Events

Stock Talk	"Stock Talk" begins with a short educational presentation on a single topic of interest to all investors. The event host will give an overview of the company and the nature of its business. Then we'll discuss those factors which might influence future business prospects. Such factors might include the general economy and the company's sector and industry. With the company put into its proper business setting, we'll engage in an extensive and lively discussion looking at the company's competitive strengths and weaknesses. We'll ask ourselves if the company has a sustainable competitive advantage or what Warren Buffett calls an "economic moat". We'll examine debt and check Section 1 of the SSG looking for the lines to be "up, straight, and parallel" or nearly so. We'll require Sections 2A and 2B to be even or trending up. Finally, we all will work together to prepare a consensus SSG by making these key judgment decisions: growth rates projected average high and low P/E ratios projected low stock price We have a large screen and projector so everyone can see the SSG clearly as we go through it step by step using the popular Investors Toolkit software in evaluating stocks. Everyone is provided a copy of the most current Value Line report. The final SSG is the consensus product of the group judgment on key points. This is a great way to find attractive investment opportunities for you and your club while learning more about preparing a good SSG.
Intro to Financial Investing the BetterInvesting Way	This is the first in a series of classes to help individual investors understand and implement the principles used by BetterInvesting (BI) and how they contribute to investment success. You learn basic financial terms, how to perform basic calculations needed for stock analysis, where to find research information, what data is important in Value Line, and where information is located on a Value Line report. The class defines commonly used terms that are critical for an investor to understand. You also learn how to use stock screening to find stocks to study in an industry. Many individuals find learning about investing with other individuals adds to their learning process, and may want to look into joining or forming an investment club. This subject will also be included. The next class "Stock Selection Guide - Learning the Basics" (SSG) will guide the beginning investor through the SSG, section by section, digging deeper into the use of the form to aid in evaluating an individual stock. The SSG class also is recommended to club members who want to review the basics.
Introduction to the Stock Selection Guide (SSG)	This is an entry level class, covering the basics of the Better Investing Stock Selection Guide (SSG). The class begins with a brief review of the BetterInvesting principles, key financial concepts and Value Line data, materials presented in the Introduction to Investment Basics class. You learn what to look for in a stock to purchase and how the SSG helps you identify potential investments. The tutorial on the SSG uses one company to demonstrate how to fill out each section of the SSG, and how to perform the calculations used in each section. Students complete SSGs for two additional companies as homework. You also learn how to apply your own judgment to each section of the SSG to reflect your view of the company's future performance. The class consists of a morning and an afternoon session, with a 45 minute lunch break. You may bring your own lunch or purchase a lunch at the restaurant. Coffee, drinks and pastries will be included in the morning and afternoon breaks. On on-line version of the SSG Class is available both on the Better Investing web site ("Learning", "Getting Started: How to Buy Stocks"), and the IClub Web site. Neither of these provides the interaction of a hands-on class with individual instructors, but may be an alternate learning experience to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Toolkit Mechanics	A three hour, hands-on class using Investors Toolkit to prepare a Stock Selection Guide (SSG); What to look for in a stock to purchase: How the SSG helps identify potential investments. Each student has the use of a computer installed with Toolkit 6, to follow along with the instructor. Topics to be covered include: Basics of data entry Navigation and use of the system and SSG toolbars Accessing and using the help manual Setting Preferences Importing Data Data entry tab Visual analysis, basic data and expanded data Quality analysis Historic values - trends Estimating P/E's and earnings Selecting potential low prices Zoning, Risk vs. Reward, Upside/Downside Ratio, Relative Value Potential Return Judgment Audit
Advanced Toolkit	Topics to be covered include: How to retrieve and update stock prices, quarterly sales, earnings, pre-tax profit and provision for tax data from the Internet for the companies in your portfolio Use Portfolio Review (also referred to as PERT) to maintain a healthy portfolio Use the Stock Comparison Guide Set up multiple portfolios Use of portfolios and libraries Import and export SSGs Use the Revenue Based Procedure Defense and Offense in Portfolio Management Use the Smart Challenger
Portfolio Management Decisions	This class looks at the overall makeup of a portfolio. We will consider what portfolio management is and is not; we will be considering the implications of number of holdings, size of holdings in portfolios, diversification by size of company and different ways of measuring company size, diversification by industry and sector; the effects of adding to, or reducing a single holding on the overall portfolio. We will be utilizing Toolkit 6 and on-line resources to explore the concepts. After a series of examples, we will be looking at a club portfolio submitted for review and applying the principles discussed in the examples.
Supercharge Your SSG with Sound Judgment	Applying sound judgment on the SSG is the real key to making good investment decisions. This class will look at the basic historical information that is important to consider, then go deeper into judgment making process, talking about the future of the company. The class will explore where to find information about the future that influences our judgment. After finding the information, we will apply where and how to make those key judgments. This class provides guidance and insight into how to make the important estimates looking 5 years into the future. Topics to be covered include: • Judgment in each SSG section with numerous examples • Advanced judgment for estimating sales and EPS growth rates including how to use the preferred (revenue based) procedure • Sustainable growth and finding trends in the Trend Analysis graph • Guidelines for picking high and low P/E ratios • Forecast high and low EPS and future low price. For advanced students, this course does not dwell on how to perform calculations. To get the most benefit from this class, individuals need to have taken Introduction to Investing or have some experience in investing, completed the Stock Selection Guide class - either in person or on-line, and have completed Beginning Toolkit, Toolkit Mechanics or the on-line SSG. Clubs registering three or more members need to have the majority of their members with experience and the above qualifications. Clubs will be more successful when the majority of their members understand how to apply judgment to the SSG. For this reason we are offering a special discount when clubs have three or more members attend.
Secrets to Investment Club Success	What will it take for your club to celebrate its successes? Whether you are in a newer club or an experienced one, you’ll leave this session with at least one new idea of something your club could do differently. Audience questions will be encouraged for this interactive session. We will discuss: Club Partnerships Recruiting New Members Club Education Better Investing Methodology Managing Your Portfolio