Better Investing - Northern Nevada

NOVEMBER 2003

Complete List of Class Descriptions

CORE GROUP OF CLASSES FOR BEGINNERS
The Northern Nevada Chapter offers a core group of three classes for new investors as well as investors with some investment experience who are not familiar with NAIC and NAIC's tools for evaluating stocks. It is important to take all three classes since each class builds on the previous class and material is not repeated. There may be some preparation required prior to a class and there may be a homework assignment between classes. The core group of classes for beginners consists of Basics of Investing, the Stock Check List, and the Stock Selection Guide.

Basics of Investing is in an interactive format discussing BetterInvestings' Principles, Investing Styles, Risk, Financial Data Resources, and Basic Investment Math.
Introduction to Value Line course discusses Value Line reports and explains the Value Line judgment that goes into the report. Timeliness, Safety, Earnings Predictability Rankings are some of the data that is explained as to what they mean to Investors who follow BetterInvesting Guidelines. Class will use the "Quick Check List" as an exercise to determine whether a stock meets certain criteria.
Manual Stock Selection Guide covers completion of NAIC's core tool for evaluating a company's performance over the past ten years and it's prospects over the next five years. The first session will concentrate on completing the data entry sections 1, 2, and 3. The "Pretax Profit Worksheet" is used to determine percent of PTP in Section 2A. The second session will use the results of the data entry to calculate the results in section 4 & 5. Aspects of interpretation and areas of judgment will be discussed at a beginning level. This class expands on the skills and concepts in the courses Basics of Investing, Introduction to Value Line, and Stock Selection Check List. Bring the following materials: Notepaper, pen, pencil, eraser, highlighter(s), four colored erasable pencils, 12" transparent ruler, business calculator such as Texas Instruments BA35 or BAII Plus. Class available upon request. Six hours
Stock Selection Guide using ToolKit 5.0 features manual and internet download data input, data interpretation, customizing the visual analysis graph, setting trends lines, understanding outliers, calculating high and low price as well as total return. Examining stock competitors as well as buy/sell criteria also examined. Pre-requisite is familiarity with the SSG, Value Line, as well as computer skills. Six hours.
SSG Analysis & Judgment takes your Stock Selection Guide skills to the next level. Refine your skills in applying judgments to SSG and your ability to analyze the quality and value of the companies studied. Evaluate projections and trends using Preferred Procedure, PERT - A, and explore the many graphs and special features of ToolKit 5.0 designed to assist you in applying judgments to the SSG. This portion of the SSG class is more comprehensive, and requires a higher skill/knowledge level. Pre-Requisite: Investors ToolKit 5.0.

Portfolio Evaluation Review and Technique will show you the next step after you have learned how to choose stocks for your portfolio. Now learn to manage your holdings by "Weeding and Feeding". Learn diversification and other helpful techniques to build a better portfolio.

Investment Club Accounting covers how investment clubs track profit, loss, expenditures, and cost basis, etc. and how to prepare reports for club meetings. Learn what every Treasurer and non Treasurer should know to help their club run smoothly.

The REIT' Stuff, Are they right for your Portfolio? You will cover what Real Estate Investment Trusts are, how and what to look for, plus diversification within the industry. How do REIT's fit into NAIC recommended principles. Resources for REIT information and other characteristics of real estate equities will be covered.