Profile

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

For more than 45 years, Peter Torchia has brought his deep passion for investing and statistical analysis to a financially astute clientele residing in the Bay Area and across the nation. Relationships with clients span decades and generations of referred family members and friends.

“While clients come from all walks of life – and enjoy distinctive lifestyles that reflect their sacrifice and success – they typically share a desire to make money in the market. Aside from the close personal attention I deliver, I’d have to say the results count for more than anything,” Peter explains.

Peter’s definition of outstanding service takes many forms. In addition to friendly phone calls, he believes in the value of face-to-face interaction and the timely exchange of information. Accordingly, he meets with clients at their office, for lunch, and in any location that allows for thoughtful discussion. He also writes and sends a monthly letter to each client about market behavior, volatility and other topics. In those communications, he encourages clients to call with questions anytime – to help them avoid decisions driven by emotion.

When it comes to investments, Peter takes a dynamic, hands-on approach. Using research he reviews daily from Merrill Lynch Wealth Management and several other sources, he favors well-managed companies – especially those introducing new products. In addition to equities, client portfolios may include bonds and ETFs, to help balance risk. Peter is also highly cost-conscious and seeks to minimize tax consequences, conferring with clients’ CPAs to align strategies, when helpful.

“Whether I work with the owner of an established business, an entrepreneur, or a football coach, I need to know what drives them personally and financially. From there, I can build a tax-efficient strategy that helps meets their goals, by enhancing both sides of their balance sheets,” Peter says. “I also engage with both spouses, when possible – to gauge the degree of risk they’re willing to take and the real-world outcomes they’re looking to satisfy.”

PERSONAL PROFILE

Peter “graduated twice” from the University of Pittsburgh – with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and a Masters degree in Economics. (While earning his Masters, Peter also taught Economics as a Teaching Assistant.) Peter’s love of statistics and analysis brought him to Merrill in 1975 and has made him a resource to other advisors within the firm. Peter grew up in Western Pennsylvania and has long been a happy California resident.

Generous with his time and resources, Peter is a member of The Patriot Guard (an organization whose members honor fallen soldiers and their families), a lifetime member of CHP1199 (which gives support to families of fallen police officers), and a longtime member of the Italian Catholic Federation (which raises funds for needy families and organizations that feed the hungry).

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