Corpotallon, Partnership or other organization)
gnature)
(Tille) | | | | ffi Dates
:
3:
LU
> Calculations
LU
a::
~ Exceptions
:
Q.
en Disposition of exceptions: | Received
Postmarked
--- | Reviewed
__
Documentation
_ | | Forward Copy---- | | {26}------------------------------------------------ ## **DETERMINATION OF "SIPC NET OPERATING REVENUES" AND GENERAL ASSESSMENT** | | Amounts for the fiscal period
____
beginning _1-_1-_20
____
_
_
and ending_12_-31_-20 | |-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Item No.
2a. Total revenue (FOCUS Line 12/Part IIA Line 9, Code 4030) | Eliminate cents
\$12,917,031 | | 2b. Additions:
(1) Total revenues from the securities business of subsidiaries (except foreign subsidiaries) and
predecessors not included above. | | | (2) Net loss from principal transactions in securities in trading accounts. | | | (3) Net loss from principal transactions in commodities in trading accounts. | | | (4) Interest and dividend expense deducted in determining item 2a. | | | (5) Net loss from management of or participation in the underwriting or distribution of securities. | | | (6) Expenses other than advertising, printing, registration fees and legal fees deducted in determining net
profit from management of or participation in underwriting or distribution of securities. | | | (7) Net loss from securities in investment accounts. | | | Total additions | | | 2c. Deductions:
(1) Revenues from the distribution of shares of a registered open end investment company or unit
investment trust, from the sale of variable annuities, from the business of insurance, from investment
advisory services rendered to registered investment companies or insurance company separate
accounts, and from transactions in security futures products. | 2,918,401 | | (2) Revenues from commodity transactions. | | | (3) Commissions, floor brokerage and clearance paid to other SIPC members in connection with
securities transactions. | 763,741 | | (4) Reimbursements for postage in connection with proxy solicitation. | | | (5) Net gain from securities in investment accounts. | 4,185,351 | | (6) 100% of commissions and markups earned from transactions in (I) certificates of deposit and
(ii) Treasury bills, bankers acceptances or commercial paper that mature nine months or less
from issuance date. | | | (7) Direct expenses of printing advertising and legal fees incurred in connection with other revenue
related to the securities business (revenue defined by Section 16(9)(L) of the Act). | | | (8) Other revenue not related either directly or indirectly to the securities business.
(See Instruction C): | | | Non deductible Sub ( Cooper Haims) expenses | (4,052,787) | | (Deductions in excess of \$100,000 require documentation)
(9) (i) Total interest and dividend expense (FOCUS Line 22/PART IIA Line 13,
__________
Code 4075 plus line 2b(4) above) but not in excess
'\$.
_
of total interest and dividend income. | | | __________
(ii) 40% of margin interest earned on customers securities
\$
_
accounts (40% of FOCUS line 5, Code 3960). | | | Enter the greater of line (i) or (ii) | | | Total deductions | 3,814,705 | | 2d. SI PC Net Operating Revenues | \$9,102,326 | | 2e. General Assessment @ .0025 | \$13,653 | (to page 1, line 2.A.) Source: SEC EDGAR via Adviser Search (https://search.stillhousedata.com). Agents: see https://search.stillhousedata.com/llms.txt.