Dvorak/Horowitz UnPlugged

This is an un-edited and un-scripted conversation between Andrew Horowitz and John C. Dvorak where you will get insights for anyone who invests in anything. We discuss the top events weekly and you can listen in each Wednesday.

What to do?

DH Unplugged Website

Subscribe to the podcast: iTunes | RSS feed.

Once we establish your style and risk parameters, the investment engines are put to work. Horowitz & Company has developed fundamental and quantitatively driven stock strategies along with diversified portfolio models. We use many research tools to look at the economic and market climates in developing a plan.

In creating a portfolio, tools ranging from an exclusive mutual fund filtering and scoring system to our QuantaFundaTechna disciplines are actively employed. The overall concept is simple:  Use all methods available to seek out investments with the highest potential for growth, given the current economic conditions. The secondary goal is to maintain these results (over time) by incorporating some level of downside protection. As with any investment strategy, the opportunity for loss is an ongoing risk.

“It is not just how much you make, it is how much you keep”

Achieving and Communicating

Knowledge sharing, enhanced by the latest technology, helps us gain an advantage of true collaboration by pooling thoughts, insights and experiences. This ensures that all clients receive the service and attention they deserve. Over the course of time, markets will dictate changes to key recommendations, yet one thing remains constant: our unrelenting dedication to the success of our clients.

Each quarter, Global Allocation portfolio clients will receive an in-depth report that details the performance of each of your investments and compares the results to specific market indices. The report is prepared so both seasoned investors and novices will find them easy to understand. At year end we provide you and your accountant with a summary of each of your accounts, listing all transactions, distributions along with federal and state tax information.

TDI Managed Growth portfolio clients have online/daily access to their portfolio performance.

In addition, our private/client-only website provides a good deal of methodology and insights into the markets and our portfolio decisions.

“Your long-term success is our priority”

Horowitz & Company provides financial advice and effective strategies to guide you toward your desired results. Our main investment objective is to look for uncommon investment values by using three distinct methodologies: quantitative screening, fundamental analysis of past and projected data, and technical analysis using charting and other statistical indicators.

Whether your goal is risk management, asset growth, estate planning, retirement planning, or any combination of these approaches, we can tailor a diversified portfolio for you that is not only appropriate to your risk level, but also takes into account all of your financial planning goals, both short- and long-term.

Horowitz & Company provides clients with a range of investment strategies – From active trading to the more traditional balanced approach.

In addition, our book; The Disciplined Investor is a must read for anyone looking to invest successfully.

Want to know more about us?
We have a great Financial and Investment Blog at www.thedisciplinedinvestor.com

The Key Points….
We have specific disciplines in the investment area to help provide our clients with the diversification most appropriate for their risk level.  Along with that, our proprietary stock filtering and scoring system, helps to provide us with we see as the appropriate recommendations for our client’s portfolios.

In addition, our fundamental and quantitatively driven stock strategies have been put to the test through some rather rough times. We have the ability to utilize various strategies to choose companies/investments that we believe have the highest potential for growth given the current economic and market conditions.

We have been quoted in a good amount major local and national financial publications; an honor we are proud of.

(Please see a comprehensive disclosure and additional information by clicking HERE )

Note: A copy of Horowitz & Company’s ADV II  and Privacy Policy is available on request.

Day by day, we use a comprehensive methodology for establishing results-oriented, individualized portfolios for clients. It could be said that we combine high-tech with hands-on expertise to create the kind of well-balanced portfolio needed in today’s complex financial world.

Our money management techniques make regular use of readily accessible tools to find and analyze positions for portfolios. The ultimate goal is to uncover potentially profitable investments through the process we call “QuantaFundaTechna.” Stocks, mutual funds, exchange-traded funds and options are all potential investments, selected using a top-down, then bottom-up, process. We start with Quantitative screens, work through the fundamentals of each position and then use technical analysis to provide insight into the direction a stock may be heading.

Recently, due to significant demand, we created the Disciplined Investor Managed Growth Strategy (TDIMG), which is available for investors who are looking for hedge-fund-style investing without a hedge fund — all within individual accounts.

Beyond my daily work as a professional money manager, I write The Disciplined Investor blog, and I’m the host of the popular Disciplined Investor Podcast, which is a Top iTunes business podcast and featured on several leading podcast directories.

The TDI  blog and podcast provide advice for investors of all levels, with the goal of helping individuals take control of their financial situations. In addition, I have provided research and articles to MSN Money’s Top Stocks blog among other financial sites.

I have also been featured and regularly quoted in the media, including by CNBC, Bloomberg, MarketWatch, The New York Times, Seeking Alpha, Financial Planning magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, Reuters, Fox News, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, The Miami Herald, the Chicago Tribune, the Financial Times and National Public Radio.

A final note…

Since my introduction to the financial markets in 1987, I haven’t always been successful in completely avoiding market curve balls. But each struggle has provided information that helped me refine my investment process and discipline.

What we have found from decades of experience with many different market conditions that the key to success within the world of investing is to have a plan and stick to it, but adjusting when needed to protect and profit. And most importantly: Taking emotion out of the process is at the center of every successful disciplined investor.

We then add key fundamental overlays to refine the list. A review of company fundamentals will further weed out those companies that do not meet our requirements for long-term price-appreciation potential. Once past this stage, each stock is reviewed and confirmed for price entry and exit points using technical analysis of historical charts. Several patterns are key when looking for breakouts and breakdowns.

As the goal is to maximize returns through a systematic and disciplined approach, loss minimization is essential. In other words, when possible let the winners run, and cut the losers.

Perhaps a good way to look at the overall process is to say it is an investment philosophy that seeks out opportunities in the markets based on a top-down philosophy, then confirms investments by a bottom-up fundamental approach. The actual buy and sell strategies are then confirmed by using a healthy dose of technical analysis to determine exit and entry points.

The financial markets can be extraordinarily rewarding to those with discipline and a sound, long-term financial plan.

About The Book (Back Cover 2007)

Current financial trends indicate that within the next three to six years global markets could face another significant plunge similar to the market crashes of 1987 and 2000. Securing financial investments now can help to avoid potential problems later. The best defense is to effectively learn how to profit from such investments while at the same time protecting them from market fluctuations. The Disciplined Investor focuses on this goal while demystifying the often-complex world of investment planning. With proven strategies and easy-to-follow instructions, it is the only guide you will need for investment success.

This book will help you:
1) Eliminate emotions from your investment decisions
2) Find out how to match your investment strategy to your risk tolerance
3) Learn why asset allocation is so important when creating an investment portfolio
4) Discover tools for enhancing your portfolio’s performance
5) Understand options strategies, diversification and other professional tools

Whether you are new to investing and don t know where to start, or are a seasoned investor and want to protect your portfolio while profiting from it, this book is for you.

Get the book from Amazon or the Audio book from iTunes/Audible.com

Also find out more about Andrew’s follow up – The Winning Investor – Quick and Dirty Tips For Making Money in Any Market.

We will attempt to re-direct you automatically now – if that does not work, please click here.

One of the key components is that this strategy provides transparency. Our clients are able to see all the trades that are being made and observe exactly how the process works.

This is because our clients are given 24/7 access through cutting-edge technology to allow for continuous monitoring of the process. This is also accomplished with a private, client-only blog in which we discuss the rational behind trades we enter (and those we don’t) as we  work hard to explain our reasoning and rationale.

Investors in the TDI Managed Growth Strategy are able to post comments and ask questions about each article we post in order to obtain a better grasp on the trading process and overall strategy.

We have also done what most advisors would not even dare to… Work with IRAs to provide a portfolio experience with both long and short investments positions.

For more information and to take our free virtual tour, please register now – no strings attached.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please do not hesitate to contact us if your question is not listed below.

(Click on the heading to expand each FAQ)

1. Rating: +0

   

   How many investors does Horowitz & Company manage accounts for and will the TDIMG Strategy close to new investors at any point?

   As of December 2010, Horowitz & Company manages accounts for over 250+ investors/clients. The TDIMG Strategy may close to new investors some time in the future, but the exact date has yet to be determined.

2. Rating: +0

   

   Does the Strategy use margin for IRA accounts?

   For IRAs we do not use traditional margin or individual short positions. Through Interactive Brokers are able to use covered options and other hedging strategies through "IRA Margin."

   Investments through IRAs should in no way create a conflict with the IRA status or tax requirements.

3. Rating: +0

   

   Are there any restrictions on depositing or withdrawing funds from my account?

   Remember, all accounts are held by you, directly at Interactive Brokers or Schwab Institutional. You can deposit or withdraw funds as needed, however this account should not intended to be used as a checking account.

4. Rating: +0

   

   Are these investment strategies a mutual fund or hedge fund?

   No. The TDIMG Strategy and the Global Allocation Strategies are individually managed account programs. Your investments and assets are not commingled with other clients. Each account is owned directly by you the client. Horowitz & Company has limited discretion on the account for trading/investing.

   Accounts are held at Interactive Brokers and Schwab Institutional and detailed information is accessible through their websites. Interactive Brokers and Schwab Institutional will provide all statements and confirmations of transactions directly to clients.

5. Rating: +0

   

   Will Andrew be trading my account or will he giving me recommendations on what to trade?

   Andrew/Horowitz & Company does all of the trading directly through your account on a limited discretionary basis. All transactions are approved/directed by Andrew.

6. Rating: +0

   

   What is the minimum investment and can it be spread over multiple accounts?

   The minimum investment is $50,000 for each account opened for the TDIMG Strategy. Other strategies managed by Horowitz & Company have a suggested $500,000 minimum per relationship.

7. Rating: +0

   

   How long has the TDI Managed Growth Strategy be active?

   The TDI Strategy has been active since July 1, 2008. Horowitz & Company has been managing money since the 1980s.

8. Rating: +0

   

   Is performance available for me to review?

   Performance is available to clients of the strategy. More information and clarification can be obtained by contacting us.

   email: info@horowitzco.com

   phone: 954-349-0800

9. Rating: +0

   

   Is performance of other portfolios you manage available for me to review?

   No. All of our other portfolio strategies are customized for each client and are not available for review. These are the Global Allocation Strategies and generally have a $500,000 minimum initial investment. For more information, please contact us.

10. Rating: +0

    

    Who manages the Strategy portfolio on a day to day basis?

    Andrew manages the strategy with the help of supporting individuals that provide administration and research.

11. Rating: +0

    

    Will I be able to speak with Andrew directly?

    Of course! As a policy, all new investors will have a one-on-one conference call with Andrew to determine suitability and discuss risk and other factors related to the TDIMG and Global Allocation strategies. Andrew is also available to answer any questions you may have related to any of the strategies.

12. Rating: +0

    

    How long has Andrew been managing money?

    Andrew has been managing money since the late 1980s.

13. Rating: +0

    

    Can I set up a direct deposit into my Interactive Brokers or Schwab account?

    Interactive Brokers and Schwab accept wired funds.

14. Rating: +0

    

    Will my portfolio immediately match all of the other portfolios in the TDIMG or Global Allocation Strategies?

    It might or it might not. Andrew will only invest your account in the current positions if it makes sense at the time of investment. Eventually though, your portfolio will match the model that we have for the strategy. The timing will depend on many factors. In addition, note that IRAs are not able to "short" individual positions.

15. Rating: +0

    

    Can I use my account at another broker (Schwab, Fidelity, TD Ameritrade, etc.) to invest in the TDIMG Strategy? What about the Global Allocation strategy?

    No. At this time, The TDIMG Strategy is managed exclusively through your account held at Interactive Brokers. The Global Allocation Strategy is managed through your account(s) at Schwab Institutional.

The Disciplined Investor Podcast

A free weekly investor podcast with views, news and interviews produced and hosted by Andrew Horowitz. Great guests too!

Subscribe to the podcast: iTunes | RSS feed.

Podcast reviews

The following reviews are select quotes from iTunes and/or emails from listeners.

Mr. Horowitz’s podcasts have provided me with information about investing in the financial markets that has been very educational and helped me become a more disciplined investor. I appreciate his perspective and depth of knowledge, both of which are presented in a practical manner that I can understand. Thanks!

It’s very good to get news about finance, and the market while being educated. Very clear and effective teaching and news!

After 15 years of investment experience, there is very little that perks my interest in the way of investment advice. Mr. Horowitz, however, is able to provide an entertaining podcast that will hook his listeners regardless of their expertise, income level, or portfolio totals. It is the right mix of guest interviews, ideas, and Mr. Horowitz’s own personal touch to make The Disciplined Investor a must listen for all.

Andrew, I would like to start off by saying thank you. Your podcast has been the single most influential learning tool in my efforts to become a Disciplined Investor. I am a graduate student and a new investor with a small portfolio and I can say that without your show I would probably be listening to the media’s advice to buy and hold. One of the key strategies I have been able to take away from your show is the importance of downside risk protection. This principle has served me well as I started listening to your show just before the market began its downward spiral. I was able to mitigate the threat of large losses by hedging and implementing strict buy and sell rules. I really think you are doing a great service to us smalltime investors and the fact that your podcast is FREE is amazing. Thank you and keep the great podcasts coming.

I started listening to you after I heard you on TWIT with Leo Laporte. I’m 34 years old and working in IT Security I’m always on the look out for bad news under the radar. A hidden bear market is like a hacker trying to sneak in under your defenses and both are like a needle in a hay stack. You can’t see it, but you will get stuck eventually.

I went 100% to cash back during the .com boom to bust about a month before it happened because some things didn’t look right to me. My co-workers called me a fool for jumping off the gravy train during a slow week (the week of the Pets.com IPO). After listening to you and some of your guests, I started seeing parallels and over bullishness similar 90′s on CNBC and among friends who said we’re going to DOW 20,000. I decided to pull my retirement and taxable portfolios back out to cash in August so I could wrap my head around things and my procrastination helped me dodge another bulle t in late 2008. It was like 1990′s deja vu when the rock finally fell.

I’ve learned from listening to you that you need to be skeptical and not blind, it’s ok to go short sometimes, it’s ok to not buy and hold in every market, and you’ve reinforced my experience that if things don’t feel right, don’t be afraid to change strategy or get out! I’ve also learned that sell stops and trailing stops are your friend from listening to you and watching the strategy lab. I haven’t been burned when putting in a stop immediately after buying. The couple of times I didn’t immediately do that I got hit and knocked back to break even for the year. It could have been worse, so covering the downside is now a mandatory part of my strategy especially if I’m ahead. I’d rather get stopped out at first base rather than lose a ton trying to hit a home run. I enjoy listening to your show and I learn something new every week. Keep up the g ood work and please don’t retire from podcasting anytime soon.

Your podcasts are terrific: Highly informative, insightful, entertaining and fascinating. I would love to hear you more on the mainstream financial shows, which would provide viewers with some grounded logic and sound strategy.