Frequently Asked Questions
- Does SAC provide Sell recommendations or only Buy recommendations?
Because exit position timings carry the same gravity as original buy recommendations,
SAC provides both Buy and Sell recommendations. SAC clients are privy to an efficient
rating and communication system that ensures efficient position notification. Whether
the time is ripe to take handsome profits or cut losses quickly, SAC clients know
it.
- Is there a set number of picks that go out every month/year?
The RRSP model portfolio published at the beginning of the year normally
contains 8-12 stocks. However, these numbers can change depending on market outlook.
There are also no specific limits on additional SAC Select Picks, but, on average,
two new ideas are sent out per month.
- Is there a mandate on the balance of US versus Canadian recommendations?
SAC will recommend stocks wherever value is found, whether those stocks originate
in the United States or in Canada.
- Does SAC recommend certain stocks in every sector?
Recommendations are always made based on where value is found. It is important to
note that SAC does not make picks in a portfolio context, but rather provides trading
insight for client portfolios. Clients are responsible for assembling the asset/sector
mix.
- How is the information sent to me?
All research, commentary and other information is provided to clients via our secure
client website. An email alert service is available which will notify you, via email,
if new content is posted to the client website.
- Where do I place my trades?
This is completely up to you, but SAC recommends employing a discount broker as
this is the most affordable way to trade.
- If I have a question, is there someone I can contact?
Strategic Analysis Client Support is available to answer client questions
and clarify recommendations or reports via e-mail.
- Do you ever provide recommendations outside of your coverage area?
Very rarely SAC may recommend a specific equity outside its coverage range,
or even a product outside the equity category (fixed income product). However, this
is not the norm. Large cap North American stocks are currently the SAC focus.
- Will SAC evaluate and provide feedback on my current holdings when I sign
on with VMAS?
SAC can provide general comments on the current sentiment of your existing
equity holdings. These comments are made on a stock-by-stock basis and can only
be provided if the stocks fall into SAC’s coverage range.
- Does SAC advise on the amount of shares clients should buy?
No, SAC simply informs clients when a specific stock is being bought or sold.
Clients then decide how many stocks they are going to buy or sell.
- I want to learn more about Structural Valuation Analytics (SVA). Is there
any material you can provide?
If you would like to learn about SVA in greater detail, please contact us
for free reference material. Information on SVA can also be found in the Library
section of this website.
- What is SAC's fee structure?
The advisory service is geared towards a portfolio size of $250,000+. Details
on features and pricing can be found in the Details &
Pricing section. of the website.
- Why do I need a $250,000 portfolio?
This is not a rule, but rather a guideline for potential SAC clients. At $250,000,
SAC fees represent about a 1% fee, plus trading costs. Using this guideline, SAC
fees are often more affordable than the Management Expense Ratio (MER) paid on an
average mutual fund or fees paid to a full-service broker.
- Are your fees tax-deductible?
SAC provides clients with a receipt of fees paid at the end of each calendar year.
Although SAC cannot give tax advice, in accordance with general industry practice,
the principal business is the creation and distribution of an advisory newsletter.
Most SAC clients have not had issues with deducting fees, but given that each taxpayer’s
situation is different all clients should seek professional advice in this matter.
- Does SAC manage individual accounts?
At this time SAC does not currently manage individual accounts.