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Saybrook Capital Corporation
Form ADV Part II Brochure
Annual SEC Registered Investment Advisor Update
December 31, 2025
7 Spring Street, PO Box 4, Sag Harbor, NY 11963
Phone 631-725-5518 • Fax 631-725-5519
110 East 59th Street, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10022
Phone 212-355-7733 • Fax 212-355-0063
saybrook@saybrookcapital.com
www.saybrookcapital.com
This brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Saybrook
Capital Corporation. If you have any questions about the contents of this brochure, please contact
Luke Babcock, Co-President, at (631) 725-5518. The information in this brochure has not been
approved or verified by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or by any state
securities authority.
Additional information about Saybrook Capital also is available on the website of the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Disclaimer: “Registered Investment Advisor” indicates that Saybrook Capital is registered with
the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and does not imply a certain level of skill or
training.
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Material Changes
None
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Table of Contents
Contents
Material Changes ............................................................................................................................ 2
Advisory Business ........................................................................................................................... 4
Fees and Compensation ................................................................................................................... 4
Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management ............................................................... 5
Types of Clients .............................................................................................................................. 6
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss .......................................................... 6
Asset Allocation Strategy ........................................................................................................ 6
Equity Investment Strategy: Undervalued Growth .................................................................. 7
Equity Investment Strategy: Decision Making Process ........................................................... 7
Analysis of the Macro Environment ........................................................................................... 7
Company Analysis ...................................................................................................................... 7
Valuation ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Equity Investment Strategy: Characteristics of Quality Companies ........................................ 8
Equity Investment Strategy: Managing Risk - Buy Disciplines .............................................. 8
Equity Investment Strategy: Managing Risk - Sell Disciplines ............................................... 9
Fixed Income Strategy: Constructing a Bond Portfolio ........................................................... 9
Fixed Income Strategy: Constructing a Bond Portfolio ........................................................... 9
Disciplinary Information ............................................................................................................... 10
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations ..................................................................... 10
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client Transactions and Personal Trading ................ 10
Code of Ethics ........................................................................................................................ 10
Participation in Client Transactions and Personal Trading .................................................... 11
Brokerage Practices ....................................................................................................................... 11
Directed Brokerage ................................................................................................................ 11
Brokerage for Client Referrals ............................................................................................... 12
Trade Aggregation ................................................................................................................. 12
Review of Accounts ...................................................................................................................... 12
Client Referrals and Other Compensation ..................................................................................... 12
Custody ......................................................................................................................................... 13
Regulation S-ID (Red Flags Rule – Identity Theft Prevention Program) .............................. 13
Investment Discretion ................................................................................................................... 13
Voting Client Securities ................................................................................................................ 13
Financial Information .................................................................................................................... 14
Advisory Personnel ....................................................................................................................... 15
Luke M. Babcock, Co-Managing Principal .............................................................................. 15
Scott R. Hirsch, Co-Managing Principal ................................................................................... 16
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Advisory Business
Saybrook Capital provides primarily discretionary investment counsel to clients who share the
dual goals of achieving a superior real rate of return over the long term and avoiding a permanent
impairment of principal. We seek a select group of clients who share our investment philosophy
and long-term perspective. We believe Saybrook is differentiated by its emphasis on in-depth
research, its search for undervalued growth, and its strict valuation disciplines.
Under the discretionary service, Saybrook Capital has the authority to determine, without
obtaining specific client consent, the securities and quantities to be bought or sold, the
broker/dealer to be used, if not specified by the client, and the commission rates to be paid.
Saybrook Capital also offers a non-discretionary service that includes the tracking, monitoring,
and reporting of assets not purchased or selected by Saybrook Capital.
As an independent investment adviser, Saybrook is not exposed to many of the conflicts of
interest that plague our larger competitors. Nevertheless, Saybrook seeks to surpass the minimal
requirements of Rule 206(4)-7 by consolidating all policies and procedures into a single
document. The overriding theme of this document is Saybrook’s fiduciary duty to act in the
interest of its clients only.
As of December 31, 2025, Saybrook Capital managed the following assets:
Discretionary:
$502 million
Fees and Compensation
Investment supervisory services are rendered to clients based on their particular requirements.
For foundations and endowments these would include long-term total return goals and risk
sensitivity, while for individuals, age, income, family situation, and other assets would also be
considered.
Compensation for services is based on a percentage of the assets managed. Fees can vary based
on the type of relationship. In addition, there are certain early accounts that began at a relatively
high level of assets that are given a discount from the original fee schedule. Some negotiation of
fees for larger or non-discretionary accounts is possible. Accounts are billed quarterly at the end
of the quarter based on market values at the time of billing. Bills are sent directly to custodians
for withdrawal from clients’ accounts. Clients receive a report documenting their fee on a
quarterly basis. For accounts established after June 30, 2007, the account fee is as follows:
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Assets Under Management
Annual Fee
Accounts less than $1 million
1.5% of assets
Accounts over $1 million have a graduated fee schedule:
First $5 million
From $5 to $10 million
From $10 to $25 million
Amounts over $25 million
1.25% of assets
1.00% of assets
0.75% of assets
0.50% of assets
For accounts established between January 1, 1984 and June 30, 2007, the account fee is as
follows:
Assets Under Management
Annual Fee
Amount less than $1 million
1.50% of assets
Accounts over $1 million have a graduated fee schedule:
Amounts from $1 to $5 million
Amounts from $5 to $8 million
Amounts over $8 million
1.25% of assets
1.00% of assets
0.75% of assets
For accounts established prior to January 1, 1984, the basic annual fee is:
1 ¾% of the first $300,000
1 ¼% of the next $200,000
0.8% of value greater than $500,000
Whenever Saybrook invests in a mutual fund, clients are paying two advisory fees, an investment
management fee to Saybrook on the assets in the mutual fund, and a management fee to the
mutual fund advisors. Normally, this occurs in Saybrook’s accounts only in the case of money
market funds. Commission to a third-party brokerage firm for security transactions are in
addition to Saybrook’s management fees.
Either the client or Saybrook, upon delivery of written notice to the other party, can terminate the
contract for investment supervisory services. The fee would be paid on a pro rata basis.
Performance-Based Fees and Side-by-Side Management
As stated in Fees and Compensation, Saybrook Capital charges for services based on a
percentage of the assets managed only. No performance-based fees are charged.
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Types of Clients
Saybrook Capital provides investment advice to individuals, pension and profit-sharing plans,
trusts and estates and charitable organizations. Saybrook Capital maintains a minimum account
size of $1 million, while occasionally accepting smaller accounts for a higher annual fee.
Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Saybrook Capital’s security analysis methods include fundamental, technical, and cyclical
methods, and the main sources of information used to gather investment information includes
financial newspapers and magazines, inspections of corporate activities, research materials
prepared by others, corporate rating services, annual reports, prospectuses, filings with the SEC,
and company press releases. Most clients assign Saybrook Capital full discretion with regard to
which securities are to be bought or sold, and the amount. Saybrook Capital pursues long-term
investment strategies and believes that frequent trading can negatively impact investment
performance.
The first action taken with a new investor is to carefully assess risk and return objectives, as well
as portfolio constraints. Importantly, Saybrook frequently monitors these objectives and
constraints and adjusts the portfolios accordingly.
Investing in securities involves risk of loss and clients should be prepared to bear these losses;
however, investment decisions are carefully made with reasonable basis and representation, with
written records that support this investment process. Investments are always selected with
considerable care, independent professional judgment, and objectivity. Client needs and
suitability are always considered.
Asset Allocation Strategy
At Saybrook Capital, clients’ assets are not invested in a “model portfolio” or “co-mingled
funds”. Instead, we launch a detailed evaluation process to determine the proper asset allocation.
The blend of bonds, cash equivalents, and a range of different equities will be determined by a
variety of factors, including:
• Investment Objectives
• Future Cash Flows
• Risk Tolerance
• Philanthropic Goals
• Tax Status/Rate
• Income Requirements
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Equity Investment Strategy: Undervalued Growth
To reach our investment goals, we follow a two-element strategy:
1) Identify companies with superior growth prospects, which we define as:
• Secular growth, rather than cyclical recovery
• Growth that can be sustained at an above-average rate for at least three to five years
• Expansion that results from quality characteristics such as dominant products, superior
marketing, forward thinking management and the capability to self-finance
2) Invest in such companies when their equities are truly undervalued, as determined by
our strict valuation techniques
Equity Investment Strategy: Decision Making Process
Every investment decision at Saybrook is made in a context of careful research into a
multiplicity of factors, which fall into three broad categories:
Analysis of the Macro Environment
• Economic: understanding the inter-relationships of world markets
• Political: are government decisions encouraging or discouraging production?
• Sector: detecting shifts in consumer preference, government spending, and capital spending
• Technical: recognizing changes in investor preferences
Company Analysis
• Determine growth prospects through insightful corporate research
• Concentrate on quality companies
• Emphasize accelerating momentum in products, markets, and earnings
• Isolate, analyze, and understand critical variables
Valuation
• Find distortions in market pricing
• Employ stringent relative value criteria
• Maintain buy and sell disciplines
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Equity Investment Strategy: Characteristics of Quality Companies
Outstanding Management
Proprietary Products
• Effective research to maintain
technological lead
• Market franchise
• Integrity, accessibility
• Orientation to long-term
earnings growth without
equity dilution
Marketing
• Conservative accounting
• Recognition of the pervasiveness
of change
• Strategic planners
• Strong back-up management
• Good personnel policies
• Focus on growing markets
• Ability to dominate
• Strong orientation to
customers’ needs
• Flow of successful new products
• Unit growth in sales
Financial Strength
Productivity
• Low labor costs, but well-paid
employees
• Opportunities on learning curve
• High margins
• High returns on capital
• Self-financing
• Strong controls
• Returns cash to shareholders
• Record of increasing dividends
Equity Investment Strategy: Managing Risk - Buy Disciplines
Recognize that risk is greatest when agreement is greatest
• The market will do whatever is necessary to prove the majority wrong
• It helps to be a contrarian
Stay focused on disciplines
• Thorough research to find superior growth
• Adhere to valuation standards
Try not to be seduced by “shooting star” themes
• Information technology in the late 1990’s or financial services in the 2000’s
• Capitalize on negative psychology when confident in quality and growth
Diversification
• Diverse blend of asset classes and sectors reduces volatility
• Minimize exposure by limiting new purchases to no more than 5% of the total portfolio
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Equity Investment Strategy: Managing Risk - Sell Disciplines
Four Reasons to Sell a Stock:
• Clear overvaluation due to appreciation (sell)
• Overweighting due to appreciation (reduce)
• Changing company character (sell)
• Disappointing fundamentals (sell)
Fixed Income Strategy: Constructing a Bond Portfolio
A diversified portfolio of bonds can play a role for all but the most long-term oriented
investor. Fixed income securities can provide the following benefits:
• Portfolio Diversification
• Low Volatility
• Capital Preservation
• Regular Stream of Income
• Opportunity for Capital Gain
• Tax Advantages
When building a diversified bond portfolio, it is imperative to focus on after-tax return.
Wealthy individuals can take advantage of the tax-free income available from municipal
securities, while institutions have the flexibility to seek higher returns from government and
corporate bonds.
Fixed Income Strategy: Constructing a Bond Portfolio
In addition to selecting the type of bond, Saybrook Capital uses several strategies to
mitigate two types of risk that threaten bonds:
Default Risk
To preserve principle, we buy bonds that are:
• Low Risk (A-rated or higher)
• Diversified among a range of issuers
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Interest Rate Risk
To minimize losses due to market fluctuations we:
• Purchase the bonds with laddered maturities so that the portfolio’s yield is not overly impacted
by trends in interest rates
• Analyze economic and monetary trends to capitalize on the volatility in the bond market
Disciplinary Information
Neither Saybrook Capital, nor any of its employees or principals, has been the subject of any
material complaints or disciplinary incidents or proceedings since the firm’s inception.
Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Saybrook Capital utilizes several different broker-dealers that conduct our trading and custody
activity. Some accounts are held in custody at banks where the relationship pre-dates the
account at Saybrook Capital. Other clients request that Saybrook Capital select a bank or
brokerage firm for secure custody of their assets. In either case, Saybrook Capital does not hold
assets directly.
At the request of specific clients, Saybrook is occasionally asked to also work with outside
consultants and private family offices.
Code of Ethics, Participation or Interest in Client
Transactions and Personal Trading
Code of Ethics
Saybrook Capital, an SEC-registered advisor, operates and always has operated under very strict
ethical guidelines and has adopted our code of ethics pursuant to SEC rule 204(A-1). Our Code
of Ethics is dictated by the superlative standards laid out by the CFA Institute. These standards
of integrity, care, confidentiality, and professionalism are our guiding principles when dealing
with clients, vendors, brokers, other investors, and the general public. If you would like to
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review our “Code of Ethics” document (which provides further detail beyond what is in this
document), please contact Elizabeth Grodski at (631) 725-5518.
Participation in Client Transactions and Personal Trading
Some employees of Saybrook Capital invest in securities owned by its clients. Saybrook
Capital’s policy is that purchases and sales in such securities should not conflict with those of
our clients. Thus, both should be made after all such transactions have been completed in all
clients’ accounts. All personal trades are recorded in the “execution log”, which the compliance
officer reviews to ensure compliance with this policy. Those employees who do not invest in
the stock market sign a document each quarter confirming that they have done no personal
trades.
Brokerage Practices
Brokers are selected primarily on their ability to make prompt and competitive executions. A
secondary consideration is the efficiency of their back office and custody arrangements. Ability
to provide useful research is also important in choosing which broker to use. Reports on
individual companies and statistical data comparing companies and industries are received both
verbally and in written form from the leading firms specializing in institutional research.
Although not essential, Saybrook considers the receipt of such material to be a valuable aid in
conducting its business. All stock transactions are made at a significant discount to the
prevailing “full” commission schedules.
In addition to the fundamental corporate research provided, some commission dollars may be
allocated to specific brokers to pay for particular research services (e.g., detailed analysis of
economic, government, or stock market trends) or for software to assist in the investment
management process. This type of commission is termed “soft-dollar” commissions. These
transactions are done at the same significant discount as other commission business. However,
the commissions generated in one account may be used to purchase research useful for other
accounts, as well. Thus, some accounts with full discretion for broker selection may be
subsidizing other accounts whose commissions are directed by the client.
Research provided by brokers is useful in servicing all our accounts, but all such research may
not be applicable to the particular account in which any given transaction takes place.
At this time, Saybrook Capital is not using “soft dollars” to pay for any services.
Directed Brokerage
Saybrook Capital does not require clients to direct us to execute transactions through a specified
broker-dealer. It is Saybrook’s policy to guide clients to select a broker that benefits both the
research needs of Saybrook Capital and the best execution rights of the client. Saybrook
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discloses any conflicts of interest on an individual basis and gives the client the opportunity to
direct brokerage if they choose to do so; however, Saybrook Capital may be unable to achieve
best execution of client transactions. Directing brokerage may also cost clients more money due
to higher brokerage commissions.
All stock exchange transactions are made at a significant discount to the prevailing “full”
commission schedules.
Brokerage for Client Referrals
Saybrook does not direct brokerage based on receiving client referrals.
Trade Aggregation
Frequently buy or sell orders for several clients are combined into one larger order and given to a
broker. Clients participating in an aggregated order will receive an average share price, and
transaction costs (commissions) will be shared on a pro-rata basis. This practice ensures that all
clients are treated equally (“fair-dealing”) and normally results in a lower per share commission
rate.
Saybrook does not always participate in aggregate orders; therefore, some clients may pay
different brokerage costs.
Review of Accounts
All accounts are reviewed at least weekly, and usually more frequently, by Saybrook Capital’s
principals and/or portfolio managers. Because of the relatively small number of accounts under
management, they all can be examined in a relatively short period. Special reviews beyond the
regular weekly examination may be instigated due to a sudden move in the market (either up or
down) or in one or more important securities. Because of the small number of clients, the
accounts are reviewed at random. Factors reviewed include: percent invested by security and
industry; percent invested in notes, bonds, stocks; income produced; and/or level of gains or
losses within the year.
An investment review is prepared for each client quarterly. These reviews contain a portfolio
valuation and a discussion of recent performance and investment strategy. Personal meetings
may also be held with clients on an annual or semiannual basis to review client’s goals and
investment strategy.
Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Saybrook Capital neither compensates anyone for client referrals, nor does Saybrook receive any
economic benefits from non-clients for providing advisory services to our clients.
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Custody
Saybrook is not a broker-dealer, bank, or custodian and does not take custody of client assets.
Saybrook is given discretion by some clients to choose a bank or broker-dealer to custody the
assets. In this case, Saybrook Capital takes care to ensure that assets are safeguarded in a manner
consistent with our fiduciary responsibility.
Regulation S-ID (Red Flags Rule – Identity Theft Prevention Program)
Our firm’s policy is to protect our customers and their accounts from identity theft and to comply
with the FTC’s Red Flags Rule. We do this by implementing a written Identity Theft Prevention
Program (ITPP), which is appropriate to our size and complexity, as well as the nature and scope
of our activities. This ITPP addresses: 1) identifying relevant identity theft Red Flags for our
firm, 2) detecting those Red Flags, 3) responding appropriately to any that are detected to
prevent and mitigate identity theft, and 4) updating our ITPP periodically to reflect changes in
risks.
Our identity theft policies, procedures and internal controls will be reviewed and updated
periodically to ensure they account for changes both in regulations and in our business.
If you would like to review the entire ITPP policy, please contact Elizabeth Grodski at (631)
725-5518 and request a complete policy.
Investment Discretion
Normally, clients that hire Saybrook Capital give the firm full discretion to invest the portfolio.
This discretion is formally recognized by signing a “Saybrook Capital Client Agreement.” Some
clients notify Saybrook Capital of certain restrictions (legal, tax, social-responsibility, or
otherwise) that will limit Saybrook Capital’s investment decisions. Occasionally, Saybrook
Capital enters into a “non-discretionary” agreement with a client where the firm is paid a
negotiated fee to monitor and report on investments but not execute transactions.
Voting Client Securities
Saybrook recognizes its duty to vote proxies for all client securities for which it has been given
discretion. Saybrook’s policy can best be summarized as: all voting decisions are based upon
seeking long-term growth of shareholder value through price appreciation and dividends.
Saybrook votes its clients’ proxies with the necessary prudence, judgment, and care that its
fiduciary duty requires. Saybrook’s written voting policy prevents material conflicts of interest
between the advisor and the client. In no situation will Saybrook ever consider its own benefit
while voting proxies.
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One of the characteristics that Saybrook seeks in a “quality company” is “outstanding
management”. We insist that management’s qualifications include integrity, accessibility,
conservative accounting, and an orientation towards long-term shareholder value. Therefore,
Saybrook tends to vote many issues in agreement with management’s recommendations. The
following items usually fall in this category: election of directors, modest increases in share
authorization, renewal of auditors, and approval of reasonable stock incentive plans. Saybrook
will sometimes vote with management against a shareholder proposal if we feel that the
proposal conflicts with long-term shareholder value.
Other issues demand a more comprehensive evaluation to avoid any potential conflicts with long-
term shareholder value. Examples of proxy items that demand more extensive examination
include: hostile mergers and acquisitions, anti-takeover tactics, excessive compensation plans,
and auditor changes.
You may obtain a copy of the complete Proxy Voting Policies and Procedures by contacting
Elizabeth Grodski at (631) 725-5518.
Financial Information
Saybrook does not require or solicit prepayment of client fees.
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Form ADV Part II Brochure Supplement
Advisory Personnel
Luke M. Babcock, Co-Managing Principal
Educational Background and Business Experience
• Duke University, BA 1993
• Joined Saybrook Capital in 2001
• Previously at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette and Credit Suisse; overseeing diversification,
asset allocation strategies, and manager consulting for large portfolios
• Chartered Financial Analyst and member of the CFA Institute since 2004. The Chartered
Financial Analyst (CFA) charter is a graduate-level investment credential achieved after
passing three years of examinations. The CFA Program curriculum provides a
comprehensive framework of knowledge for investment decision making and is firmly
grounded in the knowledge and skills used every day in the investment profession.
Disciplinary Information
Neither Saybrook Capital, nor any of its employees or principals including Luke, has been the
subject of any complaints or disciplinary proceedings since the firm’s inception.
Other Business Activities
Luke has no other business activities that could potentially conflict with his responsibilities at
Saybrook Capital.
Additional Compensation
None to report.
Supervision
Saybrook Capital has two full-time investment professionals, owning between them the majority
of the corporation. Therefore, the two principals are incentivized to supervise themselves and
each other for the benefit of the clients and the corporation. Luke Babcock, in addition to being
one of these principals, is also the Chief Compliance Officer. He oversees all compliance issues
and can be reached at (631) 725-5518.
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Scott R. Hirsch, Co-Managing Principal
Educational Background and Business Experience
• Cambridge University, M.Phil. 1996, Fulbright Scholar
• Bowdoin College, BA 1990, Magna Cum Laude
• Joined Saybrook Capital in 2007 via merger with Argos Investment Counsel
• Founded Argos Investment Counsel, LLC to manage investments for family groups
• Previously at Brown Brothers, Harriman & Co. and Mitchell Hutchins Asset
Management as portfolio manager and investment analyst
Disciplinary Information
Neither Saybrook Capital, nor any of its employees or principals including Scott, has been the
subject of any complaints or disciplinary proceedings since the firm’s inception.
Other Business Activities
Scott has no other business activities that could potentially conflict with his responsibilities at
Saybrook Capital.
Additional Compensation
None to report.
Supervision
Saybrook Capital has two full-time investment professionals, owning between them the majority
of the corporation. Therefore, the two principals are incentivized to supervise themselves and
each other for the benefit of the clients and the corporation. Luke Babcock, in addition to being
one of these principals, is also the Chief Compliance Officer. He oversees all compliance issues
and can be reached at (631) 725-5518.