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Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. I'm wary of con-artists that pose as investment advisors. How can I trust someone with my investments?
A. There are steps that should be taken: 1. Carefully check the credentials and education of prospective advisors.
2. Ask each prospective advisor how he/she would help you.
3. Ask for references.
4. Look for checks and balances that the advisor uses in his/her operation.
5. Do your homework. Check with SEC/FINRA for possible past enforcement actions.
Q. How do I know I can trust George W. Laub & Associates?
A. As a privately owned firm, our name and reputation are on the line. Our clients' confidence and trust are fundamental to our operation. We are dedicated to openly and honestly working toward meeting our clients' financial goals. Our integrity is essential to us.
Q. What is a fiduciary standard of care?
A. This is the standard for all registered investment advisors. It is a SEC standard which insists upon putting the clients' interests first. Another standard to which other financial professionals are held to is a "suitability standard" - implying that investments must be reasonable for the client, but the costs may not be the lowest.
Q. How do you choose the companies in which you invest?
A. Companies are selected based on earnings records, industry leadership positions, significant management ownership, minimum debt, and above average cash on hand.
Q. Is there a minimum investment requirement?
A. Yes, $300,000.
Q. What is meant by long-term investing?
A. Long term is defined as over 5 years. We are not traders, but investors. We invest in quality companies for long-term growth of principal. A client should have at least 5 or more years in which to allow the investments to appreciate.
Q. What is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)?
A. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a designation attained by a person who has passed a series of exams in accounting, economics, and portfolio management (among others) - usually a 4 to 5 year program. The CFA Institute requires its members to meet certain standards of ethics and professional conduct.
Q. Have you ever been charged with any breeches?
A. No.
Q. What do you mean by investment stewardship?
A. According to Merriam-Webster, the term stewardship refers to "the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one's care". This defines our mission.
Q. What are Large-cap, Mid-cap and Small-cap companies?
A. "Cap" addresses the size in market value of a company: Large-cap = over $10.9 billion; Mid-cap = $2.2 to $10.9 billion, Small-cap = under $2.2 billion.
Q. Why is the ship "The Charlotte & Louise" in the website header?
A. This ship brought Georg Laub to America in 1831. Over the succeeding 180 years, the Laub family established a name respected in the Buffalo (NY) business community.
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