80 Smart/Gitman/Joehnk • Fundamentals of Investing, Thirteenth Edition
In using this four-step procedure, we are in effect reconciling the approaches suggested by Walt
and Shane. We are forming a portfolio (though not as large as a mutual fund) to get the benefits of
Case 5.2 Susan Lussier’s Inherited Portfolio: Does It Meet Her Needs?
This case demonstrates that a portfolio designed for one person is not likely to be appropriate for another.
In particular, it emphasizes some of the considerations in designing a portfolio.
a. Susan’s financial position is quite strong: She has a regular $135,000 per year job and also has
inherited a portfolio worth nearly $350,000 and $10,000 in cash. Susan has a good job and does not
have to rely on earnings from her portfolio to fulfill current income needs, at least for the present.
b. Reviewing Susan’s inherited portfolio indicates that current income was her father’s chief objective;
the portfolio’s current yield is nearly 10%. The asset allocation based on the total cost data is heavily
weighted toward bonds: 46% bonds ($158,100/$338,000), 29% common stock ($96,900/$338,000),
c. Since current yield is not an important consideration for Susan, she should revise the portfolio to
include securities with low current yields and high capital appreciation potential. This will enable her
to lower her annual tax liability. Her asset allocation should be shifted to more stocks and fewer bonds
Within each asset category, she should hold higher-risk, capital-appreciation-oriented securities
rather than the income-oriented securities currently held. Since Susan is single and has adequate
current income, she appears to be in a position to justify a higher–risk portfolio. For example, the
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