Commonly Asked Questions

Portrait of an Old Man and Boy
by Ghirlandaio, circa 1488

Who are Main Street Research LLC Clients?
Our clients are evenly divided amongst a select number of individuals and institutional investors. Institutional clients include corporate retirement plans, foundations and family trusts.

Does the team at Main Street Research LLC consider my overall financial picture?
Yes. Our clients consider our firm the "hub" of their investment and financial affairs. Initially and over time, we explore a client's need for financial, retirement and/or estate planning. Depending on the cir- cumstances, we may solve these problems in-house or coordinate with outside professionals.


What kinds of investments does Main Street Research LLC analyze and recommend?

In order to obtain the level of diversification we believe is necessary to control risk, we typically employ a mixture of stocks, bonds or mutual funds from a number of different asset classes. Depending on the client, we may also suggest and provide access to private investment partnerships and/or private equity.

Who has custody of client funds?
Cash and securities are held in accounts in the client's name at either a brokerage firm or a mutual fund company. Main Street Research LLC does not have access to, or custody of, any client assets.

Do clients have access to the principals of the firm?
Yes. We purposely serve a relatively small number of clients allowing us to communicate and respond effectively with each client.

Who is involved in the investment research process?
Although each member of the firm has specific areas of expertise, we approach most aspects of our work, particularly investment research, as a team. We strongly believe that every member of the firm should be aware or involved in the important matters of our work and client relationships.

Does technology play an important role in managing the business of Main Street Research LLC?
Yes. We maintain the highest technological capabilities in each aspect of our business. Our nearly "paperless" office allows us to operate with little administrative assistance, allowing each member of the firm to focus on the most important matters: client relationships and results.