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1990-12-08
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**************************************************************************
* STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER *
* Release 3.2 December 1990 *
**************************************************************************
Robert Gellman
Gellman Software
431 Fifth Street, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20003
(C) Copyright 1987-1990 Robert Gellman
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
===> THIS PROGRAM IS NOW SHAREWARE. DETAILS BELOW. <===
STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER stores, manipulates, and prints records
needed to manage a portfolio of stocks. The program supplements or
totally replaces the records maintained on paper or elsewhere.
STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER tracks the purchase and sale of stocks.
It can record multiple buy and sell transactions, register stock splits,
track cash dividends, and account for changes in basis. The program is
adept at recording dividend reinvestments and transactions involving
fractional shares. There is no limit to the number of stocks or
transactions that the program can handle other than the space available on
your disk.
STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER also produces a variety of useful
reports. Most can only be retrieved in print. For this reason, you will
want to have a printer that the program supports. See the extended
discussion of printers later.
There are some things that the STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER does not
do. It does not provide security analyses, portfolio evaluations, graphs,
buy or sell signals, or tax advice. You cannot download prices directly.
There are no special facilities for short sales, options, futures, bonds,
or investments other than traditional stocks. If you want these features,
you need another program.
**************************************************************************
* RUNNING THE PROGRAM *
**************************************************************************
To start STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER, change to the directory or
drive containing STOCK.EXE and enter STOCK at the DOS prompt. The program
requires 256 K and should run under DOS 2.0 or better. Both color and
monochrome monitors are supported. A graphics card is not required.
STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER is menu-driven and simple to use. If
you understand how to buy and sell securities, then you should be able to
operate the program. The best way to learn is to run the program. Then
come back and read this file. This documentation explains the finer
points.
**************************************************************************
* REGISTRATION *
**************************************************************************
Earlier versions of this program were released as freeware. With
version 3.0, STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER became shareware.
Shareware provides you with an opportunity to try a program before you
are obliged to pay for it. You may use the program on a trial basis for 30
days. If you don't like it and don't use it, you own nothing. If you use
the program thereafter, you are obliged to register with the author. The
price is $25.00. This is a reasonable price for a program used to manage a
stock portfolio.
To register the program, send $25.00 with your name, address, and the
version number you are using to:
Robert Gellman
431 Fifth Street, S.E.
Washington, DC 20003
I hate documentation that goes on for pages explaining shareware and
begging for registrations, so this is it. There are more details on the
license agreement, disclaimer of warranty, and other legal technicalities
later in this documentation. Just remember that the portfolios of those
who failed to register the program dropped by an average of 40% last year
<grin>. If you need a further incentive, I may write related programs that
would be distributed only to registered users. Maybe.
Thanks for your interest and cooperation.
**************************************************************************
* DOCUMENTATION *
**************************************************************************
This file was created with margins at 5 and 75, and there are form
feeds roughly every 60 lines. If you want to print the document, you can
enter TYPE STOCK.DOC > PRN from the DOS prompt. Or you can load it in your
word processor with the proper margins and edit it to meet your needs.
This document does not explain all the program's features in detail.
Instead, it explains the general approach and some uses of the program that
are not intuitive. A complete description would be 200 pages long, and you
wouldn't want to print it or read it. No one has reported the program to
be difficult to understand or use. Try it and see for yourself.
Enter two or three stocks with several different types of transactions
for each. Then try each option and print each report. Don't spend a lot
of time entering data until you are sure that your printer works. The
program is not as valuable if you can't print reports. You must have an
IBM Proprinter, HP Laserjet, or printer that is compatible with either.
Most dot matrix printers work like the IBM, and most laser printers can
emulate the HP. The printer selection routine is explained later. The
default is IBM (dot matrix).
**************************************************************************
* HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS *
**************************************************************************
You will find it useful to understand how the program stores
information. There are two types of files created and maintained by the
program.
1) MAIN STOCK FILE: Summary data for each stock in the portfolio is
kept in a "main stock file". All main stock information is kept in single
DOS file called "STOCK.DAT". For each stock, the STOCK.DAT file uses 128
bytes. The size of the STOCK.DAT file is 128 bytes times the number of
stocks in the portfolio. The STOCK.DAT file is created in the default
directory.
Appendix 1 contains a detailed explanation of the contents of a main
stock file. Some data is descriptive; some is operational. Most
descriptive data is optional and can be omitted. The program prompts you
when data is required.
Some data in the main stock file is generated by the program and
stored after a transaction is entered. This means that you cannot directly
change some main stock file information. You can only "influence" the data
by entering a transaction. For example, the main file contains a variable
representing the basis (cost) per share. When you enter a transaction, the
basis for that transaction is used to calculate the total basis.
2) TRANSACTION LOG: The second type of file is a transaction log.
There is a separate DOS file with the transaction logs for each stock.
Each transaction record is 128 bytes long, and each transaction file is 128
bytes times the number of transactions for the stock. All transaction logs
are created in the default directory.
The name of the transaction file is based on the stock "symbol". The
symbol is provided by the user and must have one to four characters. The
symbol is used as the name of the DOS file containing the transaction
records for that stock. For example, if you enter "IBM" as the symbol, its
transaction records is in a file called "IBM.LOG". Symbols are checked for
legal characters and uniqueness automatically.
With version 3.0, the program also checks to make sure that a stock
symbol does not create a DOS file with a reserved file name. Thus, stock
symbols for CON, NUL, LPT1, LPT2, COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4, LST, and AUX will
be rejected. These are reserved names in some versions of DOS. If you
select an unacceptable name, just pick another one.
If you have ten stocks in the portfolio, there will be eleven data
files on your disk (STOCK.DAT plus ten .LOG files). You may NOT change the
name of these files. If you delete any of these files through DOS rather
than through the menu, your data will be irretrievably ruined. The program
does not have the ability to deal with missing files or renamed files. You
may, however, rename the STOCK.EXE file.
**************************************************************************
* ADVICE FOR NEW USERS *
**************************************************************************
STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER is designed to let you meet your needs
for data. Some users enter current prices for all stocks weekly and print
reports. Others enter prices less frequently or not at all. You can
maintain as many prices for each stock as you like and you can delete them
as you please. The choice is yours.
When you start STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER for the first time, you
are told that the main data file (STOCK.DAT) cannot be found. This is a
warning in the event that existing data files are not in the current
directory. Ignore the warning the first time you see it. If you see it
after you have entered data, chances are something may be wrong.
Investigate before entering more data.
When you get to the main menu on your first visit, you only have two
real options. You can ENTER A NEW STOCK from the ENTER DATA menu. The
other option is to QUIT. Once you have entered a new stock, all other
options are available.
There are two command line switches. One switch (/HP) selects the
HP Laserjet as the default printer. This is explained more fully below.
The second switch allows you to override the use of color on a color
monitor. To suppress color, use the /BW switch. You may use both switches
if you like. Start the program this way: STOCK/BW/HP.
**************************************************************************
* INVESTMENTS OTHER THAN STOCKS *
**************************************************************************
It is POSSIBLE that investments other than stocks can be entered into
STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER. The program is not designed for this
purpose, but you may be able to "translate" your investment into a
transaction recognized by the program. Mutual funds require no adjustment;
they work just like stocks. Stock options also work like stocks.
If you want to enter a bond, decide how many "shares" the bond
represents. A bond with a face value of $10,000 can be treated as one
share of stock, ten shares, or ten thousand shares as you please. Adjust
the share price so that the price times the number of shares equals the
cost of the bond. Adjust the dividend rate so the dividend times the
number of shares equals the annual interest.
Bonds can be easily entered in this fashion. I recommend treating a
bond as a single share. The bond's coupon becomes a dividend. The program
cannot record accrued interest on bond purchases or sales, but you can keep
track of this information by entering it as a note.
Similar creative methods MAY work for other investments, but it may be
impossible sometimes. You will have to figure it out for yourself. If you
invest in futures, straddles, and the like, STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER
probably is not for you.
**************************************************************************
* PRINTERS *
**************************************************************************
While all information can be viewed on the screen, some useful reports
can only be printed. The reports are the most powerful feature of STOCK
PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER. You need a compatible printer to produce the
reports.
The program supports two printers. The default is the IBM Proprinter.
If you don't specify otherwise, Proprinter codes are used. The other
printer is the HP Laserjet.
There are two ways to specify that you are using a Laserjet. First,
from the print menu, pick "Select Printers" (option 4). Follow the prompts
to select the Laserjet. You can switch printers during a session as often
as you like. The "Select Printers" menu line shows which printer type is
the current selection.
Second, there is a command line switch to specify the Laserjet. This
switch allows you to specify the Laserjet in a batch file without having to
remember to select the HP each time you run the program. To select the HP
Laserjet, enter STOCK/HP from the DOS prompt. If you use the command line
switch, you can still select the IBM from the menu.
If you don't have a Proprinter or Laserjet, you still may be able to
use the program. Most laser printers emulate the HP codes. If your
printer can use HP codes, then you can print reports. Many dot matrix
printers use the same codes as the IBM Proprinter. If you have any dot
matrix printer, try the IBM selection.
There are only three printer codes used by the program so there is a
good chance that your printer is compatible. The IBM Proprinter codes used
are CHR$(12) [Form Feed]; CHR$(15) [Condensed Printing - approximately 17
characters per inch]; and CHR$(18) [Regular Printing - 10 characters per
inch]. You cannot control the printer using printer switches because most
reports use both regular and condensed printing.
If your printer is incompatible, there is a chance that you can
convince me to customize the program for you. Write if you are interested.
All printing is done through LPT1. If your printer is connected to
another parallel port or to a serial port, you must handle printer
redirection at the DOS level. If you don't understand this paragraph,
don't worry about it unless you can't print. Then you should consult your
DOS manual about use of the MODE command.
When you order a printed report, the program tests to see if printer 1
(LPT1) is on-line. If it isn't, you are warned. This test is not reliable
for every type of equipment and configuration so an override is provided.
If you try to print and there is no printer, the program will crash.
Before you do this for the first time, exit back to DOS. This writes any
data you entered to the disk. Then if the program crashes, you won't lose
any data entered during the current session.
**************************************************************************
* NUMBER OF SECURITIES AND TRANSACTIONS *
**************************************************************************
There is no inherent limit on the number of stocks or transactions
that STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER can track. However, some reports
require sorting and use additional memory at times. Thus, it is possible
that there is enough memory to handle your portfolio but not enough for
these operations. For a machine with 512 K or more, there should be enough
memory for sorting an extremely large number of transactions. If you only
have 256 K and enter many transactions, this could be a problem.
As the number of stocks and transactions increases, the program gets a
little slower because many operations require disk access. This is a
consequence of the flexibility of maintaining as many stocks and as many
transactions as you like. But if you have the memory, disk space, and only
a little patience, you can process many stocks. You can run the program
from a floppy disk with 30 stocks and numerous transactions without any
difficulty. With a hard disk, the program is much quicker.
**************************************************************************
* REPORTS *
**************************************************************************
STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER provides a variety of printed and
visual reports. The reports are the most powerful feature of the program.
All of the information maintained by the program can be printed. There are
three categories of reports: Transaction, Portfolio, and Dividend. The
dividend reports are new with version 3.2.
Also new with version 3.2 is the ability to specify titles on almost
all printed reports. This allows you to customize reports, differentiate
multiple portfolios, or do generally as you please. A default title is
proposed for each report. Report titles may be up to 70 characters in
length. When printed, titles are automatically centered and capitalized.
Version 3.2 also changed the way that reports are selected. In
earlier versions, each report was listed on the main menu. Now the main
menu only lists report categories, and there is a submenu that lists each
type of report available.
PORTFOLIO REPORTS - There are two basic types of portfolio reports,
with several varieties.
1) Summary - This is a screen only report. It shows the number
of stocks owned, the total value of all stocks, profit/loss at the
current prices, total annual dividends, and current yield. If you
need this information in print, order a portfolio report.
There are two versions of the portfolio summary. The summary can
use the latest permanent file prices or temporary prices that you
enter for this purpose. This is a powerful feature that allows you to
evaluate your portfolio regularly without adding prices permanently to
the file. You can also print a portfolio list using the temporary
prices. This allows you to maintain a written record.
2) List - This is a printed list of all stocks in the portfolio,
with the number of shares owned, basis per share, price, total value,
profit/loss, yield, and the percent of the total portfolio represented
by the stock. This report uses the latest prices in the file and can
be printed in alphabetical order by company or in order based on the
total value of the investment. This report offers a complete summary
of your portfolio, and it is the report you are most likely to use.
If the temporary price feature (selection 2 from the portfolio
report submenu) has been used earlier in the same session, you can
print a portfolio report using the temporary prices instead of the
latest file prices. This allows you to do periodic printing of prices
without adding the prices to the permanent file. You will be offered
this option if it is available.
TRANSACTION REPORTS - There are three types of transaction reports.
Please note that transaction reports only include capital transactions
(numbers 1-6). Transaction reports do not include cash dividend
transactions or enter data transactions.
1) Summary - This is a screen only report showing the total
number of transactions for any period by type and the total basis for
each type. For sales, the proceeds and profit/loss is included. This
report is automatically generated whenever a transaction or stock
sales report is requested. A transaction summary report can also be
requested separately. The report can also be printed.
2) List - This is a printed list of all transactions for any
period. The default is from January 1 of the current year through the
current date. For each transaction, the report shows the name of the
company, type of transaction, date, number of shares, price, and
basis. For sales, the total proceeds and profit/loss are also shown.
All capital transactions are included. Transaction 7 (enter data) and
transaction 8 (cash dividend) are not included. This report can be
printed in either chronological or alphabetic order.
3) Sales Report - This printed report is identical to a
transaction report, but it includes only sell transactions. This is
especially useful for tax preparation and planning. See the
discussion of year end reporting procedures for advice on how to
handle end of year transitions.
CASH DIVIDEND REPORTS - This is a new feature with version 3.2. A new
transaction was added to record cash dividends received. More details
about the new transaction can be found later in this documentation. The
cash dividend reports allow you to retrieve dividend information in a
variety of useful ways. There are four dividend reports.
1) Summary - This is a screen only report. It includes the
number of securities in the portfolio, the number of securities paying
dividends in the specified period, the number of dividends received,
and the total amount of dividends.
2) By Date - This is a printed report that lists each dividend
received by date, company name, and amount. A running total of
dividends received is also included. Dividends are listed in
transaction date order.
3) By Company - This is a printed report that lists each dividend
received by date, company name, and amount. The report includes a
subtotal by company. Dividends are listed by company and by date.
4) Total by Company - This is a printed report that includes the
name of the company and the total amount received in the specified
period. This report is provided for those who may wish to use it as
an attachment to a tax return.
In addition to the reports, all stock and log files can be printed. A
printed file report contains all information in the file on a stock. There
are two types of printed files. The main file report includes all
information in main stock files. The report is printed five to a page.
The complete file report includes the main file report plus a list of
each transaction. The contents of the main file and the transaction logs
can be found in appendix 1. You can print a complete report for one stock
or for all stocks.
File reports can be ordered through the print menu. All other
reports are found on the reports menu.
**************************************************************************
* YEAR END REPORTING PROCEDURE *
**************************************************************************
When you have sold all shares of a stock, the stock continues to
appear as a holding of zero shares. You might delete the main stock file
at that point, but I STRONGLY recommend waiting until the end of the year.
Keep transaction records available for year end reports. This aids in
doing taxes. Once you delete a stock, all associated records are gone
forever. The only way to recover is to reenter the data.
I suggest that you complete all information for a calendar year and
print all year end reports before entering ANY data for the next year.
This allow you to have "pure" year end reports. I find that I can't finish
a year end report until February or March. For example, you never know if
a dividend was a return of capital until you get the 1099 from the company.
If you need to enter new data before the old year is closed out, you may
want to maintain two separate portfolios temporarily. It is up to you to
make sure that you have entered the right data in the right portfolio (or
in both portfolios).
Once you have completed the year's transactions, made sure that
everything is correct, and printed out all reports that you want, you can
then delete records for securities that are no longer owned. I suggest
another step first. Before you delete any stocks, copy the data files
(STOCK.DAT and all .LOG files) and make a year end backup. Put these files
in a separate subdirectory. I take a copy of all year end data files and
place them in an archive. (I use Phil Katz's PKZIP, but if you don't know
what PKZIP is, don't worry about it.)
A backup is useful if you discover a missing transaction. You can
restore the old files and generate corrected reports without reentering all
deleted data. If you are not a sophisticated computer user, you may find
this to be too complex. If so, don't worry about it.
**************************************************************************
* ASSORTED DETAILS *
**************************************************************************
1) CURRENT DIRECTORY: The program looks for and creates its data
files in the current directory. Any marginally adept PC user should
already understand directories. If you don't, read the DOS manual.
STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER can be run from a floppy or hard disk.
The data files MUST be in the current directory when the program is
started. The program can be kept elsewhere if you understand how to do it.
See the discussion of multiple portfolios later. If you don't have a hard
disk, keep the data files on the disk with STOCK.EXE.
2) DATA ENTRY: Version 3.0 added a full screen editor for data entry.
You can now enter and correct all data for a stock or a transaction before
formally adding it to the portfolio. Enter data in the highlighted field
and move to the next field by hitting ENTER or by using the UP or DOWN
cursor keys. If you try to move in an impermissible direction, nothing
happens. When the input is correct, highlight the "ALL DONE" box and hit
ENTER. The ESCAPE key usually aborts the current data entry.
While entering or editing data in a highlighted field, the standard
editing keys work. This includes the cursor keys, HOME, END, BACKSPACE,
DELETE. The INSERT key toggles the standard insert mode. If you enter
more characters in a data field than the program can accept, the program
beeps at you.
Some data fields are optional. These fields can be used to hold any
information that you like. If data is mandatory and you fail to provide
it, you will not be able to continue. There are separate note fields for
each stock and each transaction, but you can use other fields (e.g.,
certificate or CUSIP number) for additional notes.
The program does limited testing of dates. If you enter a date that
is not in the proper format or that is otherwise incorrect (e.g.,
13/34/87), you will be told. February 31 will be accepted without
objection. All dates must be in the 20th Century (1900-1999). I plan to
solve the problem of dates in the 21st Century eventually.
3) TRANSACTION TYPES: STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER recognizes eight
transaction types. The types and their codes numbers are displayed on
screen when needed. The six basic transactions are: BUY; SELL; RECEIVE
(e.g., a stock split or a gift); DISPOSE (e.g., donate share to charity);
INCREASE BASIS (e.g., additional costs,), and DECREASE BASIS (e.g., when a
dividend is a return of capital).
The seventh transaction is ENTER DATA. This transaction allows the
entry of the four general data fields (date, price, certificate number, and
notes) without an actual transaction. You can ENTER DATA as often as you
like. All data is kept until you give instructions to delete it. This is
a powerful feature because it allows you to maintain prices as often as you
like. STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER uses the latest price to calculate
the value of your portfolio.
In response to requests, I have added an eighth transaction to record
cash dividends received. Use this feature as you please. My conception is
that it records taxable cash dividends received as income. Stock dividends
are capital transactions that should be recorded as a RECEIVE transaction
(number 3). A stock dividend is generally not taxable as income.
Dividend reinvestments should be recorded as both a cash dividend
received and a capital transaction (BUY). This requires two separate
transactions: 1) a BUY to record the number of shares acquired; and 2) a
cash dividend received to record the income. Dividend reinvestment plans
that offer a discount create complex transactions because the tax basis and
the cash basis are not the same. You are on your own here. Be consistent!
Different transactions require different information. For example,
you are only prompted for profit/loss information when you sell or dispose
of shares. Also, you are never prompted for the number of shares when you
increase or decrease the basis. If you change the transaction type after
data has been entered, the data not needed for the new transaction is
erased on the screen.
Almost all transactions give you the ability to enter price,
certificate number, and notes. This allows you to explain what the
transaction is, keep track of certificate numbers, and record recent prices
in the file. Dividend transactions are a limited exception. Certificate
numbers cannot be entered in a dividend transaction.
4) PRICE ENTRY: If you want to enter a new price for each stock,
there is a shortcut method provided through the ENTER DATA menu. These
prices are saved permanently in the transaction files. All prices entered
this way must have the same date. A note can also be entered. The same
note (e.g., YEAR END PRICE) is added to each transaction entry. This is a
great convenience if you want to record prices annually, quarterly,
monthly, or even weekly.
There is a temporary price feature as well. You may want to know the
value of the portfolio today, but you don't want to keep today's prices in
the file forever. This feature was helpful (but rather painful) following
Black Monday. The option is available through the PORTFOLIO REPORTS menu.
Temporary prices are also available during the same session when
printing a portfolio summary. The temporary prices remain available until
you exit the program or until you make a change in the file that affects
the currency of the temporary price information. When temporary prices are
available when printing, you are offered the option to use them at the
proper time.
5) BASIS: Basis is the cost of shares. You can use the cash basis,
tax basis, or any other basis you like. It is entirely up to you. You
should be consistent.
When you are prompted to enter the basis for a purchase (or the
profit/loss for a sale), the program helps with the calculations by
proposing a number using available information. To accept the calculated
number, just hit ENTER. Be careful, however, when entering transactions
with fractional shares such as dividend reinvestments. Rounding errors may
produce small variations from the actual amounts. Verify the numbers.
The program cannot always calculate with certainty the proper basis
for shares you have sold. If you bought shares at one time and then sold
them all, the calculation is easy. If you bought shares at different
times, the calculation is not as simple. STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER
calculates a basis (and explains how the calculation was done), but it is
only a guess. If the guess is wrong, enter the correct number.
This calculation is made when data is entered in a new transaction.
The calculation is not redone if the basis field is highlighted again. You
can, however, hit the TAB key to redo the basis calculation. There is a
screen prompt to remind you of this feature when it is available.
6) DELETE RECORDS: You can delete an individual transaction or an
entire main stock file through the delete menu. If you delete a main stock
file, all associated transactions logs are also deleted. You are warned
before files are actually deleted.
The only safe way to delete files is through the program. If you
delete a transaction log file through DOS, the main stock file will still
be in STOCK.DAT. Serious problems will arise because there are no
underlying transactions. The program cannot recover from a missing .LOG
file. The only hope is to delete the main stock entry and start again.
See the discussion of year end reports in this document for more
suggestions about deleting records.
There is a new delete option with version 3.2. You can delete
multiple dividend transactions through the delete menu. For any period of
time, you can delete all dividend transactions for a single stock or for
all stocks. The idea here is that you may not want to maintain quarterly
dividend records beyond the end of the year. The multiple delete option
allows all of the records to be removed with a few keystrokes.
7) DATE: For some reports, STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER wants to
know today's date. If your computer doesn't have a permanent calendar, you
can enter the date (through a DOS command -- read the DOS manual) before
starting the program. If you are just entering data and not ordering
reports, the current date is not necessary.
8) DIVIDENDS: When entering a new stock, STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD
MANAGER asks for three types of information about dividends: the annual
dividend rate per share, the number of dividends per year, and any date
(MM/DD) that dividends are paid. The annual dividend rate is used to
calculate yields. The other numbers are not used in this version. A later
version may use these numbers to produce a report of expected dividends.
Note that a stock dividend is functionally the same as a split and
should be entered as a new transaction ("Other Receipt of Shares").
When the dividend rate changes, you must go through the change menu to
update the rate. Dividend information is stored in the main stock file.
The program does not handle mid-year dividend changes or extra dividends.
It recognizes one and only one annual dividend rate for each stock.
9) CHANGE RECORDS: Any data element that can be entered by the user
can be changed through the change menu. Both main file information and
transaction information can be modified.
Beware of inconsistent changes. Consider, for example, the basis for
a sale and the profit/loss. Although the program does a "proposed"
calculation of profit/loss, this is only done when a sale is reported
through the data entry menu. Profit/loss is not changed automatically if
the underlying numbers are changed through the change menu. You can revise
the calculation by hitting the TAB key when prompted.
10) DOLLAR LIMITS: STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER can capable of
handling transactions in the millions of dollars. With some transactions
of that size, rounding errors can be noticeable (e.g., a few cents). If
you have millions invested in the market, you probably don't need this
program. Except for fractional shares, rounding errors have not been
reported for transactions ranging up to a million dollars.
11) UNUSUAL TRANSACTIONS: STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER has the
facility to handle all transactions that you are likely to encounter.
The program can easily account for splits and even reverse splits.
A complex transaction -- like a stock dividend with the sale of a
fractional share -- is easy if you treat it as two transactions. First,
enter a RECEIVE transaction to accept the new shares. A split does not
change the basis of your holdings. Include the fractional share in the
RECEIVE transaction. Then enter a SELL transaction for the fractional
share sold. Assign the proper basis to the share sold. The result is that
the program recognizes both the proper number of shares that you own and
the sale of the fractional interest.
The warped minds on Wall Street will invent new transactions, and
sooner or later a company that you own will do something unusual. For
example, a company may spin off a subsidiary and give you .156 of a
share in a new company for each share of the old company that you own. Or
a company may split into several different companies, like AT&T did.
These transactions can be handled as long as you think about what you
are doing. The program gives you the facility to add and subtract shares
from your holdings and to increase and decrease your basis. With these
tools, you can "create" any transaction that you may need. If the
transaction does not involve any cash, then use the RECEIVE or DISPOSE
transactions rather than BUY or SELL.
For example, a spin off requires the transfer of basis to the new
shares. Do a REDUCE BASIS transaction for the old stock and enter the new
stock as OTHER RECEIPT OF SHARES. Explain the transaction in the notes
that accompany each main stock file and each transaction.
12) MULTIPLE PORTFOLIOS: The program can only manage one portfolio.
If you have more than one portfolio, copy the program onto a second disk
(or directory) and enter the second portfolio there. Just make sure that
you keep the data files for the two portfolios separated.
You can use the program for multiple portfolios without having to
maintain more than one copy of STOCK.EXE. For example, suppose that you
have one portfolio for mutual funds and one for other shares. Establish
a subdirectory called FUND for one portfolio and a subdirectory called
SHARE for the other. Put STOCK.EXE in the FUND portfolio. To access the
mutual fund portfolio, change directories to the FUND portfolio and enter
STOCK at the DOS prompt.
To access the other portfolio, change to the SHARE subdirectory and
execute a command like this: C:\FUND\STOCK. Since the program looks in
the current directory for its data files, this enables you to access
the portfolio in the current (SHARE) directory. To simplify matters, you
can create a batch file containing the proper address of STOCK.EXE.
13) BACKUPS - I STRONGLY recommend that you back up all data in
several ways. I keep multiple copies of my data files in case of disaster.
I keep printed copies of data as well. Finally, I keep all original
statements and slips so that I can recreate the data files if necessary.
Under no circumstances should you rely exclusively on the program as the
only source of data. There is a possibility that an undiscovered error
will ruin all data. Always be able to recreate essential records. The
legal gobbledygook below disclaims all responsibility for program failures.
**************************************************************************
* PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS *
**************************************************************************
I have made only limited attempts to make STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD
MANAGER program idiot-proof. If you want to screw up the data, you can do
it. Things will go well if you are reasonably careful in entering data and
following instructions.
There is some error checking done by the program. Stock symbols are
reviewed for legal characters and for uniqueness. Dates are checked and
some improper dates are rejected. You are warned if you try to sell more
shares than you own. But there is no internal check of profit/loss. You
can enter a $1000 profit on a $10 transaction.
Be especially careful when changing transaction data. This is when
inconsistent information can most easily be entered. The program cannot
fully protect against your mistakes. Take special care when deleting or
changing transactions. In general, remember the famous computer acronym of
long ago: GIGO - Garbage in, garbage out.
Your data should be safe unless you take steps to erase it. Data is
vulnerable right after it is entered. The program does not always write
new data to disk immediately. The best precaution after entering new data
is to exit the program. This flushes the buffers and writes data to disk.
If you find that data in a main stock file is irretrievably incorrect,
you may have to delete the file for that stock and start over.
Any abnormal end to the program can result in the loss of newly
entered data. ALWAYS exit through the menu. An abnormal termination may
also result in the retention of intermediate files. If you find files in
the default directory with a .XXX extension, these are intermediate files
which can (and should) be deleted.
If STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER can't find the STOCK.DAT data file
when it starts, you are warned. When you run the program for the first
time, this warning should be ignored. If you see this warning at any
other time, check it out before you enter any new data. Note that a
missing .LOG file produces no warning. You are responsible for maintaining
the existence and integrity of the data files except when the program is
running. The program has not been known to trash its own files.
The program has been tested in a reasonably thorough manner over
several years. Of course, it is likely that there are still a few bugs
somewhere, and new features may create new difficulties. Please write to
me if you encounter a problem or any difficulty of any type. Be specific
about the problem and what you did that resulted in the error.
**************************************************************************
* PROGRAMMING NOTES AND HISTORY *
**************************************************************************
The current version is written and compiled in Microsoft's QuickBASIC
4.5 under DOS 3.1. The source code is not public. The program uses the
PROBAS Professional BASIC Programming Library. PROBAS is a product of
Hammerly Computer Services of Laurel, Maryland.
HISTORY - I originally wrote this program solely to meet my needs.
Version 1.4 was released publicly as freeware on a limited basis in April
1988. Because of lack of interest and some programming errors, the program
was withdrawn a month or two later.
Version 2.1 was released in May 1989 to a few selected users. It
contained the pulldown and light bar menus and many other improvements.
Version 2.3 was released in November 1989 and was the first to be
widely circulated. The principal changes were of support for the HP
Laserjet and the facility to move between main and transaction files.
Version 2.4 was released in March 1990. It contained a variety of
minor changes.
Version 3.0, released in June 1990, was the first version released as
shareware. Earlier versions are still freeware.
Detailed information about the changes made in versions 2.3 and
thereafter is included in a separate file called WHATS.NEW.
***************************************************************************
* LICENSE AGREEMENT AND OTHER LEGAL STUFF *
***************************************************************************
THIS PROGRAM AND ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTATION ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND
WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. THE ENTIRE RISK AS TO THE RESULTS AND
PERFORMANCE OF THE PROGRAM IS ASSUMED BY THE USER. The entire liability of
Gellman Software and Robert Gellman shall be limited to a return of the
registration price or replacement of the program at the option of Gellman
Software and Robert Gellman.
GELLMAN SOFTWARE AND ROBERT GELLMAN DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE WITH RESPECT TO THE
PROGRAM AND WRITTEN MATERIALS.
IN NO EVENT SHALL GELLMAN SOFTWARE OR ROBERT GELLMAN BE LIABLE FOR ANY
DAMAGES WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF
BUSINESS PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTION, LOSS OF BUSINESS INFORMATION,
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, OR SIMILAR DAMAGES) DUE TO
LOSS OF DATA OR ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PROGRAM
EVEN IF GELLMAN SOFTWARE OR ROBERT GELLMAN HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Anyone may use the program for a thirty day trial period. At the
conclusion of the trial period, you must stop using the program or pay a
$25.00 registration fee. To register, send $25.00 with your name, address,
and version number you are using to:
Robert Gellman
431 Fifth Street, S.E.
Washington, DC 20003
I will respond to all who register to let you know if you are using the
latest version. Copies of later versions will only be provided in
accordance with the update policies set out below.
There is no restriction on personal use of the program by a registered
user or a member of their immediate household. Registered users may not
license others to use the program or transfer their license to others.
Anyone may give a copy of the program with all accompanying
documentation to any other person. The program with its documentation may
be distributed by computer bulletin boards, software clubs, shareware
libraries, and similar organizations at a standard charge for media and
distribution. The maximum charge permitted without specific written
permission from Gellman Software is $6.00. No other forms of distribution
for money are authorized.
The program and its documentation are copyrighted. No one is
authorized to make changes to either the program or the documentation.
***************************************************************************
* UPDATE POLICIES *
***************************************************************************
I plan to fix errors, make changes and improvements, and add new
features from time to time. I WELCOME SUGGESTIONS FROM USERS. I am not,
however, making any binding legal commitments to issue updates or
corrections. There are limits to what I can accomplish in my spare time.
I hope to support the program as long as I can. I do not plan to change
the program by adding fundamental or technical analysis or by including the
capability of handling other types of investments.
While I hope to issue occasional updates, I am not anxious to get into
the disk distribution business. STOCK PORTFOLIO RECORD MANAGER is
available from the Public (Software) Library, P.O. Box 35705, Houston, TX
77235. The disk number is 2058. I will provide all updates to PSL as soon
as they are released. At this time, disks are available from PSL for $5.00
plus a $4.00 shipping charge. A 3.5 inch disk costs an extra dollar. I
encourage everyone to use PSL. It offers good service, and its monthly
shareware catalog is excellent.
The latest version will also be available on a Potomac, Maryland
computer bulletin board called THE MARKET. Sysop Alan Sislen has
graciously permitted me to designate his board as a "home base" for the
program. The program can be found there under the name SPRMxx.ZIP. The xx
in the name will be the version number. The number of THE MARKET is 301-
299-8667. All users of THE MARKET must be registered on that system. This
means that you cannot download on your first call.
I will also try to put new version on Compuserve, although I am not on
the system as a user.
Finally, I will make updates directly available to registered users in
two ways. Any registered user who sends me a self-addressed, stamped disk
mailer and a disk can receive a copy of the latest version at no cost. If
a user wants me to provide the disk and mailer, the cost is $10.00 ($12.00
for 3.5 inch disks). I reserve the right to revoke this offer at any time.
I really want to discourage people from asking me to provide disks and
mailers. That's the reason for the high price. I don't have the time or
the facilities. (I have to go to a friend's house to use his 3.5 inch
drive.) I am not looking to become a distributor. I want to accommodate
registered users, and that's why I will provide updates at no cost if you
provide the disk, the mailer, and the postage.
If you like, I can include my other programs along with any update.
My other programs are freeware games and are described in Appendix II. Let
me know if there are any that especially appeal to you. Tell me if you can
handle ZIP archives and I will send everything squeezed on one disk.
I will try to respond to any correspondence from registered users so
let me know if you need help, find problems, or have complaints. Alas, I
cannot promise to notify registered users of new versions. The Public
(Software) Library monthly catalog will contain update notices.
***************************************************************************
* APPENDIX I: FILE STRUCTURE INFORMATION *
***************************************************************************
MAIN STOCK FILE
Name: 25 characters provided by the user. This is the name
of the stock. Some name must be specified.
Symbol: 4 characters provided by the user. No spaces or
special characters will be accepted. Symbols that
duplicate reserved DOS file names will be rejected.
Each symbol must be unique.
Exchange: 4 characters provided by the user. This is an optional
field for the exchange where the stock is traded.
CUSIP: 20 characters provided by the user. This is an
optional field. Each stock is assigned a unique
identification number by the securities industry. It
allows stocks with similar names to be distinguished.
The CUSIP number is on certificates and buy/sell slips.
Shares: The total number of shares owned. This number is
calculated by the program from transactions. It cannot
be changed directly by the user.
Total Basis: The total cost of shares owned. This number is
calculated by the program from transactions. It cannot
be changed directly by the user.
Share Basis: The total basis divided by the number of shares. This
number is calculated by the program from transactions.
It cannot be changed directly by the user.
Price: The most recent price available to the program. The
price is taken from transactions that reported a price.
The price cannot be changed directly by the user.
Price Date: The date of the latest transaction reporting a price.
Dividend Rate: Number field provided by the user representing the
annual dividend rate per share. This optional field is
used to calculate yields.
Dividend Date: 5 character field provided by the user. This is the
month and year when any dividend is paid. It is an
optional field. If dividends are paid on the first day
of each calendar quarter, then a proper entry would be
any ONE of the following: 1/1 or 4/1 or 7/1 or 10/1.
The dividend date is NOT used for any current purpose.
Dividend Number: Integer field provided by the user. This is the number
of times that dividends are paid annually. For many
dividend paying securities, the number will be 4. This
number is NOT used for any current purpose.
Log Number: The number of transactions in the file for a stock.
Notes: 30 character field provided by the user. Any data can
be included as a note.
Other information provided with the main stock file is calculated as
needed. This includes yield, percentage gain/loss, current value, and
profit/loss.
TRANSACTION LOGS
All information maintained in the transaction logs is user provided.
Date: Integer variable. The date of the transaction is
entered in the form MM/DD/YY. All transactions must
have a valid date. The program does limited
verification of dates. Mandatory for all transactions.
Transaction Number: Integer variable. There are eight transaction types,
which are identified by number. Mandatory for all
transactions.
Number of Shares: Double precision variable. Fractional shares can be
entered.
Price: Double precision variable. The price is in dollars and
must be decimal. Decimals of more than two places are
supported.
Commission: Single precision variable. The broker's commission is
included in the basis for the stock.
Other Costs: Single precision variable. This field is for
transaction costs other than the broker's commission.
Other costs are included in the basis for the stock.
Basis: Double precision variable. This is the basis for a
transaction. Not all transactions have a basis.
Profit/Loss: Double precision variable. This information is
maintained only for SELL transactions.
Certificate Number: 26 character field. The field can be used to store a
stock certificate number or any other data.
Notes: 40 character field. The field can be used to store any
information.
***************************************************************************
* APPENDIX II: OTHER GELLMAN SOFTWARE PROGRAMS *
***************************************************************************
As of the date of this file, Gellman Software has released five other
programs. All are games:
POKER565 - Head to Head Draw Poker (freeware)
1POKER13 - Poker Solitaire (freeware)
CALC12 - Calculation Solitaire (freeware)
LABELLE3 - La Belle Lucie Solitaire (public domain, with QB source)
SIXLTR40 - Six Letter Word Game (freeware)
The last two programs were coauthored by other programmers.
These programs are available from the Public (Software) Library, P.O.
Box 35705, Houston, TX 77235. The latest versions are normally sent to PSL
when they are released. Gellman Software programs are also available on
finer computer bulletin boards in the Washington, DC area and elsewhere.
****End of STOCK.DOC****
