THE "TRICKLE-UP" EDITION
4 February 2010
THE PLACE TO BE!
Something for Every Investor at InvestEd 2010
Ever leave one class in a rush to get to the next — and wish you'd had more time to talk to your instructor and fellow classmates? Or think of a question later that you wish you'd had a chance to ask? At the InvestEd 2010 after hours Cyber Cafe, you can do just that!
"The Cyber Cafe is unique in that it can be whatever you want it to be," says veteran InvestEd instructor Mary Ann Davis. "It can be a social gathering (rumor has it that attendees have been known to engage in a Wii bowling tourney or two), or a place to ask questions and watch a software demo."
What's more, the casual, warm and friendly atmosphere is ideal for brand-new investors, AKA Newbies. "The Cyber Cafe is the ideal place to ask any and all questions you may have, regardless of your experience level with computers or investing," Mary Ann says. "If you don't understand something, just ask."
Attendees have also been known to swap a success strategy or two. "The Cyber Cafe is an opportunity for everyone to learn from each other," says Mary Ann, who will be teaching How to Add Judgment for Newbies as well as more advanced classes. "Sometimes we learn of a new website or a new book. Other times, just hearing the positive comments from others gives us the courage to try a new investment strategy."
Whether you're a fledgling or seasoned investor, InvestEd 2010, Aug. 6-8 in Baltimore, Md., is for you. Check out the conference Session Schedule, take advantage of the Early Bird Registration Discount, earn a $25 referral discount — even sign up to become a Facebook fan! What are you waiting for?
A "TRICKLE-UP" EFFECT?
Can Retail Drug Industry Survive Healthcare Changes?
Consumers splitting dosages, finding creative ways to save money, or just plain going without their prescription drugs . . . In an effort to save on the bottom line, SC Members ponder, are consumers inadvertently causing a "trickle-up" effect that could wreak havoc on the retail drug industry?
"Our club's next meeting is in mid-February and CVS is one of the stocks up for discussion," SC Member Bob Heurung posts on the CVS Forum. "It does not seem as attractive as it once was due to dynamics unveiling in the Pharmacy Benefit Markets, pending healthcare changes, and the general economy.
"The company has aggressively grown over the past three or more years and has a large footprint," he continues. "They no doubt will be a large player in the retail drug industry, yet the next 12-15 months appear to be flat. S&P just downgraded them from a 'strong buy' to a 'buy.' I need to either defend selling it or, conversely, take the position to move on."
Bob also voices his club's concern over the accuracy of the SSG in tough economic times. "Our view is the SSG data cannot be counted on as strongly as a few years ago," he writes.
In reply, fellow long-term investor and SC Member Armin Fields posted a strong vote of confidence on the SSG — in any economic conditions. "I think you should do a current SSG, update your research, and not rely on your passions or your gut," he writes. "I got a solid SSG Buy using relatively conservative judgments.
"The conventional wisdom is to do a SSG with optimistic judgments before selling and then sell if the stock does not pass muster," he adds. "But that's not needed with CVS at this time and a conservative SSG works very well."
What's your take? Does this retail drug company pass muster? Do you find the SSG as valid in uncertain economic times? Venture over to the CVS Forum to read the rest of the discussion and add your own two cents.
SHEDDING NEW LIGHT . . .
ICLUBcentral Unveils Latest Tools for Club Members at myiclub.com
Just when she thought it couldn't get any better, myiclub proved your savvy reporter wrong. The world's leading investment club operations website recently unveiled six new, full-color graphs that will help you to see your club holdings and structure in a whole new light, including:
* Club Assets Chart;
* Member Ownership Chart;
* Portfolio Performance Graph (Compares the performance of club's portfolio to the S&P 500 or Wilshire 5000 indexes);
* Security Performance Graph (Displays the performance of an individual stock in club's portfolio over time).
* Two charts that show club portfolio diversification by Company Size, Sector and Industry.
These graphs are available to any member of your club. Click on the Reports tab of your myiclub.com club website, and then scroll to the bottom of the page. All six graphs are available from the links in the "Charts" section.
What's more, your inquisitive reporter has learned of the impending launch of several more new features on the site. Stay tuned for further details!
TAX TIME DRAWS EVER NEAR . . .
Purchase Club Tax Printers Today!
Speaking of the myriad advantages of myiclub, your reporter's day would not be complete were she to fail to remind her loyal readers of the release of the FINAL forms for the 2009 Federal Club Tax Printer software for both Club Accounting 3.2 and myiclub. These forms are not only approved by the IRS, but can be used to prepare and submit your club's Federal tax returns.
In addition, the 2009 State Club Tax Printer software is FINAL for all states EXCEPT Pennsylvania. The hard-working ICLUBcentral software engineers expect to get final approve from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania any day now.
Club Accounting 3.2 Tax Printers can be purchased as either an online download or as a pressed CD, which began shipping next week. Tax Printers for myiclub will be accessible under the Taxes tab on your myiclub.com website following purchase.
Don't wait! Purchase or download your Club Tax Printers today!
TODAY'S ENTIRELY RELEVANT QUOTATION
"The most rewarding experience for me is to realize how eager people are to learn. That is a teacher's dream come true."
— Mary Ann Davis, InvestEd Instructor