Horizon Investments is an investment management firm based in North Carolina that provides personalized wealth management services to individuals, families and institutions. With over $13 billion in assets under management, Horizon Investments has grown to become one of the larger independent advisory firms in the U.S. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Horizon Investments, including its history, services, fees, and reviews from clients. Understanding more about this firm can help investors evaluate if Horizon Investments is the right fit for their investment needs.
Horizon Investments was founded in 1995 and has steadily grown its AUM
Horizon Investments was founded in 1995 by current CEO Robert J. Cannon. The firm started out small, with just $26 million in assets under management. Through steady organic growth over the past 25+ years, Horizon Investments has expanded to over $13 billion in AUM as of early 2023. This growth has come both from attracting new clients and from investment returns generated for existing clients.
Today Horizon Investments employs over 100 people across multiple offices in the U.S. It serves a diverse mix of clients including high net worth individuals, families, trusts, pensions, endowments and other institutions. The firm has particular expertise in providing customized portfolio solutions to doctors, attorneys and other professionals.
Horizon Investments takes a goals-based approach to investment management
Unlike some firms that take a more one-size-fits-all approach, Horizon Investments prides itself on truly personalizing its services to each client’s needs. The firm starts by understanding each client’s unique financial goals, risk tolerance, income needs, time horizon and other relevant factors.
Horizon then develops a customized investment plan aimed at achieving the client’s short and long-term goals. This goals-based methodology helps ensure the investment portfolio aligns closely with the client’s objectives.
As a client’s goals or life situation changes over time, Horizon Investments periodically reviews the plan and makes adjustments as needed to keep the client on track.
Horizon Investments utilizes both in-house and outsourced investment capabilities
Horizon Investments takes a multi-disciplinary approach to investment management and portfolio construction. The firm combines capabilities from its in-house research team with strategies accessed from other top asset managers.
Specifically, Horizon has an internal team of investment professionals who conduct proprietary research and manage portfolios across equity, fixed income and alternatives. This provides clients with access to Horizon’s own expertise.
The firm also selectively utilizes unaffiliated sub-advisors for certain strategies where an external manager shows particular specialization and skill. This blending of internal and external management allows Horizon to leverage a wide array of portfolio capabilities.
Fees for Horizon Investments’ services are typical for the industry
Horizon Investments charges advisory fees to clients based on a percentage of assets under management. Its standard fee schedule is:
– 1.00% on first $2 million
– 0.75% on next $3 million
– 0.50% above $5 million
The more assets a client has invested with Horizon, the lower the marginal fee rate. This is a very typical fee structure used across the investment advisory industry.
In addition to Horizon’s advisory fees, clients will incur underlying expenses related to the investments held in their portfolios. However, Horizon’s fees are considered reasonable relative to competitors.
Many clients praise Horizon Investments for personalized services
Overall, Horizon Investments earns very positive reviews from the majority of its clients. Many praise the firm for taking the time to truly understand their personal financial situation and goals. They appreciate receiving customized portfolios tailored specifically to their needs versus a generic off-the-shelf product.
Clients also frequently cite Horizon’s strong communication, transparency and client service. The firm is responsive in addressing any issues or concerns from clients.
While any firm will have some clients who aren’t a perfect match, the breadth of positive feedback indicates Horizon Investments effectively delivers on its client-centric approach for most investors under its care.
In summary, Horizon Investments is an established investment advisory firm with a track record of steady growth in AUM and loyal clients. Its personalized approach to understanding each investor’s needs and building customized portfolios appears well-suited to high-net-worth individuals and families seeking a partner to help plan for their financial futures. However, as with any adviser, clients should evaluate Horizon’s services, fees and investment philosophy to determine if the firm is a good fit.