Overview
- Headquarters
- Westlake, TX
- Total Firm Assets
- $1.3 billion
- Average High-Net-Worth Client Portfolio Size
- $1.8 million
- Minimum Account Size
- $500,000
Fee Structure
Primary Fee Schedule (SAM ADV2A 062026)
| Min | Max | Marginal Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $1,000,000 | 1.50% |
| $1,000,001 | $5,000,000 | 1.25% |
| $5,000,001 | $25,000,000 | 1.00% |
| $25,000,001 | and above | 0.75% |
Illustrative Fee Rates
| Total Assets | Annual Fees | Average Fee Rate |
|---|---|---|
| $1 million | $15,000 | 1.50% |
| $5 million | $65,000 | 1.30% |
| $10 million | $115,000 | 1.15% |
| $50 million | $452,500 | 0.90% |
| $100 million | $827,500 | 0.83% |
Clients
- High-Net-Worth Share of Firm Assets
- 79.55%
- Number of High-Net-Worth Clients
- 579
- Total Client Accounts
- 3,714
- Discretionary Accounts
- 3,714
Services Offered
Services: Financial Planning, Portfolio Management for Individuals, Investment Advisor Selection
Regulatory Filings
- SEC CRD Number
- 282103
Primary Brochure: SAM ADV2A 062026 (2026-06-03)
View Document Text
FORM ADV PART 2A: Firm Brochure
Stansberry Asset Management, LLC
1600 Solana Boulevard Building 8
Suite 8100 Westlake TX 76262
CRD Number 282103
June 5, 2026
This Brochure provides information about the qualifications and business practices of Stansberry
Asset Management, LLC (“SAM”). If you have any questions about the contents of this Brochure,
please contact us at (646) 854-4370 or email info@stansberryam.com. You may also visit our
website at www.stansberryam.com. SAM, at times, may use a DBA of SAM Alternatives when
speaking to clients and/or prospects about our Private Fund offerings.
The information in this Brochure has not been approved or verified by the United States Securities
and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or by any state securities authority.
SAM is a registered investment adviser. Registration of an investment adviser does not imply that
SAM or any of its principals or employees possesses a particular level of skill or training in the
investment advisory business or any other business. The oral and written communications of an
investment adviser provide you with information about which you determine to hire or retain an
investment adviser.
information about SAM
is also available on
the SEC’s website at
Additional
www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
Stansberry Asset Management, LLC
Form ADV Part 2A
Item 2 - Material Changes
None
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Item 3 - Table of Contents
Item 2 - Material Changes
Item 3 - Table of Contents
Item 4 - Advisory Business
Item 5 - Fees and Compensation
Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees
Item 7 - Types of Clients
Item 8 - Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Item 9 - Disciplinary Information
Item 10 - Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
Item 11 - Code of Ethics, Participation/Interest in Client Transactions, Personal Trading
Item 12 - Brokerage Practices
Item 13 - Review of Accounts
Item 14 - Client Referrals and Other Compensation
Item 15 - Custody
Item 16 - Investment Discretion
Item 17 - Voting Client Securities
Item 18 - Financial Information
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Item 4 - Advisory Business
Stansberry Asset Management, LLC (“SAM”, “the Firm”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is a limited liability
company formed under the laws of the State of Delaware in 2015 with its principal place of business
in Westlake, TX. The members of SAM include the managing member, Stansberry Asset
Management Partners, LP and Stansberry Asset Management Partners (GP), LLC.
The General Partner of Stansberry Asset Management Partners, LP, is Stansberry Asset
Management Partners (GP), LLC.
The Investment Committee at SAM, led by Austin Root, Chief Investment Officer, is responsible
for making investment decisions at SAM.
Summary of Advisory Business
SAM provides investment advisory services on a discretionary basis to its clients, which include
high net worth individuals with separately managed accounts.
SAM invests client funds across asset classes globally, principally in publicly traded equities and
credit (including investment grade, high yield, and government bonds). The Firm’s approach to
asset allocation as well as individual security selection is guided by an opportunistic search for
value.
Clients work with a dedicated investment advisor who assists them by developing a custom
portfolio comprised of a number of different investment strategies that best fit their investment
objectives and risk profiles.
Clients may impose restrictions on investing in certain securities or certain types of securities.
As of December 31, 2025, SAM managed $1,291,272,483 in regulatory assets under management
on a discretionary basis and $0 on a non-discretionary basis.
Financial Planning
SAM provides a variety of financial planning services to individuals and families, pursuant to a written
financial planning agreement. Services are offered in several areas of a Client’s financial situation,
depending on their goals, objectives and financial situation. Clients have full discretion as to how
they choose to implement the recommendations discussed in the financial plan. Financial planning
services may include general recommendations for a course of activity or specific actions to be
taken by the Client. For example, recommendations may be made that the Client start or revise
their investment programs, commence or alter retirement savings, establish education savings
and/or charitable giving programs. SAM may also refer Clients to an accountant, attorney or other
specialist as appropriate for their unique situation. For certain financial planning engagements, the
Advisor will provide a written summary of Client’s financial situation, observations, and
recommendations. For consulting or ad-hoc engagements, the Advisor may not provide a written
summary. Plans or consultations are typically completed within six months of contract date,
assuming all information and documents requested are provided promptly.
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Private Credit Funds
In Q4, 2023, SAM launched the SAM Alternative Investment Opportunities Fund I (“the Fund”).
The General Partner of the Fund is CAIS SAM Alternative Investment Opportunities Fund 1
(“CAIS”). SAM will act as the Investment Manager to the Fund. The Fund seeks to (i) provide
investors with a diversified, easy-to-access, multi-year private investment program focused on
private credit investments and to (ii) generate attractive risk-adjusted returns. The Fund
anticipates making capital commitments to at least four private credit funds (each, a “Portfolio
Fund”). The Portfolio Funds may invest in a variety of securities, including corporate loans,
mezzanine debt, venture debt, distressed debt, and other types of debt (and in some cases,
equity) securities. The Fund will accept commitments only from persons who are Accredited
Investors, Qualified Clients or Qualified Purchasers.
In Q4 2024, SAM launched the SAM Alternative Investment Opportunities Fund II. The Fund
seeks to (i) provide investors with a diversified, easy-to-access, multi-year private investment
program focused on private credit investments and to (ii) generate attractive risk-adjusted
returns. The Fund anticipates making capital commitments to at least four private credit funds
(each, a “Portfolio Fund”). The Portfolio Funds may invest in a variety of securities, including
corporate loans, mezzanine debt, venture debt, distressed debt, and other types of debt (and in
some cases, equity) securities. The Fund will accept commitments only from persons who are
Accredited Investors, Qualified Clients or Qualified Purchasers. The fund will only accept
contributions from IRA accounts and Solo 41Ks.
In Q2 2026, SAM (dba Sam Alternatives) launched the SAM Alternative Investment Opportunities
Fund III, LP (the “Fund”). The General Partner of the Fund is Opto Series GP LLC – A. The Fund
is designed to provide investors with a diversified, easy-to-access, multi-year private investment
program focused on senior secured debt. The Fund seeks to generate attractive risk-adjusted
returns and is focused on real estate assets, broadly defined, as well as other credit opportunities.
The Fund anticipates making capital commitments to between two (2) and seven (7) external funds
(each, an “Underlying Fund”) as well as investing directly, through both co-investment opportunities
and proprietarily sourced opportunities. The Fund expects to invest across the capital stack,
including but not limited to senior debt, subordinated/junior debt, preferred equity, and common
equity.
The Fund’s investment objective is to generate capital appreciation and consistent income by
investing in credit opportunities, primarily focused on real estate assets as well as other forms of
private credit such as senior secured lending, both directly and through third party vehicles. The
Fund will accept commitments only from persons who Qualified Purchasers. The Fund’s
investments will be selected by Stansberry Asset Management LLC.
SAM, at times, may use a DBA of SAM Alternatives when speaking to clients and/or prospects about
our Private Fund offerings.
Sub-Adviser Based Third Party Asset Management Programs
SAM may enter into sub-advisory relationships in which it contracts with a third party asset
management program (“TPAM”) to provide investment management services to a Client account.
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SAM and the Sub-Adviser are jointly responsible for the ongoing management of the account. SAM
is responsible for assisting you with completing the investor profile questionnaire or any account
opening documentation. While each TPAM may have a different name for their questionnaire, your
responses will assist SAM with understanding your investment objectives, financial situation, risk
tolerance, investment time horizon and other personal information. Based on the answers that you
provide to SAM, SAM will assist you in determining which TPAM model or portfolio strategy is
appropriate for you. As part of establishing a new account, you will receive both our Disclosure
Brochure as well as the TPAM’s Disclosure Brochure. Since each TPAM is uniquely structured with
different investment products, please ensure that you carefully review all documents provided to
you on behalf of the TPAM. These documents include, but are not limited to:
• The TPAM’s Form ADV Part 2A or Disclosure Brochure for specific program descriptions.
• The TPAM’s Client Agreement as well as any other agreement entered into regarding a TPAM
Program, for specific contractual terms (including fees, billing methods, administrative and other fees,
etc.).
• Any additional disclosure or offering documents provided by the TPAM in connection with
investment products
Stansberry Research LLC
Stansberry Research LLC (“Stansberry Research”) is a subscription-based publisher of financial
information and software. Porter Stansberry, the Founder of Stansberry Research, is an indirect,
non-controlling owner of SAM. Other senior Stansberry Research personnel also hold indirect,
non-controlling interests in SAM. SAM aims to use a similar investment philosophy as Stansberry
Research. In addition to sharing an investment philosophy, it is anticipated that a portion of the
investments in the client accounts managed by SAM will be securities that have been identified in
Stansberry Research’s publications. It is also anticipated that SAM will make investments in client
accounts that are different from the advice included in Stansberry Research’s publications.
Holistic Wealth Advisors
In Q4, 2025, SAM took a minority ownership interest in Holistic Wealth Advisors, LLC (“HWA”).
HWA is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a registered investment
advisor. SAM does not have nor does it exercise operating control over HWA. Certain members
of SAM’s management team do advise HWA on business operations, but the ultimate decision on
how HWA operates lies with its Principal. SAM and HWA are operated as separate business
entities.
Item 5 - Fees and Compensation
While at times SAM may negotiate rates other than specified below, the following schedule lays out
SAM’s fees, which are charged monthly in arrears. The typical fee structure for SAM’s core offered
strategies is outlined below:
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All Strategies (Except Treasury)
Treasury Strategy
AUM
Fee %
AUM
Fee %
First $1M
1.50% per annum
First $1M
.50% per annum
Next $4M
1.25% per annum
Amounts over $1M
.25% per annum
Next $20M
1.00% per annum
Amounts over $25M
0.75% per annum
Investment management fees are charged each month in arrears based on the average daily market
value of the assets in the client account (including net unrealized appreciation or depreciation of
investments and cash, cash equivalents and accrued interest). In limited circumstances, certain
client accounts may be grandfathered in at fee rates that are lower than those outlined above.
In addition to paying investment management fees, client accounts will also be subject to other
investment expenses such as custodial charges, brokerage fees, other transaction costs,
commissions and related costs; interest expenses; taxes, duties and other governmental charges;
transfer and registration fees or similar expenses; costs associated with foreign exchange
transactions; other portfolio expenses; and costs, expenses and fees associated with products or
services that may be necessary or incidental to such investments or accounts. Client assets may
be invested in ETFs or other registered investment companies. In these cases, the client will bear
its pro rata share of the investment management fee and other fees of the fund, which are in
addition to any fees or other compensation paid to SAM. Please refer to Item 12 of this Firm
Brochure for a discussion of SAM’s brokerage practices.
SAM may receive certain fees from private funds or other investment opportunities sponsored by
organizations that SAM has partnered with in exchange for providing services related to back office
and investor relations activities, among other general business consulting services.
Item 6 - Performance-Based Fees
As a matter of practice, SAM does not charge performance-based fees to its clients. However, the
SAM Alternative Investment Fund 3 does have a 15% carried Interest rate after certain after certain
hurdles have been reached.
Item 7 - Types of Clients
As discussed in Item 4, SAM focuses on managing separate accounts for predominantly high net
worth individuals and families.
SAM requires that a client invests a minimum of $500,000 to open an account. If the account size
falls below the minimum requirement due to market fluctuations only, a client will not be required
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to invest additional funds with SAM to meet the minimum account size. SAM may waive these
minimum asset requirements in its sole discretion.
Item 8 - Methods of Analysis, Investment Strategies and Risk of Loss
Methods of Analysis
The Firm uses both top-down and fundamental, bottom-up modes of analysis, and to rely on both
quantitative and qualitative factors in each.
Relevant factors in the Firm’s top-down analysis include, but are not limited to: the current and
expected future path of real as well as nominal interest rates globally; the relative value of different
global currencies, especially reserve currencies such as the Dollar, Euro, Yen, Sterling, Swiss Franc,
and Yuan; monetary policies of leading global central banks, including the Fed, the ECB, the Bank
of Japan, and the People’s Bank of China; inflation as well as inflation expectations in the leading
global economies; debt sustainability dynamics in sovereign, investment grade, and high yield bond
markets; and investor sentiment in leading capital markets.
Relevant factors in the Firm’s bottom-up analysis include, but are not limited to: the underlying
business’s current and future expected free cash flow; the attractiveness and sustainability of the
business’s unit economics; the strength of the balance sheet, as reflected by net cash/net debt and
various relevant leverage metrics; the quality of management and whether management has aligned
its own financial incentives with those of shareholders; investor consensus regarding the business
and whether SAM has developed a variant perception regarding consensus; the capital efficiency
of the business and the sustainability thereof; the attractiveness and stability of the industry in
which the business operates; and the business’s vulnerability to disruption by competitive rivalry,
technology, regulation, or other sources.
Investment Strategies
Specific strategies SAM expects to employ include (but are not limited to): investing in capital
efficient companies, “float businesses,” and/or businesses that feature “trophy assets”; macro deep
value investments, which are characterized by depressed valuations and severely negative investor
sentiment; thematic investments, characterized by powerful, under-appreciated macro or
demographic tailwinds; special situations investments, characterized by the existence of value as
well as a catalyst to unlock it; distressed asset investments; and investments for yield, income, or
“positive carry.”
Risk of Loss
All investments involve the risk of loss, including (among other things) loss of principal, a reduction
in earnings (including interest, dividends and other distributions), and the loss of future earnings.
These risks include market risk, security-specific risk, counterparty risk, legal and regulatory risk
and key-man risk. Although we manage assets in a manner consistent with client risk tolerances,
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there can be no guarantee that our efforts will be successful. The client should be prepared to
bear the risk of loss.
The following are certain material risks involved in our investment strategy. This list does not
purport to be a complete enumeration or explanation of the risks associated with our investment
strategy.
Equity Securities
SAM will invest client assets in equity securities. The value of equity securities and equity
derivatives generally varies with the performance of the issuer and movements in the equity
markets. As a result, the clients may suffer losses if SAM causes them to invest in equity
instruments of issuers whose performance diverges from SAM's expectations or if equity markets
generally move in a single direction and SAM has not caused the clients to hedge against such a
general move. The clients also may be exposed to risks that issuers will not fulfill contractual
obligations such as, in the case of convertible securities or private placements, delivering
marketable common stock upon conversions of convertible securities and registering restricted
securities for public resale.
Options
SAM will invest client assets in options on equity securities. Investing in options can provide
greater potential for profit or loss than an equivalent investment in the underlying asset. The value
of an option may decline because of a change in the value of the underlying asset relative to the
strike price, the passage of time, changes in the market’s perception as to the future price behavior
of the underlying asset, or any combination thereof. In the case of the purchase of an option, the
risk of loss of a client’s entire investment (i.e., the premium paid plus transaction charges) reflects
the nature of an option as a wasting asset that may become worthless when the option expires.
Where an option is written or granted (i.e., sold) uncovered, the seller may be liable to pay
substantial additional margin, and the risk of loss is unlimited, as the seller will be obligated to
deliver, or take delivery of, an asset at a predetermined price which may, upon exercise of the
option, be significantly different from the market value.
Special Situation Investments
We may invest on behalf of client in companies involved in (or the target of) acquisition attempts
or tender offers or in companies involved in or undergoing workouts, liquidations, spin-offs,
reorganizations, bankruptcies or other catalytic changes or similar transactions. In any investment
opportunity involving any such type of special situation, there exists the risk that the contemplated
transaction either will be unsuccessful, will take considerable time or will result in a distribution
of cash or a new security the value of which will be less than the purchase price to the client of
the security or other financial instrument in respect of which such distribution is received.
Similarly, if an anticipated transaction does not in fact occur, we may be required to sell the
investment at a loss. Because there is substantial uncertainty concerning the outcome of
transactions involving financially troubled companies in which we may invest, there is a potential
risk of loss to the client of their entire investment in such companies.
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Small to Medium Capitalization Companies
SAM may invest a portion of client assets in the stocks of companies with small- to medium sized
market capitalizations. While we believe these investments often provide significant potential for
appreciation, those stocks, particularly smaller-capitalization stocks, involve higher risks in some
respects than do investments in stocks of larger companies. For example, prices of such stocks
are often more volatile than prices of large-capitalization stocks. In addition, due to thin trading
in some such stocks, an investment in these stocks may be more illiquid than that of larger
capitalization stocks.
Investments in Undervalued Assets
SAM may invest in undervalued assets. The identification of investment opportunities in
undervalued assets is a difficult task, and there is no assurance that such opportunities will be
successfully recognized or acquired. While investments in undervalued assets offer the
opportunity for above-average capital appreciation, these investments involve a high degree of
financial risk and can result in substantial losses. Returns generated from the client’s investments
may not adequately compensate clients for the business and financial risks assumed.
Clients may be forced to sell, at a substantial loss, assets that are not, in fact, undervalued. In
addition, clients may be required to hold such assets for a substantial period of time before
realizing their anticipated value. During this period, a portion of clients’ assets would be
committed to the investments purchased, possibly preventing clients from investing in other
opportunities. In addition, clients may finance such purchases with borrowed funds and thus will
have to pay interest during such waiting period.
Cybersecurity Risk
The information and technology systems of SAM and of key service providers to SAM and its
clients, including banks, broker-dealers, custodians and their affiliates, may be vulnerable to
potential damage or interruption from computer viruses, network failures, computer and
telecommunication failures, infiltration by unauthorized persons and security breaches, usage
errors by their respective professionals, power outages and catastrophic events such as fires,
tornadoes, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. For instance, cyber-attacks may interfere with the
processing or execution of SAM’s transactions, cause the release of confidential information,
including private information about clients, subject SAM or its affiliates to regulatory fines or
financial losses, or cause reputational damage. Additionally, cyber attacks or security breaches
(e.g., hacking or the unlawful withdrawal or transfer of funds), affecting any of SAM’s key service
providers, may cause significant harm to SAM, including the loss of capital. Similar types of
cybersecurity risks are also present for issuers of securities in which SAM may invest. These risks
could result in material adverse consequences for such issuers, and may cause SAM’s investments
in such issuers to lose value. Although SAM has implemented various measures designed to
manage risks relating to these types of events, if these systems are compromised, become
inoperable for extended periods of time or cease to function properly, it may be necessary for
SAM to make a significant investment to fix or replace them and to seek to remedy the effect of
these issues. The failure of these systems and/or of disaster recovery plans for any reason could
cause significant interruptions in the operations of SAM or its client accounts and result in a failure
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to maintain the security, confidentiality or privacy of sensitive data, including personal information,
which may result in identity theft.
Effects of Health Crises and Other Catastrophic Events
Health crises, such as pandemic and epidemic diseases, as well as other catastrophes that interrupt
the expected course of events, such as natural disasters, war or civil disturbance, acts of terrorism,
power outages and other unforeseeable and external events, and the public response to or fear
of such diseases or events, have and may in the future have an adverse effect on clients' investments
and SAM’s operations. For example, any preventative or protective actions that governments may
take in respect of such diseases or events may result in periods of business disruption or disrupted
operations for client portfolio companies. In addition, under such circumstances the operations,
including functions such as trading and valuation, of SAM and other service providers could be
reduced, delayed, suspended or otherwise disrupted. Further, the occurrence and pendency of
such diseases or events could adversely affect the economies and financial markets either in specific
countries or worldwide.
Hard Assets
The production and marketing of hard assets may be affected by actions and changes in
governments. In addition, hard assets and hard asset securities may be cyclical in nature. During
periods of economic or financial instability, hard asset securities may be subject to broad price
fluctuations, reflecting volatility of energy and basic materials prices and possible instability of
supply of various hard assets. In addition, hard asset companies may also be subject to the risks
associated with extraction of natural resources as well as the risks of the hazards associated with
natural resources, such as fire, drought, and increased regulatory and environmental costs. Hard
asset securities may also experience greater price fluctuations than the relevant hard asset.
Reliance on Publicly Available Research and Commentary from Stansberry Research
As discussed below, SAM will make some investment decisions and recommendations based in
part on investment research and commentary included in Stansberry Research publications (“SR
Publications”), and SR Publications will be received by SAM on the same basis as other subscribers.
As such, the success of the client accounts will depend in part upon the skill and expertise of the
personnel involved in researching and preparing SR Publications. There is a risk that investments
discussed in SR Publications may prove unsuccessful and that a client account could lose money
by investing in securities discussed in SR Publications. There is also a risk that, because SAM
receives SR Publications on the same basis as other subscribers, a client account may not be able
to execute trades in securities discussed in SR Publications in the quantities, at the times, and/or
at the prices desired by SAM; this could result in reduced returns or losses for a client account.
Additionally, there is the risk that the personnel involved in researching and preparing SR
Publications may not remain employed by Stansberry Research, and the loss of one or more such
persons could have a substantial impact on the quality of the research and commentary contained
in SR Publications.
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Stansberry Research is a subscription-based publisher of financial information. Stansberry Research
is not regulated by the SEC because it is a publisher. Stansberry Research and SAM are separately
operated and are overseen by different boards and different management teams. SAM’s
management team is responsible for the investment decisions of SAM. The members of SAM’s
management team are not officers or editors of Stansberry Research and have no financial interest
in Stansberry Research. Both SAM and Stansberry Research have instituted information barriers
and other safeguards to seek to ensure that neither SAM nor any member of SAM’s management
team obtains access to information to be contained in SR Publications prior to the public
dissemination of such information.
Item 9 - Disciplinary Information
Neither the Firm nor any of its principals have been subject to any disciplinary action, whether
criminal, civil or administrative (including regulatory) in any jurisdiction.
Item 10 - Other Financial Industry Activities and Affiliations
In Q4, 2025, SAM took a minority ownership interest in Holistic Wealth Advisors, LLC (“HWA”).
HWA is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a registered investment
advisor. SAM does not have nor does it exercise operating control over HWA. Certain members
of SAM’s management team do advise HWA on business operations, but the ultimate decision on
how HWA operates lies with its Principal. SAM and HWA are operated as separate business
entities.
Item 11 - Code of Ethics, Participation/Interest in Client Transactions, Personal
Trading
SAM strives to adhere to the highest industry standards of conduct based on principles of
professionalism, integrity, honesty and trust. In seeking to meet those standards (and in accordance
with SEC Rule 204A-1), the Firm has adopted a Code of Ethics (the “Code”) that is applicable to
all employees. Among other things, the Code requires SAM and its employees to place the
interests of their clients before their own interests, to not take inappropriate advantage of their
positions at the Firm, to act honestly and fairly in all respects in their dealings with clients, to
comply with all applicable federal securities laws and to engage in personal investing that is in full
compliance with the Code.
In addition to the general principles discussed above, the Code sets forth the Firm’s specific
personal trading procedures, the policies and procedures governing the giving and receiving of gifts
and entertainment, the policies and procedures on political contributions and compliance with
“pay-to-play” laws, as well as policies and procedures for pre-clearance of outside activities that
may conflict with an employee’s duties at the Firm. Employees are required to certify to their
compliance with the Code on a periodic basis.
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In addition, SAM or its relevant personnel may invest in the same securities (or related securities,
e.g., warrants, options or futures) that SAM recommends to clients. Such practices present a
conflict when, because of the information SAM has, SAM or its relevant personnel are in a position
to trade in a manner that could adversely affect SAM’s clients (e.g., place their own trades before
or after client trades are executed in order to benefit from any price movements due to the
clients’ trades). In addition to affecting SAM’s or its supervised person’s objectivity, these
practices by SAM or its relevant personnel may also harm clients by adversely affecting the price
at which the clients’ trades are executed. SAM has adopted the following procedures in an effort
to minimize such conflicts: SAM requires its relevant personnel to preclear all transactions in their
personal accounts with the Chief Compliance Officer, who may deny permission to execute the
transaction if such transaction will have any adverse economic impact on one of its clients. In
addition, SAM’s Code prohibits SAM or its relevant personnel from executing personal securities
transactions of any kind in any securities on a restricted securities list maintained by the Chief
Compliance Officer. All of SAM’s relevant personnel are required to disclose their securities
transactions on a quarterly basis. In addition, SAM’s relevant personnel are required to disclose
the holdings in their personal accounts upon commencement of employment with SAM and on an
annual basis thereafter. SAM’s relevant personnel are also required to provide quarterly
brokerage statements. Trading in the personal accounts of SAM’s relevant personnel is reviewed
by the Chief Compliance Officer and reviewed against the restricted securities list.
SAM and its relevant personnel may give and/or receive gifts, services or other items to/from any
person or entity that does business with or potentially could conduct business with or on behalf
of SAM. SAM has adopted policies and procedures governing gifts and business entertainment,
which includes quarterly disclosure of gifts and business entertainment in excess of certain de
minimis thresholds and pre-clearance by the Chief Compliance Officer prior to giving/receiving
gifts above a certain de minimis threshold.
SAM, in the course of its investment management and other activities (e.g., board or creditor
committee service), may come into possession of confidential or material nonpublic information
about issuers, including issuers in which SAM or its related persons have invested or seek to
invest on behalf of clients. SAM is prohibited from improperly disclosing or using such information
for its own benefit or for the benefit of any other person, regardless of whether such other person
is a client. SAM maintains and enforces written policies and procedures that prohibit the
communication of such information to persons who do not have a legitimate need to know such
information and to assure that SAM is meeting its obligations to its clients and remains in
compliance with applicable law. In certain circumstances, SAM may possess certain confidential
or material, nonpublic information that, if disclosed, might be material to a decision to buy, sell or
hold a security, but SAM will be prohibited from communicating such information to the client or
using such information for the client’s benefit. In such circumstances, SAM will have no
responsibility or liability to the client for not disclosing such information to the client (or the fact
that SAM possesses such information), or not using such information for the client’s benefit, as a
result of following SAM’s policies and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurances that
it is complying with applicable law.
Clients may obtain a copy of the Code of Ethics and Employee Investment Policy by contacting
the CCO, Jeff Sargent at 646-854-4857 or email compliance@stansberryam.com.
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Item 12 - Brokerage Practices
SAM’s efforts to ensure best execution for clients begin with our attention to our prime broker
relationships. We encourage clients to custody accounts at certain brokerage institutions,
including Pershing, for the many administrative/trading advantages we believe they offer. These
include safety of client assets, close personal attention to opening accounts and transferring assets,
as well as problem-solving, request-response, and special situations. Regardless of where a client’s
account is opened, we may trade widely among brokerage houses that we believe provide good
execution for client trades (to be delivered into their accounts at the relevant custodian).
SAM has an obligation to seek best execution but that does not necessarily include always obtaining
the lowest commission rate possible. While SAM will always seek competitive commission rates
at our brokers, we will take them into account along with the following standards that we require
of our providers on behalf of our clients: (i) confidentiality; (ii) efficacy of execution; (iii) block-
trading capabilities; (iv) foreign stock access and capabilities; (v) clearance and settlement
capabilities (vi) size of order; (vii) difficulty of trade and security’s trading characteristics; (viii)
liquidity of the market for the security in question; (ix) quality of confirmations and account
statements; (x) access to markets; (xi) reputation and integrity; (xii) responsiveness; (xiii) trade
error rate and the ability or willingness to correct errors.
Soft Dollars
SAM may receive research or other products or services other than execution from a broker
dealer and/or a third party in connection with client securities transactions. This is known as a
“soft dollar” relationship. SAM will limit the use of “soft dollars” to obtain research and brokerage
services to services that constitute research and brokerage within the meaning of Section 28(e) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Section 28(e)”). Research services within
Section 28(e) may include, but are not limited to, research reports (including market research);
certain financial newsletters and trade journals; software providing analysis of securities portfolios;
corporate governance research and rating services; attendance at certain seminars and
conferences; discussions with research analysts; meetings with corporate executives; consultants’
advice on portfolio strategy; data services (including services providing market data, company
financial data and economic data); advice from broker-dealers on order execution; and certain
proxy services. Brokerage services within Section 28(e) may include, but are not limited to,
services related to the execution, clearing and settlement of securities transactions and functions
incidental thereto (i.e., connectivity services between an adviser and a broker-dealer and other
relevant parties such as custodians); trading software operated by a broker-dealer to route orders;
software that provides trade analytics and trading strategies; software used to transmit orders;
clearance and settlement in connection with a trade; electronic communication of allocation
instructions; routing settlement instructions; post trade matching of trade information; and
services required by the SEC or a self-regulatory organization such as comparison services,
electronic confirms or trade affirmations.
Allocation and Aggregation
SAM often purchases or sells the same security for many client accounts (including client accounts
owned by employees or officers of SAM) at or near the same time and using the same executing
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broker. It is SAM's practice, where appropriate, to aggregate client orders for the purchase or
sale of the same security submitted at or near the same time for execution using the same
executing broker. SAM will also aggregate in the same transaction, the same securities for
accounts where SAM has brokerage discretion. In cases where trading or investment restrictions
are placed on a client's account, SAM may be precluded from aggregating that client's transaction
with others. In such a case, the client may pay a higher commission rate and/or receive less
favorable prices than clients who are able to participate in an aggregated order. When an
aggregated order is completely filled, SAM allocates the securities purchased or proceeds of sale
based on the purchase or sale order. If the order at a particular broker is filled at several different
prices, through multiple trades, generally all accounts participating will receive the average price
and pay the average commission. If an aggregated order is only partially filled, SAM's procedures
provide that the securities or proceeds are to be allocated in a manner deemed fair and equitable
to clients. An aggregated order may be allocated following execution on a basis different from
that specified in the order for reasons that may include without limitation: relative exposure to
invested position, legal or regulatory reasons, or to avoid odd lots.
Item 13 - Review of Accounts
Investment Management and Supervision – Each client account is reviewed by SAM’s personnel
on a regular and ongoing basis. All accounts are reviewed at minimum on an annual basis.
Underlying securities are monitored on a continuous basis.
Events that may trigger further client account reviews may include, but would not be limited to:
requests by a client to liquidate certain securities positions/contracts, an individual account being
outliers to the performance of accounts with similar investment objectives, as well as client
complaints.
Reporting – Clients will receive quarterly reports directly from the custodian. Clients are
encouraged to carefully review and compare all reports.
Item 14 - Client Referrals and Other Compensation
An arrangement exists permitting Stansberry Research ("SR") to be compensated by SAM to use
the “Stansberry” name, for advertisements in SR Publications, to market to SR subscribers and if
you enter into an investment advisory relationship with SAM. Additional information about this
arrangement and Stansberry Research will be furnished if you request additional information
about SAM. Any compensation under this arrangement will be paid by SAM and will not be
charged to SAM clients. The compensation Stansberry Research receives for soliciting clients on
behalf of SAM, if any, is a fixed amount for each such client and does not increase or decrease
based on the amount a client chooses to invest with SAM.
An arrangement exists permitting TradeSmith ("TS") to be compensated by SAM to use the
“TradeSmith” name, for advertisements in TS Publications, to market to TradeSmith subscribers
and if you enter into an investment advisory relationship with SAM. Additional information about
this arrangement and TradeSmith will be provided if you request additional information about
SAM. Any compensation under this arrangement will be paid by SAM and will not be charged to
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Form ADV Part 2A
SAM clients. The compensation TradeSmith receives for soliciting clients on behalf of SAM, if any,
is a fixed amount for each such client and does not increase or decrease based on the amount a
client chooses to invest with SAM.
An arrangement exists permitting Porter & Company ("PC") to be compensated by SAM for
advertisements in PC Publications, to market to Porter & Company subscribers and if you enter
into an investment advisory relationship with SAM. Additional information about this arrangement
and Porter & Company will be furnished if you request additional information about SAM. Any
compensation under this arrangement will be paid by SAM and will not be charged to SAM clients.
The compensation Porter & Company receives for soliciting clients on behalf of SAM, if any, is a
fixed amount for each such client and does not increase or decrease based on the amount a client
chooses to invest with SAM.
An arrangement exists permitting Allan K. Dorff CPA, Inc. ("Dorff") to be compensated by
SAM if you enter into an investment advisory relationship with SAM after being referred by Dorff.
Additional information about this arrangement and Dorff will be furnished upon your request. Any
compensation under this arrangement will be paid by SAM and will not be charged to SAM clients.
The compensation Dorff receives for soliciting clients on behalf of SAM, if any, is a fixed percentage
of the advisory fee charged to solicited client's for their assets under management by SAM.
An arrangement exists permitting Jamison Miller ("Miller") to be compensated by SAM if you enter
into an investment advisory relationship with SAM after being referred by Miller. Additional
information about this arrangement and Miller will be furnished upon your request. Any
compensation under this arrangement will be paid by SAM and will not be charged to SAM clients.
The compensation Miller receives for soliciting clients on behalf of SAM, if any, is a fixed percentage
of the solicited client's assets under management with SAM.
Item 15 - Custody
SAM does not maintain nor will it accept physical possession of any client’s funds or securities; all
SAM-managed client assets are directed to and held by independent, qualified custodians.
However, under current applicable regulatory interpretations, SAM is deemed to have custody of
client assets because (i) SAM is able to directly debit fees from client accounts, and (ii) due to
certain standing letters of authorization established by clients pursuant to which SAM has the
limited authority to disburse funds to parties specifically designated by the client. To the extent
that client accounts hold hard assets, alternative custody arrangements may be necessary. As part
of this billing process, each client’s custodian is advised of the amount of the fee to be deducted
from that client’s account. On at least a quarterly basis, the custodian is required to send to the
client a statement showing all transactions (including fee debits) within the account during the
reporting period. Clients should verify the accuracy of calculations. Clients should contact SAM
directly if they believe there may be an error in their statements, invoices, or reports.
Item 16 - Investment Discretion
SAM has the authority to determine (i) the securities to be purchased and sold for the client
account (subject to restrictions on its activities set forth in the applicable investment management
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agreement and any written investment guidelines) and, (ii) the amount of securities to be
purchased or sold for the client account. Because of the differences in client investment objectives
and strategies, risk tolerances, tax status and other criteria, there may be differences among clients
in invested positions and securities held.
Trade Errors
Despite the professionalism and care with which the Firm’s personnel are expected to operate,
occasional trading errors are unavoidable. Thus, if it appears that a trade error has occurred, SAM
will review the relevant facts and circumstances to determine an appropriate course of action.
SAM's error correction procedure is to ensure that clients are treated fairly and that errors to be
corrected will be corrected as quickly as reasonably practicable following discovery, and in such a
manner as to minimize any loss to the clients. Generally, SAM will make the applicable clients whole
for trade errors that would not be covered in accordance with its indemnification of SAM under
the applicable investment management agreement and/or governing documents. This means that
the clients, subject to applicable law, generally bear the loss resulting from trade errors, unless SAM
has determined, in good faith, that the error results from SAM’s gross negligence or willful
misconduct. Losses resulting from trade errors to be reimbursed, if any, are only the net losses
associated with the errant trade.
Item 17 - Voting Client Securities
To the extent SAM has been delegated proxy voting authority on behalf of its clients, SAM
complies with its proxy voting policies and procedures that are designed to ensure that in cases
where SAM votes proxies with respect to client securities, such proxies are voted in the best
interests of its clients. In voting proxies, SAM will utilize the services of a third-party proxy agent.
SAM’s clients are not permitted to direct their votes in a particular solicitation. If a material
conflict of interest between SAM and a client exists, SAM will determine whether voting in
accordance with the guidelines set forth in its proxy voting policies and procedures is in the best
interests of the client or take some other appropriate action. Clients may obtain a copy of SAM’s
proxy voting policies and procedures and information about how the SAM voted a client’s proxies
by contacting the CCO, Jeff Sargent at 646-854-4857 or email compliance@stansberryam.com.
Item 18 - Financial Information
This Item is not applicable.
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