THE FIRM
C.J. Lawrence is a boutique investment management firm based in New York City with a legacy dating back to 1864.
CJL combines the talents of a highly experienced portfolio management team within an environment centered only on offering good investing advice.
CJL specializes in separately managed accounts for high net worth individuals or families, and institutions.
As of 12-31-22, assets under supervision are just over $740 million.
CJL is an independent, privately owned, SEC registered investment advisor.
Portfolio Managers
“Investment management is our core competency”
CJL’s portfolio management team uses its extensive investment experience to anticipate changes in global markets and identify longer term investment trends.
Analytical rigor and proprietary investment disciplines are the foundation of our portfolio management process.
From analysis to implementation, the firm’s portfolio managers serve as your trusted investment manager and advisor. This combined approach is what sets us apart.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
CJL’s legacy is deeply rooted in proprietary research. Today the firm continues to publish regular reports on portfolio strategy, the economy and markets which are made available to our clients. Regular market updates in video form are published on the firm’s YouTube channel at C.J. Lawrence. These videos and transcripts can also be found on our website.
CJL’s widely followed Weekly Market Commentary, first published by Jim Moltz in the 1970s is today continued by CJL’s portfolio strategist, Terry Gardner.
CJL’s publications are frequently quoted in the financial press.
EQUITY PHILOSOPHY & PROCESS
Over the past 25 years CJL’s portfolio managers have applied a qualitative discipline to establish a buy-universe of no more than 200 stocks of companies that embody what CJL calls Bulldog characteristics.
Bulldogs are companies that are intensely focused on taking market share in growing sectors. These companies dominate or disrupt their competition through a combination of financial strength, innovation, economies of scale, product or service differentiation, and management talent.
Our buy‐universe is continually measured by our valuation model and ranked by total return over a 3‐year period. Stock selection is subject to price/value standards measured against the future return of the market.
A diversified portfolio of 30 to 40 stocks is composed. Annual portfolio turnover tends to be low. Positions are eliminated or reduced if their preeminent competitive position erodes or when expected returns become modest compared to other stocks in our universe.
Our Bulldog‐equity portfolios are also available in conjunction with an allocation into fixed income.
CLIENT SERVICE & CUSTODY
C.J. Lawrence’s experienced client services professionals provide a high degree of service to a limited number of high net worth clients, family offices and institutions.
Our portfolio management system allows for customized reporting.
CJL can interface with most custodians depending on client’s preference. Portfolios are reconciled in our portfolio management system (Axys) on a daily basis.
CJL uses Fidelity as its prime custodian at no additional cost to our clients.
CJL is an approved manager on the Envestnet and Brinker platforms.
CJL’s commingled UIT strategies sponsored by Advisors Asset Management (AAM) are available at the major wire houses (Merrill, UBS, Morgan Stanley, Raymond James etc.) where CJL is an approved manager.
HISTORY
Former Vice Chair of C.J. Lawrence, Charley Maxwell, shares his thoughts on the global energy markets in his special report, The Road from Nadir to Zenith.
2016
Terry Gardner rejoins C.J. Lawrence as a portfolio strategist.
2015
Jim Moltz, Bruce Benedict, Bernhard Koepp relaunch Cyrus J. Lawrence
2014
ISI Inc. research broker/dealer unit merges with Evercore
2014
Jim Moltz, Bruce Benedict & Bernhard Koepp found the equity oriented account management business at ISI Inc.
1999
Barron's publishes Jim Moltz article "Bullish on Bulldogs," a widely followed strategy investing in market share dominant companies
1996
Ed Hyman forms ISI Inc.
1991
C.J. Lawrence Weekly Market Comment - Oil and Stocks Don't Mix
1990
Deutsche Bank AG acquires Morgan Grenfell / Cyrus J. Lawrence
1989
C.J. Lawrence Weekly Market Comment - CJL Market Monitor Turns Neutral
1987
Morgan Grenfell Group acquires Cyrus J. Lawrence
1986
C.J. Lawrence Weekly Market Comment - The New Nifty-fifty Index
1984
New York Times publishes profile - Lawrence: "A Wall Street Boutique That Lived"
1981
C.J. Lawrence Weekly Market Comment - Dow Above 1,000
1980
C.J. Lawrence Weekly Market Comment - Will the Volcker Rally Last?
1979
Jim Moltz appointed Chairman and President of Cyrus J. Lawrence
1973
Ed Hyman joins Cyrus J. Lawrence
1972
Bruce Benedict joins Cyrus J. Lawrence
1965
Cyrus J. Lawrence publishes "Comparative Valuation of Common Stocks," a discipline we continue to practice today
1959
Cyrus J. Lawrence & Sons - Photograph by Richard H. Lawrence
