The Virtual Stock Exchange group project was our chance to submerge ourselves in an actual exchange environment but allowed us the freedom to buy and sell with imaginary money. Each member in our group made some initial investment decisions on our own, and later met to discuss our selections. .
Our portfolio although it only consisted of common stock, was somewhat diverse in nature. Ashley Kurz purchased shares in the following companies: ATK "Alliant Techsystems "is a $2.1 billion aerospace and defense company with leading positions in propulsion, composite structures, munitions, and precision capabilities. The company employs approximately 12,000 people and has three business groups: Aerospace, Precision Systems, and Ammunition. The following are a few financial highlights: 1) Sales: $1.8 billion, 2) Total backlog: $3.5 billion or just under two years of equivalent annual sales, 3) Earnings per share from continuing operations: $2.45, 4) Free cash flow: $119 million, and 5) Average number of common shares: 35.2 million. This stock was purchased on April 21, 2003 at 11:02 p.m. It was processed the following morning at 10:02 a.m. The 540 shares of ATK that were acquired contributed $871.85 to the total group profit of $23,247.54. This stock has a P/E ratio of 17.49 and analysts are encouraging that people invest in Alliant Techsystems. .
FNM-Federal National Mortgage Association-also known as Fannie Mae, provides financial products and services that make it possible for low-, moderate-, and middle-income families to buy homes of their own. Fannie Mae is working to expand homeownership opportunities by creating products and technologies that help more people own homes. Fannie Mae does not lend money directly to homebuyers. Instead, they work with lenders to make sure they don't run out of mortgage funds. Yet Fannie Mae receives no government funding or backing, and they are one of the nation's largest taxpayers as well as one of the most consistently profitable corporations in America.