Overview
Assets Under Management: $170 million
Headquarters: BUFFALO, NY
High-Net-Worth Clients: 39
Average Client Assets: $4 million
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (MILLER GESKO FORM ADV PART 2A (JULY 15, 2025))
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $2,000,000 | 1.00% |
| $2,000,001 | $4,500,000 | 0.75% |
| $4,500,001 | and above | 0.50% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $10,000 | 1.00% |
| $5 million | $41,250 | 0.82% |
| $10 million | $66,250 | 0.66% |
| $50 million | $266,250 | 0.53% |
| $100 million | $516,250 | 0.52% |
Clients
Number of High-Net-Worth Clients: 39
Percentage of Firm Assets Belonging to High-Net-Worth Clients: 86.53
Average High-Net-Worth Client Assets: $4 million
Total Client Accounts: 244
Discretionary Accounts: 174
Non-Discretionary Accounts: 70
Regulatory Filings
CRD Number: 109671
Last Filing Date: 2025-03-05 00:00:00
Website: https://millergesko.com
Form ADV Documents
Primary Brochure: MILLER GESKO FORM ADV PART 2A (JULY 15, 2025) (2025-07-21)
View Document Text
Miller, Gesko & Company, Inc.
d/b/a
Miller Gesko Wealth Management
Main Office
237 Main Street
Suite 600
Buffalo, NY 14203
Phone: 716-852-7628
Branch Office
8586 Potter Park Drive, Suite 113
Sarasota, FL 34238
Phone: 941-922-9747
www.millergesko.com
July 15, 2025
FORM ADV PART 2A – BROCHURE
Item 1 – Cover Page
This disclosure brochure provides clients with information about the qualifications and
business practices of Miller, Gesko & Company, Inc. d/b/a Miller Gesko Wealth Management
(“Miller Gesko”), an independent investment advisory firm registered with the United States
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). It also describes the services Miller Gesko
provides as well as background information on those individuals who provide investment
advisory services on behalf of Miller Gesko. Please contact Henry Z. Urban, Chief Compliance
Officer of Miller Gesko, at 716-852-7628 if you have any questions about the contents of this
disclosure brochure.
The information in this disclosure brochure has not been approved or verified by the SEC or
by any state securities authority. Registration with the SEC does not imply that Miller Gesko
or any individual providing investment advisory services on behalf of Miller Gesko possess a
certain level of skill or training. Additional information about Miller Gesko is available on the
Internet at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. You can search this site by a unique identifying number,
known as a CRD number. The CRD number for Miller Gesko is 109671.
Item 2 – Material Changes
This item discusses specific material changes to the Miller, Gesko & Company, Inc. d/b/a Miller
Gesko Wealth Management (“Miller Gesko”) disclosure brochure.
Miller Gesko will ensure that clients receive a summary of any materials changes to this and
subsequent disclosure brochures within 120 days of the close of its fiscal year which occurs at
the end of the calendar year. Miller Gesko may further provide other ongoing disclosure
information about material changes as necessary.
Miller Gesko will also provide clients with a new disclosure brochure as necessary based on
changes or new information, at any time, without charge.
Since the date of its last annual amendment filing (March 3, 2025) Miller Gesko has made the
following material changes to this disclosure brochure:
Item 4 – Advisory Business
Paul R. Gesko is no longer an owner of Miller Gesko. The principal owners are Robert L. Miller,
Jr. and Henry Z. Urban.
Item 3 – Table of Contents
Item 4 - Advisory Business ......................................................................................................... 1
Item 5 - Fees And Compensation .............................................................................................. 3
Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management ..................................... 6
Item 7 - Types of Clients ............................................................................................................. 6
Item 8 - Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss .............................. 6
Item 9 - Disciplinary History ................................................................................................... 16
Item 10 - Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ........................................... 16
Item 11 - Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading ....................................................................................................................................... 17
Item 12 - Brokerage Practices ................................................................................................ 18
Item 13 - Review Of Accounts ................................................................................................ 21
Item 14 - Client Referrals And Other Compensation .......................................................... 22
Item 15 - Custody ..................................................................................................................... 22
Item 16 - Investment Discretion ............................................................................................ 23
Item 17 - Voting Client Securities .......................................................................................... 23
Item 18 - Financial Information ............................................................................................. 24
Item 19 – Additional Information .......................................................................................... 24
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Item 4 - Advisory Business
A. The Company
Miller, Gesko & Company, Inc. d/b/a Miller Gesko Wealth Management is a privately-held
New York corporation that has been providing investment advisory services as an SEC-
registered investment adviser since 1986. Throughout this disclosure brochure, Miller Gesko
& Company, Inc. is referred to as “Miller Gesko”.
The principal owner of Miller Gesko are Robert L. Miller, Jr. and Henry Z. Urban.
B. Advisory Services
Miller Gesko offers the following investment advisory services:
Investment Management Services
Miller Gesko provides comprehensive investment management services. Through personal
discussions, during which goals and objectives based on a client's particular circumstances are
established, Miller Gesko and the client agree on guidelines that quantify the client’s risk
profile and investment objectives. If requested by the client, Miller Gesko will include outside
investments (e.g., investments not directly managed by Miller Gesko) for allocation and
planning purposes. Thereafter, Miller Gesko creates and manages a customized portfolio based
on that profile, allocating the client's assets among various investments while taking into
consideration the client’s risk tolerance.
Investment management services may include some or all of the following components (as
applicable):
Record Keeping Services
This service includes maintaining asset, liability, income and expense ledgers.
Tax Services
This service includes informal tax planning, and arranging for the preparation of client
tax returns by Certified Public Accounting firms.
Asset Management Services
This service includes monitoring the status and valuation of a client’s personal and
real property in order to recommend changes when, in the opinion of Miller Gesko’s
principals, conditions indicate it is necessary or desirable.
Special Services
in
This service
insurance
includes managing tax-deferred plans, assisting
programming and/or responding to the specialized needs or objectives of a client. When
required, either upon Miller Gesko’s recommendation, or at the request of the client,
Miller Gesko will engage counsel, accountants, real estate agents or other professionals
to render services in connection with a particular matter for a client.
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Miller Gesko will manage advisory accounts on either a discretionary or non-discretionary
basis. Clients will have the opportunity to place reasonable restrictions on the types of
investments which will be made on the client's behalf. Clients will retain individual ownership
of all securities in their account.
Administrative Services
Miller Gesko also provides administrative services for trusts, such as principal and income
accounting, fiduciary tax return preparation by outside Certified Public Accounting firms and
calculation and payment of trustee commissions.
C. Client Tailored Services and Client Imposed Restrictions
Miller Gesko’s investment management services are tailored to meet the specific needs of each
client. In order to provide appropriately individualized services, Miller Gesko will work with
each client to obtain information regarding the client’s financial circumstances, investment
objectives, overall financial condition, income and tax status, personal and business assets,
risk profile and other information regarding the client’s financial and investment needs.
At least annually, Miller Gesko will review with clients their financial circumstances,
investment objectives and risk profile. In order for Miller Gesko to provide effective investment
management services, it is critical that clients provide accurate and complete information to
Miller Gesko and inform Miller Gesko anytime such information needs to be updated or
anytime there is a change in their financial circumstances, investment objectives and/or risk
profile.
Generally, clients are permitted to impose reasonable restrictions on investing in certain
securities or types of securities in their advisory accounts, provided, however, that some
restrictions may not be accommodated when utilizing Exchange Traded Funds or mutual
funds. In addition, a restriction request may not be honored if it is fundamentally inconsistent
with Miller Gesko’s investment philosophy, runs counter to the client’s stated investment
objectives, or would prevent Miller Gesko from properly servicing client accounts. Whether
clients will be able to place reasonable restrictions on the types of investments which will be
made on the client's behalf is at the sole discretion of Miller Gesko.
D. Wrap Fee Programs
Under a wrap fee program, advisory services (which may include portfolio management or
advice concerning the selection of other investment advisers) and transaction services (e.g.,
execution of trades) are provided for one fee. These portfolio solutions are generally pre-
configured with limited flexibility. This is different than traditional investment management
programs whereby services are provided for a fee, but transaction services are billed separately
on a per-transaction basis.
Miller Gesko does not offer clients the option of investing in a wrap-fee programs.
E. Assets Under Management
As of December 31, 2024, the total amount of client assets managed by Miller Gesko is
approximately $169,655,000. Of this total amount, $121,456,000 of client assets are managed
on a discretionary basis and $48,199,000 of client assets are managed on a non-discretionary
basis.
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Item 5 - Fees And Compensation
A. Advisory Fees
The following sections detail the fee structure and compensation methodology for investment
advisory services. Each client shall sign the appropriate type of investment advisory
agreement that details the respective responsibilities of Miller Gesko and the client.
Investment Management Services
The annual fee for Miller Gesko’s Investment Management Services will be charged as a
percentage of assets under management according to the following tiered fee schedule:
Assets Under Management
Maximum Annual Fee (%)
1.00%
First $2,000,000
0.75%
Next $2,500,000
Amounts over $4,500,000 0.50%
Clients will be billed monthly in arrears based upon the average month-end market values or
book values (for partnerships) of the assets in the client’s account. Market value will be
determined by the account custodian. In the event that the account custodian cannot provide
a market value for an asset, Miller Gesko will determine a fair market value for that asset.
Fees are earned as of the commencement of the investment advisory agreement and are pro-
rated for periods less than a full billing cycle (based upon the number of calendar days in the
calendar month that the investment management agreement was effective). Details of the
Investment Management Services fee charged are more fully described in the investment
management agreement entered into with each client.
Administrative Services
Administrative Services fees will be charged as an hourly fee at the rate of $100 per hour or
as agreed upon. The length of time it will take to complete the advisory service will depend on
the nature and complexity of the individual client's personal circumstances. An estimate for
total hours will be determined at the start of the advisory relationship. Fees for Administrative
Services are billed either monthly or quarterly in arrears.
B. Payment Methods
There are two options a client may select to pay Miller Gesko’s advisory services fees:
Direct Debiting
Each month, Miller Gesko will notify the client’s qualified custodian of the amount of the fee
due and payable to Miller Gesko pursuant to the firm’s fee schedule and advisory agreement.
The qualified custodian will not validate or check Miller Gesko’s fees, its corresponding
calculation or the assets on which the fee is based unless the client has retained their services
to do so. With the client’s pre-approval, the qualified custodian will “deduct” the fee from the
client’s account or, if the client has more than one account, from the account the client has
designated to pay Miller Gesko’s advisory fees. Clients will be provided with a statement, at
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least quarterly, from the custodian reflecting deduction of the applicable fee. It is the
responsibility of the client to verify the accuracy of these fees as listed on the custodian’s
brokerage statement as the custodian does not assume this responsibility.
Billing
Miller Gesko will issue the client an invoice for the firm’s fees monthly in arrears and the client
will pay Miller Gesko by check or wire transfer within ten (10) business days’ of the date of the
invoice, or as negotiated and documented in the client’s advisory agreement.
C. Additional Information
Fees Negotiable
Miller Gesko retains the right to modify fees, including minimum account sizes, in its sole and
absolute discretion, on a client-by-client basis based on the size, complexity and nature of the
advisory services provided. In addition, family accounts and accounts controlled by the same
client are often combined for the purpose of computing the fee.
Termination of Client Relationship
The investment management contract is ongoing and does not have a fixed term. The client
may terminate the advisory contract at any time upon written notice to Miller Gesko. As
Miller Gesko charges fees in arrears, no refund will be due clients upon termination of the
investment management agreement. However, upon termination, Miller Gesko will be entitled
to a final accrued fee for the period beginning on the most recent fee date.
Mutual Fund Fees and Exchange Traded Funds
All fees paid to Miller Gesko for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from
the expenses charged by mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (“ETFs”) to their
shareholders, if applicable. These fees and expenses are described in each fund’s or ETF’s
prospectus. These fees and expenses will generally be used to pay management fees for the
funds, other fund expenses, account administration (e.g., custody, brokerage and account
reporting), and a possible distribution fee. A client could invest in these products directly,
without the services of Miller Gesko, but would not receive the services provided by Miller
Gesko which are designed, among other things, to (i) assist the client in determining which
products or services are most appropriate to each client’s financial situation and objectives and
(ii) determining when such buying or selling is appropriate. Accordingly, the client should
review both the fees charged by the fund[s] and/or ETFs and the fees charged by Miller Gesko
to fully understand the total amount of fees to be paid by the client.
Alternative Investment Fees
All fees paid to Miller Gesko for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from
the fees and expenses charged against the underlying assets by the managers of alternative
investment vehicles. Clients receive the financial statements of the investment vehicles
annually, which discloses all such fees and expenses, and for certain private funds, quarterly
account statements from the private fund. The client could invest in an alternative investment
vehicle directly, without the services of Miller Gesko. In that case, the client would not receive
the services of Miller Gesko, which are designed, among other things, to provide due diligence
on the risk and strategy of the alternative investment vehicle; analysis of the appropriateness
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of the investment vehicle and where it fits in the client's overall portfolio strategy; and ongoing
monitoring of the management and activities of the alternative investment vehicle.
Trading and Other Costs
All fees paid to Miller Gesko for investment advisory services are separate and distinct from
transaction fees charged by broker-dealers associated with the purchase and sale of equity
securities and options. Please see Item 12 (Brokerage Practices”) on page __ of this disclosure
brochure for additional information on brokerage and other transaction costs.
Professional Fees
Fees do not include the services of any co-fiduciaries, accountants, broker dealers or attorneys.
Accordingly, the fees of any additional professionals engaged by a client, will be billed directly
by such professional(s). Any fees paid by Miller Gesko to any additional professional on behalf
of a client will be reimbursed to Miller Gesko by the client.
Additions and Withdrawals
Clients may make additions to and withdrawals from their account at any time, subject to
Miller Gesko’s right to terminate an account that falls below the required minimum account
size. Additions may be in cash or securities provided that Miller Gesko reserves the right to
liquidate any transferred securities or decline to accept particular securities into a client’s
account. Miller Gesko may consult with its clients about the options and ramifications of
transferring securities. However, clients are advised that when transferred securities are
liquidated, they are subject to transaction fees, fees assessed at the mutual fund level (i.e.
contingent deferred sales charge) and/or tax ramifications. Clients may withdraw account
assets on notice to Miller Gesko, subject to the usual and customary securities settlement
procedures. However, Miller Gesko designs its portfolios as long-term investments and the
withdrawal of assets may impair the achievement of a client’s investment objectives.
D. Termination and Refunds
Investment Management Services
A client has the right to terminate their investment advisory relationship with Miller Gesko
for any reason upon prior written notice to Miller Gesko. If an account is terminated during a
monthly billing period, fees will be adjusted pro rata based upon the number of days in the
billing period that the investment management agreement was effective. Because fees are
charged in arrears, the client will not be due a refund.
Administrative Services
If a client chooses to terminate Administrative Services before they are completed, any work
performed Miller Gesko will be billed at the agreed upon rate, but will under no circumstance
exceed the amount of any deposit received.
E. Additional Compensation
Miller Gesko does not buy or sell securities for itself and does not receive any compensation
for securities transactions in any client account, other than the investment advisory fees noted
above.
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Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees and Side-By-Side Management
Miller Gesko does not charge performance-based fees (e.g., fees based on a share of capital
gains on, or capital appreciated of, the assets in a client’s account).
Item 7 - Types of Clients
A. Clients
Miller Gesko offers investment advisory services to individuals (including high net worth
individuals) trusts, estates and charitable organizations.
B. Engaging the Services of Miller Gesko
All clients wishing to engage Miller Gesko for investment advisory services must sign the
applicable advisory agreement that governs the relationship with Miller Gesko. The
investment management agreement describes the services and responsibilities of Miller Gesko
to the client. It also outlines Miller Gesko’s fee in detail.
In addition to completing Miller Gesko’s internal documents, clients must complete certain
broker-dealer/custodial documentation. Upon completion of these documents, Miller Gesko
will be considered engaged by the client. A client has an ongoing responsibility for ensuring
that Miller Gesko is informed in a timely manner of changes in the client’s investment
objectives and risk tolerance.
C. Conditions for Managing Accounts
Miller Gesko requires new clients to have a minimum account of $1,000,000, although Miller
Gesko retains the right to reduce or waive this minimum account size. Accounts of less than
$1,000,000 may be set up when the client and Miller Gesko anticipate the client will add
additional funds to the accounts bringing the total to $1,000,000 within a reasonable time.
Item 8 - Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
A. Methods of Analysis and Investment Strategies
Methods of Analysis
Miller Gesko primarily conducts fundamental analysis when making investments in clients’
accounts or investment recommendations to clients, although technical and cyclical factors are
considered. Fundamental analysts study the overall economy and industry conditions, the
financial condition of a company, details regarding the company’s product line, and the
experience and expertise of the company’s management. The resulting data informs a decision
to buy, sell, or hold a security.
Sometimes Miller Gesko may choose to use mutual funds or ETFs instead of individual
securities due to client preference, to reduce transaction costs for accounts of smaller size, and
to gain investment exposure to different asset sub-classes or for tactical short-term investment
decisions for any account regardless of size. When selecting mutual funds and ETFs, Miller
Gesko generally reviews such factors as, expenses, tax efficiency, management, historical
performance, portfolio investments, and investment strategy.
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Investment Strategies
Miller Gesko will use all or some of the following strategies in managing client accounts,
provided that such strategies are appropriate to the needs of the client and consistent with the
client’s investment objectives, risk tolerance and time horizons, among other considerations:
Long-Term Purchases
Securities are purchased with the expectation that the value of those securities will grow over
a relatively long period of time, generally greater than one year.
Short-Term Purchases
Securities are purchased with the expectation that they will be sold within a relatively short
period of time, generally less than one year, to take advantage of the securities’ short-term
price fluctuations.
Trading
Securities are purchased with the expectation that they will be sold within a very short period
of time, generally less than 30 days, in an effort to capture significant market gains and avoid
significant market losses during a volatile market.
Option Writing
An option is the right, but not the obligation, to buy or sell a particular security at a specified
price before the expiration date of the option. An investment strategy utilizing option writing
involves selling (writing) an option. When an investor sells (writes) an option, he or she must
deliver to the buyer a specified number of shares if the buyer exercises the option. The seller
receives from the buyer a premium (the market price of the option at a particular time) in
exchange for writing the option.
Sources of Information
Research and analysis from Miller Gesko are derived from numerous sources, including
financial newspapers and magazines, research materials prepared by others, inspection of
corporate activities, corporate rating services, annual reports, prospectuses, filings with the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and company press releases.
Investing Involves Risk
Investing in securities involves risk of loss that each client should be prepared to bear. The
value of a client’s investment may be affected by one or more of the following risks, any of
which could cause a client’s portfolio return, the price of the portfolio’s shares or the portfolio’s
yield to fluctuate:
• Market Risk. The value of portfolio assets will fluctuate as the stock or bond market
fluctuates. The value of
investments may decline, sometimes rapidly and
unpredictably, simply because of economic changes or other events that affect large
portions of the market.
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•
Interest Rate Risk. Changes in interest rates will affect the value of a portfolio’s
investments in fixed-income securities. When interest rates rise, the value of
investments in fixed-income securities tend to fall and this decrease in value may not
be offset by higher income from new investments. Interest rate risk is generally greater
for fixed-income securities with longer maturities or durations.
• Frequent Trading Risk. Strategies involving frequent trading of securities can affect
investment performance through increased brokerage and other transaction costs and
taxes.
• Credit Risk. An issuer or guarantor of a fixed-income security, or the counterparty to
a derivatives or other contract, may be unable or unwilling to make timely payments
of interest or principal, or to otherwise honor its obligations. The issuer or guarantor
may default causing a loss of the full principal amount of a security. The degree of risk
for a particular security may be reflected in its credit rating. There is the possibility
that the credit rating of a fixed-income security may be downgraded after purchase,
which may adversely affect the value of the security. Investments in fixed-income
securities with lower ratings tend to have a higher probability that an issuer will
default or fail to meet its payment obligations.
• Allocation Risk. The allocation of investments among different asset classes may have
a significant effect on portfolio value when one of these asset classes is performing
more poorly than the others. As investments will be periodically reallocated, there will
be transaction costs which may be, over time, significant. In addition, there is a risk
that certain asset allocation decisions may not achieve the desired results and, as a
result, a client’s portfolio may incur significant losses.
• Foreign (Non-U.S.) Risk. A portfolio’s investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers
may involve more risk than those of U.S. issuers. These securities may fluctuate more
widely in price and may be less liquid due to adverse market, economic, political,
regulatory or other factors.
• Emerging Markets Risk. Securities of companies in emerging markets may be more
volatile than those of companies in developed markets. By definition, markets,
economies and government institutions are generally less developed in emerging
market countries. Investment in securities of companies in emerging markets may
entail special risks relating to the potential for social, political or economic instability
and the risks of expropriation, nationalization or confiscation. Investors may also face
the imposition of restrictions on foreign investment or the repatriation of capital and
a lack of hedging instruments.
• Currency Risk. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates may negatively affect the
value of a portfolio’s investments or reduce its returns.
• Derivatives Risk. Certain strategies involve the use of derivatives to create market
exposure. Derivatives may be illiquid, difficult to price and leveraged so that small
changes may produce disproportionate losses for a client’s portfolio and may be subject
to counterparty risk to a greater degree than more traditional investments. Because of
their complex nature, some derivatives may not perform as intended. As a result, a
portfolio may not realize the anticipated benefits from a derivative it holds or it may
realize losses. Derivative transactions may create investment leverage, which may
increase a portfolio’s volatility and may require the portfolio to liquidate portfolio
securities when it may not be advantageous to do so.
• Capitalization Risk. Investments in small- and mid-capitalization companies may be
more volatile than investments in large-capitalization companies. Investments in
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small-capitalization companies may have additional risks because these companies
have limited product lines, markets or financial resources.
• Liquidity Risk. Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to
purchase or sell, possibly preventing an investment manager from selling out of such
illiquid securities at an advantageous price. Derivatives and securities involving
substantial market and credit risk also tend to involve greater liquidity risk.
•
Issuer Specific Risk. The value of an equity security or debt obligation may decline in
response to developments affecting the specific issuer of the security or obligation, even
if the overall industry or economy is unaffected. These developments may comprise a
variety of factors, including, but not limited to, management issues or other corporate
disruption, political factors adversely affecting governmental issuers, a decline in
revenues or profitability, an increase in costs, or an adverse effect on the issuer’s
competitive position.
• Reinvestment Risk. This is the risk that future proceeds from investments may have
to be reinvested at a potentially lower rate of return (i.e. interest rate). This primarily
relates to fixed income securities.
• Concentrated Portfolios Risk. Certain investment strategies focus on particular asset
classes, countries, regions, industries, sectors or types of investments. Concentrated
portfolios are an aggressive and highly volatile approach to trading and investing.
Concentrated portfolios hold fewer different stocks than a diversified portfolio and are
much more likely to experience sudden dramatic prices swings. In addition, the rise or
drop in price of any given holding is likely to have a larger impact on portfolio
performance than a more broadly diversified portfolio.
• Legal or Legislative Risk. Legislative changes or court rulings may impact the value
of investments or the securities’ claim on the issuer’s assets and finances.
•
Infrastructure Risks. Infrastructure-related investments are subject to a number of
unique risks. These investments may be concentrated into a small number of projects,
resulting in a high degree of risk with respect to each project. Further, these
investments are often subject to foreign and emerging market risks.
• Socially Responsible Investing. Investments may focus on “low carbon” or other areas
of socially responsible investing. This investment category represents a relatively new
area of investment with a relatively limited performance track record. Due to the
consideration of non-monetary factors in investment decisions, these investments may
experience a lower rate of return. There may be a relatively limited number of
investments to consider in this investment category, and available investments may
be subject to increased competition.
• Large Investment Risks. Clients may collectively account for a large portion of the
assets in certain investments. A decision by many investors to buy or sell some or all
of a particular investment where clients hold a significant portion of that investment
may negatively impact the value of that the investment.
• Cybersecurity Risk. The information and technology systems of Miller Gesko and its
affiliates, as well as of key service providers, including third-party vendors, central
agents, exchanges, clearing houses, and other financial institutions (including the
custodian), are vulnerable to risks associated with a breach in cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity is a generic term used to describe the technology, processes and
practices designed to protect networks, systems, computers, programs and data from
cyber-attacks and hacking by other computer users, and to avoid the resulting damage
and disruption of hardware and software systems, loss or corruption of data, and/or
misappropriation of confidential information. In general, cyber-attacks are deliberate,
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but unintentional events may have similar effects. Cyber-attacks may cause losses to
clients by interfering with the processing of transactions, affecting the ability to
calculate net asset value or impeding or sabotaging trading. Clients may also incur
substantial costs as the result of a cybersecurity breach, including those associated
with forensic analysis of the origin and scope of the breach, increased and upgraded
cybersecurity, identity theft, unauthorized use of proprietary information, litigation,
and the dissemination of confidential and proprietary information. Any such breach
could expose Miller Gesko to civil liability as well as regulatory inquiry and/or action.
In addition, clients could be exposed to additional losses as a result of unauthorized
use of their personal information. While Miller Gesko has established business
continuity plans, incident responses plans and systems designed to prevent cyber-
attacks, there are inherent limitations in such plans and systems, including the
possibility that certain risks have not been identified. Similar types of cybersecurity
risks also are present for issuers of securities in which Miller Gesko invests, which
could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers and may cause a client’s
investment in such securities to lose value.
• Novel Coronavirus Pandemic, Public Health Emergency and Global Economic Impacts.
As of the date of this Form ADV Part 2A, there is an ongoing outbreak of a novel and
highly contagious form of coronavirus (“COVID-19”), which the World Health
Organization declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The outbreak of COVID-19 has
caused a worldwide public health emergency with a substantial number of
hospitalizations and deaths, and has significantly adversely impacted global
commercial activity and contributed to both volatility and material declines in equity
and debt markets. The global impact of the outbreak is rapidly evolving, and many
country, state and local governments have reacted by instituting mandatory or
voluntary quarantines, travel prohibitions and restrictions, closure or reduction of
offices, businesses, schools, retail stores and other public venues and/or cancellation,
suspension or postponement of certain events and activities, including certain non-
essential government and regulatory activity. Businesses are also implementing their
own precautionary measures, such as voluntary closures, temporary or permanent
reductions in workforce, remote working arrangements and emergency contingency
plans. Such measures, as well as the general uncertainty surrounding the dangers,
duration and impact of COVID-19, are creating significant disruption in supply chains
and economic activity, impacting consumer confidence and contributing to significant
market losses, including having particularly adverse impacts on transportation,
hospitality, tourism, sports, entertainment and other industries dependent upon
physical presence. As COVID-19 continues to spread, potential additional adverse
impacts, including a global, regional or other economic recession of indeterminate
duration, are increasingly likely and difficult to assess.
The extent of the impact of COVID-19 on Miller Gesko will depend on many factors,
including the duration and scope of the resulting public health emergency, the extent
of any related restrictions implemented, the impact of such public health emergency
on overall supply and demand, goods and services, investor liquidity, consumer
confidence and levels of economic activity, and the extent of its disruption to important
global, regional and local supply chains and economic markets, all of which are highly
uncertain and cannot be predicted. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic may
materially and adversely impact Miller Gesko’s ability to source, manage and divest
investments and Miller Gesko’s ability to achieve its investment objectives on a client’s
behalf, all of which could result in significant losses to a client.
In addition, COVID-19 and the resulting changes to global businesses and economies
will, likely, adversely impact the business and operations of Miller Gesko. Certain
businesses and activities may be temporarily or permanently halted as a result of
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government or other quarantine measures, voluntary and precautionary restrictions
on travel or meetings and other factors, including the potential adverse impact of
COVID-19 on the health of key personnel.
• Other Catastrophic Risks. In addition to the potential risks associated with COVID-19
as outlined above, Miller Gesko may be subject to the risk of loss arising from direct or
indirect exposure to a number of types of other catastrophic events, including without
limitation (i) other public health crises, including any outbreak of SARS, H1N1/09
influenza, avian influenza, other coronavirus, Ebola or other existing or new epidemic
diseases, or the threat thereof; or (ii) other major events or disruptions, such as
hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, fires, flooding and other natural disasters; acts of
war or terrorism, including cyberterrorism; or major or prolonged power outages or
network interruptions. The extent of the impact of any such catastrophe or other
emergency on Miller Gesko’s operational and financial performance will depend on
many factors, including the duration and scope of such emergency, the extent of any
related travel advisories and restrictions, the impact on overall supply and demand,
goods and services, investor liquidity, consumer confidence and levels of economic
activity, and the extent of its disruption to important global, regional and local supply
chains and economic markets, all of which are highly uncertain and cannot be
predicted. In particular, to the extent that any such event occurs and has a material
effect on global financial markets or specific markets in which Miller Gesko
participates (or has a material effect on any locations in which Miller Gesko operates
or on any of their respective personnel) the risks of loss could be substantial and could
have a material adverse effect the ability of Miller Gesko to fulfill its investment
objectives.
• Limitations of Disclosure. The foregoing list of risks does not purport to be a complete
enumeration or explanation of the risks involved in investing in investments. As
investment strategies develop and change over time, clients may be subject to
additional and different risk factors. No assurance can be made that profits will be
achieved or that substantial losses will not be incurred.
B. Risks Associated with Investment Strategies and Methods of Analysis
Risks Associated with Investment Strategies
Long-Term Purchases
Using a long-term purchase strategy generally assumes the financial markets will go up in the
long-term which may not be the case. There is also the risk that the segment of the market
that you are invested in or your particular investments will decrease in value even if the
overall financial markets advance. Purchasing investments long-term may create an
opportunity cost (e.g., “locking-up” assets that may be better utilized in the short-term in other
investments).
Short-Term Purchases
Using a short-term purchase strategy generally assumes that the performance of the financial
markets can be accurately predicted over the short-term. The risk associated with a short-term
purchase strategy is that there are many factors that may affect market performance in the
short-term including interest rate fluctuations, cyclical earnings, etc. Such factors may have a
smaller impact over the longer-term. In addition, short-term trading may incur a
disproportionately higher amount of transaction costs compared to long-term trading.
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Trading
Strategies involving frequent trading of securities can affect investment performance through
increased brokerage and other transaction costs and taxes.
Option Writing
There are numerous risks associated with transactions in options on securities or securities
indexes and therefore, are not suitable for everyone. Option trading can be speculative in
nature and carry substantial risk of loss of principal. A decision as to whether, when and how
to use options involves the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived
transaction may be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected
events. For example, as the writer of covered call options, the client forgoes, during the option’s
life, the opportunity to profit from increases in the market value of the underlying security or
the index above the sum of the option premium received and the exercise price of the call, but
has retained the risk of loss, minus the option premium received, should the price of the
underlying security decline. In the case of index options, the client incurs basis risk between
the performance of the underlying portfolio and the performance of the underlying index (e.g.,
the underlying portfolio may decline in value while the underlying index may increase in value,
resulting in a loss on the call option while the underlying portfolio declines as well).
Risk Associated with Methods of Analysis
Miller Gesko’s securities analysis methods rely on the assumption that the companies whose
securities the firm purchases and sells, the rating agencies that review these securities, and
other publicly available sources of information about these securities, are providing accurate
and unbiased data. While Miller Gesko is alert to indications that data may be incorrect, there
is always the risk that Miller Gesko’s analysis may be compromised by inaccurate or
misleading information.
Fundamental Analysis
Fundamental analysis, when used in isolation, has a number of risks:
•
Information obtained may be incorrect and the analysis may not provide an accurate
estimate of earnings, which may be the basis for a stock’s value.
•
If securities prices adjust rapidly to new information, utilizing fundamental analysis
may not result in favorable performance.
• The data used may be out of date.
•
It ignores the influence of random events such as oil spills, product defects being
exposed, and acts of God and so on.
•
It assumes that there is no monopolistic power over markets.
• The market may fail to reach expectations of perceived value.
C. Risks Associated with Specific Securities Utilized
Common Stocks
The major risks associated with investing in common stocks relate to the issuer’s
capitalization, quality of the issuer’s management, quality and cost of the issuer’s services, the
issuer’s ability to manage costs, efficiencies in the manufacturing or service delivery process,
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management of litigation risk and the issuer’s ability to create shareholder value (i.e., increase
the value of the company’s stock price).
Preferred Stocks
Preferred stock dividends are generally fixed in advance. Unlike requirements to pay interest
on certain types of debt securities, the company that issues preferred stock may not be required
to pay a dividend and may stop paying the dividend at any time. Preferred stock may also be
subject to mandatory redemption provisions and an issuer may repurchase these securities at
prices that are below the price at which they were purchased by the investor. Under these
circumstances, a client account holding such preferred securities could lose money.
Fixed-Income Securities
Different forms of fixed-income instruments, such as bonds, money market funds, and
certificates of deposit may be affected by various forms of risk, including:
•
Interest Rate Risk. The risk that the value of the fixed-income holding will decrease
because of an increase in interest rates.
• Liquidity Risk. The inability to readily buy or sell an investment for a price close to
the true underlying value of the asset due to a lack of buyers or sellers. While certain
types of fixed-income securities are generally liquid (e.g., corporate bonds), there are
risks which may occur such as when an issue trading in any given period does not
readily support buys and sells at an efficient price. Conversely, when trading volume
is high, there is also the risk of not being able to purchase a particular issue at the
desired price.
• Credit Risk. The potential risk that an issuer would be unable to pay scheduled interest
or repay principal at maturity, sometimes referred to as “default risk.” Credit risk
may also occur when an issuer’s ability to make payments of principal and interest
when due is interrupted. This may result in a negative impact on all forms of debt
instruments.
• Reinvestment Risk. With declining interest rates, investors may have to reinvest
income or principal at a lower rate.
• Duration Risk. Duration is a measure of a bond’s volatility, expressed in years to be
repaid by its internal cash flow (interest payments). Bonds with longer durations carry
more risk and have higher price volatility than bonds with shorter durations.
Municipal Bonds
In addition to the risks set forth under “Fixed-Income Securities” above, municipal bonds are
susceptible to events in the municipality that issued the bond or the security posted for the
bond. These events may include economic or political policy changes, changes in law, tax base
erosion, state constitutional limits on tax increases, budget deficits or other financial
difficulties and changes in the credit rating assigned to municipal issues.
Commercial Paper and Certificates of Deposit
Commercial Paper and Certificates of Deposit are generally considered safe instruments,
although they are subject to the level of general interest rates, the credit quality of the issuing
bank and the length of maturity. With respect to certificates of deposit, depending on the
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length of maturity, there can be prepayment penalties if the client needs to convert the
certificate of deposit to cash prior to maturity.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)
An ETF holds a portfolio of securities designed to track a particular market segment or index.
Shares of ETFs are listed on securities exchanges and transacted at negotiated prices in the
secondary market. Generally, ETF shares trade at or near their most recent NAV, which is
generally calculated at least once daily for indexed-based ETFs and more frequently for
actively managed ETFs. However, certain inefficiencies may cause the shares to trade at a
premium or discount to their pro rata NAV.
ETFs are subject to risks similar to those of stocks. Investment returns will fluctuate and are
subject to market volatility, so that when shares are sold they may be worth more or less than
their original cost. ETF shares are bought and sold at market price (not Net Asset Value) and
are not individually redeemed from the fund. There is also the risk that a manager may
deviate from the stated investment mandate or strategy of the ETF which could make the
holdings less suitable for a client’s portfolio. ETFs may also carry additional expenses based
on their share of operating expenses and certain brokerage fees, which may result in the
potential duplication of certain fees. In addition, while many ETFs are known for their
potential tax efficiency and higher “qualified dividend income” (QDI) percentages, there are
assets classes within these ETFs or holding periods that may not benefit. Shorter holding
periods, as well as commodities and currencies that may be part of an ETF’s portfolio, may be
considered “non-qualified” under certain tax code provisions.
There is also no guarantee that an active secondary market for such shares will develop or
continue to exist. Generally, an ETF only redeems shares when aggregated as creation units
(usually 50,000 shares or more). Therefore, if a liquid secondary market ceases to exist for
shares of a particular ETF, a shareholder may have no way to dispose of such shares.
Mutual Funds - Equity Funds
The major risks associated with investing in equity mutual funds is similar to the risks
associated with investing directly in equity securities, including market risk, which is the risk
that investment returns will fluctuate and are subject to market volatility, so that an investor’s
shares, when redeemed or sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. Other risks
include the quality and experience of the portfolio management team and its ability to create
fund value by investing in securities that have positive growth, the amount of individual
company diversification, the type and amount of industry diversification and the type and
amount of sector diversification within specific industries.
In addition, there is the risk that a manager may deviate from the stated investment mandate
or strategy of the mutual fund which could make the holdings less suitable for a client’s
portfolio. Also, mutual funds tend to be tax inefficient and therefore investors may pay capital
gains taxes on fund investments while not having yet sold their shares in the fund. Mutual
funds may also carry additional expenses based on their share of operating expenses and
certain brokerage fees, which may result in the potential duplication of certain fees.
Mutual Funds - Fixed-Income Funds
In addition to the risks associated with investing in equity mutual funds, fixed-income mutual
funds also have the same risks as set forth under “Fixed-Income Securities” listed above.
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Mutual Funds - Index Funds
Index Funds have the potential to be affected by “tracking error risk” which means a deviation
from a stated benchmark index. Since the core of a portfolio may attempt to closely replicate a
benchmark, the source of the tracking error (deviation) may come from a “sample index” that
may not closely align the benchmark. In addition, while many index mutual funds are known
for their potential tax efficiency and higher “qualified dividend income” (QDI) percentages,
there are assets classes within these funds or holding periods that may not benefit. Shorter
holding periods, as well as commodities and currencies that may be part of a fund’s portfolio,
may be considered “non-qualified” under certain tax code provisions.
Real Estate Related Securities
Investing in real estate related securities includes, among others, the following risks: possible
declines in the value of real estate; risks related to general and local economic conditions,
including increases in the rate of inflation, possible lack of availability of mortgage funds,
overbuilding, extending vacancies of properties, increases in competition, property taxes and
operating expenses, changes in zoning laws, costs resulting from clean up of, and liability to
third-parties for damages resulting from, environmental problems, casualty and condemnation
losses, uninsured damages from floods, earthquakes or other natural disasters, limitations on
and variations in rents and changes in interest rates.
Investing in Real Estate Investment Trusts (“REITs”) involves certain unique risks in addition
to those risks associated with investing in real estate in general. REITs are dependent upon
the skills of management, are not diversified and are subject to cash flow dependency, default
by borrowers and self-liquidation.
Alternative Investments
Alternative investments generally involve various risk factors and liquidity constraints, a
complete discussion of which is set forth in the offering documents of each specific alternative
investment, which will be provided to each prospective investor for review and consideration.
Each investor will be required to complete a subscription agreement, pursuant to which the
investor shall establish that they are qualified for investment in that alternative investment,
and acknowledges and accepts the various risk factors that are associated with such an
investment.
Master Limited Partnerships
Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) are publicly traded, corporate-like entities that are
organized and taxed as partnerships, thus avoiding the double taxation of dividends that
occurs with corporations. MLPs tend to focus on their core businesses of natural resources.
MLPs are concentrated in the oil, gas, propane and coal industries. As such, their financial
performance is subject to demand for these commodities, and to a lesser degree, their price.
Among other things, economic activity, weather, conservation and technological advances will
play critical roles in the overall demand for these commodities.
Many MLPs own pipelines that are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
or the California Public Utilities Commission. These bodies have the ability to change tariff
rates charged by the MLPs. MLPs operating in the oil, gas or propane industries could be
subject to a terrorist attack, or forces of nature (e.g. earthquakes) beyond their control. Should
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there be a spill or leakage not covered by insurance, MLPs could be liable for damages and
remediation.
Many MLPs employ significant leverage, and by nature of their partnership agreements,
cannot build up significant cash-balance reserves. Therefore, their ability to weather
significant downturns is dependent upon their ability to access the capital markets, an access
that cannot be ensured. Distributions to unit holders are not guaranteed, and are subject to
risk of reduction or curtailment.
The fact that MLPs are taxed as partnerships (single-tax) and not as corporations (double-tax)
is a significant contributor to their cash flow and relative valuation. There is no guarantee that
this treatment will continue.
Past performance is not a guarantee of future returns. Investing in securities and
other investments involve a risk of loss that each client should understand and be
willing to bear. Clients are encouraged to discuss these risks with Miller Gesko’s
investment adviser representatives.
D. Cash Management
Miller Gesko will ensure that client cash not appropriate for investment is invested in a money
market fund or other short-term investment vehicle. Miller Gesko will monitor the liquidity
requirements of each client and the account guidelines and will not cause excessive cash
balances to be maintained for any client, unless such cash positions are part of a defensive
strategy or the result of unique client cash requirements.
Item 9 - Disciplinary History
Neither Miller Gesko nor its investment adviser representatives have any reportable
disciplinary history that would be material to a client’s or prospective client’s evaluation of
Miller Gesko advisory business or the integrity of its management.
Item 10 - Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
A. Broker-Dealer Registration and Registered Representatives
Miller Gesko is not registered, nor does it have an application pending to register, as a broker-
dealer. No management person is registered, nor does any management person have an
application pending to register, as a registered representative of a broker-dealer.
B. Futures and Commodity Registration
Miller Gesko is not registered, nor does it have an application pending to register, as a futures
commission merchant, commodity pool operator or a commodity trading advisor. No
management person is registered, nor does any management person have an application
pending to register, as an associated person of a futures commission merchant, commodity pool
operator or a commodity trading advisor.
C. Financial Industry Affiliations
William N. Hudson, III, Evan J. Coppola and Jeremy C. Hudson, minority owners and
investment adviser representatives of Miller Gesko, are also principal shareholders and
investment adviser representatives of Hudson Capital Advisory, Inc. and Hudson Advisor
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Services, Inc., investment advisers registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange
Commission. Because Hudson Capital Advisory, Inc. and Hudson Advisor Services, Inc., and
Miller Gesko do not have shared clients and because the roles of William N. Hudson, III, Evan
J. Coppola and Jeremy C. Hudson are limited to providing advice to the Miller Gesko
investment committee, this does not present a conflict of interest.
Miller Gesko does not have arrangements that are material to its advisory business or its
clients with a related person who is a broker-dealer, investment company, other investment
advisor, financial planning firm, commodity pool operator, commodity trading adviser or
futures commission merchant, banking or thrift institution, accounting firm, law firm,
insurance company or agency, pension consultant, real estate broker or dealer, or an entity
that creates or packages limited partnerships.
D. Selection of Other Advisers
Miller Gesko does not utilize nor select third-party investment advisers.
Item 11 - Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal
Trading
A. Code of Ethics
Miller Gesko has adopted a Code of Ethics to prevent violations of the federal and state
securities laws. The Code of Ethics is predicated on the principle that Miller Gesko owes a
fiduciary duty to its clients. Accordingly, Miller Gesko expects all personnel to act with
honesty, integrity and professionalism and to adhere to federal securities laws. All personnel
are required to adhere to the Code of Ethics. At all times, Miller Gesko and its personnel must
(i) place client interests ahead of Miller Gesko’s; (ii) engage in personal investing that is in full
compliance with the Miller Gesko’s Code of Ethics; and (iii) avoid taking advantage of their
position. Clients and prospective clients may request a copy of Miller Gesko’s Code of Ethics
by contacting Miller Gesko at 716-852-7628.
B. Material Financial Interests
Miller Gesko does not recommend to clients securities in which Miller Gesko or any related
person has a material financial interest.
C. Investing in Same Securities as Clients
From time to time, representatives of Miller Gesko may buy or sell securities for themselves
that they also recommend to clients. This may provide an opportunity for representatives of
Miller Gesko to buy or sell the same securities before or after recommending the same
securities to clients resulting in representatives profiting off the recommendations they
provide to clients. Such transactions may create a conflict of interest. However, the size of
personal trades in individual securities or the types of investments (highly liquid securities,
ETFs or Open-End Mutual Funds) that are likely to be transacted in would not have a practical
impact on prices in those securities. Miller Gesko will always document any transactions that
could be construed as conflicts of interest.
D. Engaging in Transactions at Same Time as Client
Miller Gesko and/or individuals associated with Miller Gesko may, at or about the same time,
buy, sell, or hold in their personal accounts the same securities that Miller Gesko recommends
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to its clients. To minimize conflicts of interest, and to maintain the fiduciary responsibility
Miller Gesko has for its clients, Miller Gesko has established the following policy: An officer,
manager, director, member or employee of Miller Gesko shall not buy or sell securities for a
personal portfolio when the decision to purchase is derived by reason of their association with
Miller Gesko, unless the information is also available to the investing public as a whole. No
person associated with Miller Gesko shall prefer his or her own interest to that of any client.
Item 12 - Brokerage Practices
A. Brokerage Selection
A. Broker Selection
Miller Gesko will generally recommend that clients utilize the brokerage and clearing services
of Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc., a FINRA-registered broker-dealer, for investment
management accounts.
Best Execution
Best execution has been defined by the SEC as the “execution of securities transactions for
clients in such a manner that the client’s total cost or proceeds in each transaction is the most
favorable under the circumstances.” The best execution responsibility applies to the
circumstances of each particular transaction and an investment adviser must consider the full
range and quality of a broker-dealer’s services, including, among other things, execution
capability, commission rates, the value of any research, financial responsibility and
responsiveness.
In seeking best execution, the determinative factor is not the lowest possible cost, but whether
the transaction represents the best qualitative execution, taking into consideration the full
range of a broker-dealer’s services, including among others, the value of research provided,
execution capability, commission rates, and responsiveness. Consistent with the foregoing,
while Miller Gesko will seek competitive rates, it may not necessarily obtain the lowest
possible commission rates for client transactions.
If the client requests Miller Gesko to arrange for the execution of securities brokerage
transactions for the client’s account, Miller Gesko shall direct such transactions through
broker-dealers that Miller Gesko reasonably believes will provide best execution. Miller Gesko
shall periodically and systematically review its policies and procedures regarding
recommending broker-dealers to its client in light of its duty to obtain best execution.
Broker Analysis
Miller Gesko evaluates a wide range of criteria in seeking the most favorable price and market
for the execution of transactions. These include the broker-dealer’s trading costs, efficiency of
execution and error resolution, financial strength and stability, capability, positioning and
distribution capabilities, information in regard to the availability of securities, trading
patterns, statistical or factual information, opinion pertaining to trading and prior
performance in serving Miller Gesko.
Also in consideration is such broker-dealers’ provision or payment of the costs of research and
other investment management-related services (the provisional payment of such costs by
brokers are referred to as payment made by “soft dollars”, as further discussed in the
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“Research/Soft Dollars Benefits” section immediately below). Accordingly, if Miller Gesko
determines in good faith that the amount of trading costs charged by a broker-dealer is
reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage and research or investment management-
related services provided by such broker, the client may pay trading costs to such broker in an
amount greater than the amount another broker might charge.
Miller Gesko’s Chief Investment Officer is responsible for continuously monitoring and
evaluating the performance and execution capabilities of brokers that transact orders for our
client accounts to ensure consistent quality executions. In addition, Miller Gesko periodically
reviews its transaction costs in light of current market circumstances and other relevant
information.
Research/Soft Dollar Benefits
Miller Gesko participates in Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc.’s Institutional Wealth Services
Group (“Fidelity”). While there is no direct link between Miller Gesko’s use of Fidelity and the
investment advice it gives to its clients, Miller Gesko does receive economic benefits through
its participation in the program that are typically not available to Fidelity retail investors.
As a user of Fidelity, Fidelity makes available to Miller Gesko other products and services that
benefit Miller Gesko, but may not benefit its clients’ accounts. Some of these other products
and services assist Miller Gesko in managing and administering clients’ accounts, including:
• Receipt of duplicate client confirmations and bundled duplicate statements;
• Access to a trading desk only available to participants in Fidelity’s Institutional
Wealth Services Group;
• Access to block trading which provides the ability to aggregate securities transactions
and then allocate the appropriate shares to client accounts;
• Ability to have investment advisory fees deducted directly from client accounts;
• Access, for a fee, to an electronic communication network for client order entry and
account information;
• Receipt of compliance publications; and
• Access to mutual funds which generally require significantly higher minimum initial
investments or are generally available only to institutional investors.
Fidelity also makes available to Miller Gesko other services intended to help Miller Gesko
manage and further develop its business enterprise. These services may include consulting,
publications and conferences on practice management, information technology, business
succession, regulatory compliance and marketing. In addition, Fidelity may make available,
arrange and/or pay for these types of services rendered to Miller Gesko by independent third
parties.
Additional benefits received because of Miller Gesko’s participation in Fidelity’s Institutional
Wealth Services Group may depend upon the amount of transactions directed to, or amount of
assets custodied by, Fidelity. Miller Gesko is required to maintain a minimum level of client
assets Fidelity to avoid a quarterly service fee. While as a fiduciary Miller Gesko endeavors to
act in its clients’ best interests, Miller Gesko’s recommendation that clients maintain their
assets in accounts at Fidelity may be based in part on the benefit to Miller Gesko of the
availability of some of the foregoing products and services and not solely on the nature cost or
quality of custody and brokerage provided by Fidelity which may create a conflict of interest.
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Directed Brokerage
Company Directed Brokerage
Miller Gesko does not have the discretionary authority to determine the broker-dealer to be
used. As stated above, clients in need of brokerage will have Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc.
recommended to them. While there is no direct linkage between the investment advice given
and usage of Fidelity Brokerage Services, Inc., economic benefits are received which would not
be received if Miller Gesko did not give investment advice to clients (please see additional
disclosures in the “Research/Soft Dollars Benefits” section directly above). Miller Gesko does
not participate in any transaction fees or commissions paid to the broker dealer or custodian
and does not receive any fees or commissions for the opening or maintenance of client accounts
at recommended brokers.
Not all investment advisers require their clients to direct brokerage. Miller Gesko is required
to disclose that by directing brokerage, Miller Gesko may not be able to achieve most favorable
execution of client transactions and this practice may cost clients more money.
Client Directed Brokerage
Certain clients may direct Miller Gesko to use particular brokers for executing transactions in
their accounts. With regard to client directed brokerage, Miller Gesko is required to disclose
that Miller Gesko may be unable to negotiate commissions, block or batch orders or otherwise
achieve the benefits described above, including best execution. Directed brokerage commission
rates may be higher than the rates Miller Gesko might pay for transactions in non-directed
accounts. Therefore, directing brokerage may cost clients more money.
As a general rule, Miller Gesko encourages each client to compare the possible costs or
disadvantages of directed brokerage against the value of custodial or other services provided
by the broker to the client in exchange for the directed brokerage designation.
B. Trade Aggregation/Allocation
Investment Management
Transactions for each client generally will be made independently, unless Miller Gesko decides
to purchase or sell the same securities for several clients at approximately the same time.
Miller Gesko may (but is not obligated to) combine or “batch” such orders to:
• Obtain best execution;
• Negotiate more favorable commission rates; or
• Allocate equitably among Miller Gesko’s clients, differences in prices and commissions
or other transaction costs that might have been obtained had such orders been placed
independently.
Under this procedure, transactions will generally be averaged as to price and allocated among
Miller Gesko’s clients pro rata. In the event that Miller Gesko determines that a prorated
allocation is not appropriate under the particular circumstances, the allocation will be made
based upon other relevant factors, which may include:
• When only a small percentage of the order is executed, shares may be allocated to the
account with the smallest order or the smallest position or to an account that is out of
21
line with respect to security or sector weightings relative to other portfolios, with
similar mandates;
• Allocations may be given to one account when one account has limitations in its
investment guidelines which prohibit it from purchasing other securities which are
expected to produce similar investment results and can be purchased by other
accounts;
•
If an account reaches an investment guideline limit and cannot participate in an
allocation, shares may be reallocated to other accounts (this may be due to unforeseen
changes in an account’s assets after an order is placed);
• With respect to sale allocations, allocations may be given to accounts low in cash;
•
In cases when a pro rata allocation of a potential execution would result in a de minimis
allocation in one or more accounts, Miller Gesko may exclude the account(s) from the
allocation; the transactions may be executed on a pro rata basis among the remaining
accounts; or
•
In cases where a small proportion of an order is executed in all accounts, shares may
be allocated to one or more accounts on a random basis.
Initial Public Offerings
At the time which a new issue is offered, Miller Gesko reviews the deal specifics. After due
diligence is satisfied, Miller Gesko will review all client portfolios who are eligible to
participate in each deal (based upon cash balances, asset allocation, client approval brokerage
account, etc.). The decision for the allocation of shares for clients is to be determined solely by
the custodial intermediary trading desk and not by Miller Gesko.
C. Trade Errors
Trade errors are promptly reported to the custodian and will be rectified by the custodian with
no adverse financial effect on the client. In the event that a trade error results in a gain for a
client, the client will be permitted to retain any such gain in their account.
Item 13 - Review Of Accounts
A. Periodic Reviews
For those clients to whom Miller Gesko provides investment management services, Miller
Gesko monitors those portfolios as part of an ongoing process while regular account reviews
are conducted on at least an annual basis. All investment advisory clients are encouraged to
discuss their needs, goals, and objectives with Miller Gesko and to keep Miller Gesko informed
of any changes thereto. Miller Gesko shall contact ongoing investment advisory clients at least
annually to review its previous services and/or recommendations and to discuss the impact
resulting from any changes in the client’s financial situation and/or investment objectives.
All investment policy, general stock selection and major review of advisory accounts are
conducted by Robert L. Miller, Jr., Henry Z. Urban, Jr., William N. Hudson, III, Evan J.
Coppola and Jeremy C. Hudson.
B. Other Reviews
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Reviews may be triggered by material market, economic or political events, cash inflow or
outflow to/from the portfolio, by changes in client's financial situations (such as retirement,
termination of employment, physical move, or inheritance) or by request of the client.
C. Regular Reports
Clients will receive statements from their custodian at least quarterly. Additionally, monthly
statements will be generated as a result of investment activity by the client's custodian.
Confirmation statements will be issued for all trading activity. Monthly and/or quarterly
statements will include portfolio holdings, dates and amounts of transactions, cost basis and
current and prior statement values.
A complete review of all assets and account performance is furnished to each client at least
semi-annually. Also provided are any customized reports as required by the client. A full
statement of assets held and all transactions for the year is provided annually to all clients.
Clients are urged to carefully compare statements sent by Miller Gesko with statements sent
by other third parties, such as those sent by the client’s custodian.
Item 14 - Client Referrals And Other Compensation
A. Economic Benefits
Miller Gesko does not receive any economic benefits such as sales awards or other prizes from
any non-client for providing investment advisory services to the firm’s clients.
As stated in Item 12 - Brokerage Practices – Miller Gesko participates in Fidelity Brokerage
Services, Inc.’s Institutional Wealth Services Group (“Fidelity”). While there is no direct link
between Miller Gesko’s use of Fidelity and the investment advice it gives to its clients, Miller
Gesko does receive economic benefits through its participation in the Fidelity Institutional
Wealth Services Group that are typically not available to Fidelity retail investors.
B. Client Referrals
Neither Miller Gesko nor any related person directly or indirectly compensates any person for
client referrals.
Item 15 - Custody
Custody of client assets will be maintained with the independent custodian selected by the
client. Miller Gesko will not have physical custody of any assets in the client’s account except
as permitted for direct deduction of advisory fees. Clients will be solely responsible for paying
all fees or charges of the custodian. Clients will authorize Miller Gesko to give the custodian
instructions for the purchase, sale, conversion, redemption, exchange or retention of any
security, cash or cash equivalent or other investment for the client’s account.
Clients will receive directly from the custodian at least quarterly a statement showing all
transactions occurring in the client’s account during the period covered by the account
statement, and the funds, securities and other property in the client’s account at the end of the
period. The account statement will also indicate the amount of advisory fees deducted from
the client’s account(s) for each billing period.
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Clients are urged to carefully review statements received from the custodian to ensure the
accurate reporting of such information.
As stated in Item 5, Investment Management Services fees will be automatically deducted
from the client’s account by the client’s custodian (the “Custodian”) monthly in arrears (as set
forth in the client’s Investment Management Agreement). Miller Gesko shall send an invoice
to the client’s Custodian indicating the amount of the Investment Management Services fees
to be deducted from the client’s account at the respective month end date.
Miller Gesko is deemed to have custody because Miller Gesko deducts its fees directly from
client accounts, has authority to write checks from certain client accounts and is also deemed
to have custody due to authorized check writing and has power of attorney over certain client
accounts.
Item 16 - Investment Discretion
For those client accounts over which Miller Gesko has discretion, Miller Gesko requests that
it be provided with written authority (e.g., limited power of attorney contained in Miller
Gesko’s advisory agreement) to determine the types and amounts of securities that are bought
or sold. Miller Gesko’s authority in making investment related decisions may be limited by
account guidelines, investment objectives and trading restrictions, as agreed between Miller
Gesko and the client. Any limitations on Miller Gesko’s discretionary authority shall be
included in this written authority statement. Clients may change or amend these limitations
as required. All such amendments are required to be submitted in writing.
Item 17 - Voting Client Securities
Proxy Voting
Miller Gesko does not vote proxies on behalf of its clients. Therefore, although Miller Gesko
may provide discretionary investment advisory services relative to client investment assets, it
is the client that maintains exclusive responsibility for: (i) directing the manner in which
proxies solicited by issuers of securities beneficially owned by the client shall be voted and (ii)
making all elections relative to any mergers, acquisitions, tender offers, bankruptcy
proceeding or other type events pertaining to the client’s investment assets. Miller Gesko
and/or the client shall correspondingly instruct each custodian of the assets to forward to the
client copies of all proxies and shareholder communications relating to the client’s investment
assets. Clients can contact Henry Urban, Chief Compliance Officer of Miller Gesko, at 716-
852-7628 if they have questions regarding a particular solicitation.
Legal Proceedings
Although Miller Gesko may have discretion over client accounts, it will not be responsible for
handling client claims in class action lawsuits or similar settlements involving securities
owned by the client. Clients will receive the paperwork for such claims directly from their
account custodians. Each client should verify with their custodian or other account
administrator whether such claims are being made on the client’s behalf by the custodian or if
the client is expected to file such claims directly.
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Item 18 - Financial Information
A. Prepayment of Fees
Because Miller Gesko does not require or accept prepayment of more than $1,200 in fees six
months or more in advance, Miller Gesko is not required to include a balance sheet with this
disclosure brochure.
B. Financial Condition
Miller Gesko does not have any adverse financial conditions to disclose. As a precaution
against the financial and economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, Miller Gesko in
April of 2020 applied for and received a $104,517 forgivable loan pursuant to the Paycheck
Protection Program under the CARES Act. The loan may be partially or wholly forgiven if the
funds are used for certain qualifying expenses as described in the CARES Act.
C. Bankruptcy
Miller Gesko has never been the subject of a bankruptcy petition.
Item 19 – Additional Information
A. Privacy Notice
Miller Gesko views protecting its clients' private information as a top priority and has
instituted policies and procedures to ensure that client information is private and secure.
Miller Gesko does not disclose any nonpublic personal information about its clients or former
clients to any nonaffiliated third parties, except as permitted or required by law. In the course
of servicing a client's account, Miller Gesko may share some information with its service
providers, such as transfer agents, custodians, broker-dealers, accountants, and lawyers, etc.
Miller Gesko restricts internal access to nonpublic personal information about the client to
those persons who need access to that information in order to provide services to the client and
to perform administrative functions for Miller Gesko. As emphasized above, it has always been
and will always be Miller Gesko's policy never to sell information about current or former
clients or their accounts to anyone. It is also Miller Gesko's policy not to share information
unless required to process a transaction, at the request of a client, or as required by law. For
the full text of Miller Gesko’s Privacy Policy, please contact Henry Urban, Chief Compliance
Officer of Miller Gesko, at 716-852-7628.
B. Business Continuity Plan
Miller Gesko has a written Business Continuity Plan (“BCP). The BCP attempts to prepare for
business disruptions of varying severity and scope. Although it is impossible to anticipate
every scenario, the plan strives to enable Miller Gesko to resume doing business even after the
occurrence of events that are most likely to affect business operations. Miller Gesko’s policy is
to respond to a significant business disruption by safeguarding employee lives and firm
property, making a financial and operational assessment, quickly recovering and resuming
operations, and protecting all of the firm’s books and records. Alternate offices are identified
to support ongoing operations in the event the main office is unavailable. Miller Gesko’s
intention is to contact all clients within five days of a disaster that dictates moving our office
to an alternate location.
C. Conflicts of Interest
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Miller Gesko has reasonably disclosed all material conflicts of interest pertaining to its
advisory business and associated persons in this Form ADV Part 2A.
D. Requests for Additional Information
Clients may contact Henry Urban, Chief Compliance Officer of Miller Gesko, at 716-852-7628
to request additional information or to submit a complaint. Written complaints should be sent
to Miller, Gesko and Company, Inc., 237 Main St, Buffalo NY 14203.