Directions

Review the Project criteria below.

Project Description

You are a managing partner of a prestigious investment counseling firm that specializes in individual rather than institutional accounts.  The firm has developed a national reputation for its ability to blend modern portfolio theory and traditional portfolio methods.  You have written a number of articles on portfolio management and you are considered an authority on the subject of establishing investment policies and programs for individual clients tailored to their particular circumstances and needs. 

Dr. and Mrs. A.J. Mason have been referred to your firm and to you in particular.  At your first meeting on August 1, 2012, Dr. Mason explained that he is an electrical engineer and long-time professor at a local university.  He is also an inventor and, after 30 years of teaching, the right to one of his patented inventions has just been acquired by a new electronics company, ACS, Inc.

In anticipation of the potential value of his invention, Dr. Mason has followed his accountant’s advice and established a private corporation, wholly owned by the Masons to hold the title to the patented invention.  It was this private corporation that sold the right to Dr. Mason’s invention to ACS, Inc.  ACS, Inc. has agreed to pay $1 million in cash, payable at the closing on September 30, 2012, for the right to Dr. Mason’s invention.  In addition, ACS, Inc. has agreed to pay royalties to Dr. Mason’s private corporation on its sales of systems that utilize the invention. 

While all parties are optimistic about prospects for success, they are also mindful of the risks associated with any new firm, especially those exposed to the technological obsolescence of the electronics industry.  The management of ACS, Inc. has indicated to Dr. Mason that he might expect royalties of as much as $100,000 in the first year of production and maximum royalties of as much as $500,000 annually thereafter.

During your counseling meeting Mrs. Mason expressed concern for the proper investment of the $1 million initial payment.  She pointed out that Dr. Mason has invested all of their savings into his inventions.  Thus, they will have only their Social Security retirement benefits and a small pension from the local university to provide for their retirement.  Dr. Mason will be 65 at September 30, 2013.  His salary from the local university is currently $55,000 per year and he does not expect this amount to change between now and his planned retirement on his 65th birthday.  After retirement Dr. Mason expects to continue earning $10,000 - $25,000 annually from consulting and speaking engagements.   The expected Social Security benefits are expected to be $1,800 per month beginning in October, 2013 and the annual pension from the local university is expected to be $15,000 per year beginning at the same time. 

Assuming the royalty payments from ACS, Inc. are equal to $100,000 in the first year and an average of $300,000 per year thereafter, the Masons are planning to help with the education of their six grandchildren.  The grandchildren range in age from 8 to 12 years old.  In addition, the Masons wish to establish a scholarship fund in the name of Dr. Mason at the local university that would provide $5,000 per year to one selected electrical engineering student.  This scholarship should be self- sustaining with its own investments.

Both Dr. and Mrs. Mason have strongly indicated during the first appointment that they are conservative investors and want a minimum risk of any losses.

Project Requirements

You are to present a proposal that specifically meets the retirement investment objectives of the Masons listed below. Your proposal should be from 4 – 6 pages double spaced, Times Roman 12 pt. (I prefer Calibri but your choice, just be consistent).  In addition, you should include a cover page and a separate list of any references used in preparing the proposal. The proposal must follow APA rules in structure and presentation.

Dr. & Mrs. Mason’s Retirement Investment Objectives

1. Provide $65,000 of withdrawals from the investment account each year. This amount will be in addition to the university pension and Social Security received each year.
2. Minimize income tax (Federal is assumed, but analysis of a preferred state income tax would be extra).
3. Include at least three types of investments in any portfolio constructions.
4. Provide for active management of the portfolio with an annual fee of 1% - 1 ½% of value in the investment portfolio.
5. Provide an annual growth after all withdrawals and fees of 4% - 5%.
6. Provide funding for the six grandchildren’s education that will total $40,000 each when they reach the age of 18.  Indicate recommended investment type and account registration.
7. Provide for a continuing scholarship at the local university in the amount of $5,000 per year.

Project Submission

Submit the your findings in a report of four to six pages (not including the title page or the reference section) as a Microsoft Word document, double-spaced. Your report should be your own—original and free from plagiarism. Make sure to follow current established APA.

Project Notes

The important thing to note is that I am looking for quality of analysis, clarity of organization and accuracy of conclusions.  Also, please take care to ensure the style of your report - Grammar, Spelling, use of graphics, etc., is commensurate with an MBA-level report.  Be concise and deductive with your statements, and don't just utilize a bunch of terms for impact purposes.  The length of your report will not impact your grade unless it is too short to cover the requirements or too long without purpose.