Security performance tracking question

For a security which has reinvested dividends, the performance should be based on the original investment, not the cost base (ie, investment plus dividends).

It could have something to do with the way you are posting the transactions.

Are you using the REINVxx Action code, or are you posting the dividend, then buying new shares?

I actually did figure out I had to use REINvest dividends and not buy. Even had to go back and change some entries. Taking one Gabelli fund as an example which I started in 1992. Checking my Quicken transactions (I use Q2005 Premier) I actually invested over 92 and 93 $4,150. All the rest were reinvested dividends. Highlighting the fund in the 'summary' brings up another menu with data, transaction history and a graph.The holdings data shows number of shares, market value of $20,404, cost basis $13,062 and gain of $7,342. To me, my gain is 20404 - 4150 = $16,254. ???

Thanks Fred

Bigbear

Customize the Portfolio view and add the ROI% and Amount Invested (there are yearly options as well as totals). These two do not count re-invested dividends as part of the amount invested.

However, the default fields displayed are Cost Basis and Gain Loss %. These two take the amount invested plus and dividends paid out and count that as the cost basis. This is correct since in a non-tax sheltered investment you will pay taxes as dividends in the year they are paid - you want your cost basis to go up so you don't pay taxes again when you sell the security.

Let me know if that does not help. I think I answered your question based on how I read you post.

Of course I want to raise my cost basis when I sell :) But in order to tell how my investment is doing I naturally count the dividends as part of my gains. Looks to me like you are probably onto my problem. I can't check it out till this eve so I'll give it a try and let you know.

Thanks much

I'm actually using Q2005 Deluxe. I could not figure out how to customize the Portfolio view. I start Q and I'm in the Q Home. There is the Cash Flow, Investing and Property and Debt centers. When I go to the portfolio view, on the left there are three windows, Security Details, Holdings (which has the gain and % gain) and quote. Then to the right and center there is transaction history above and a graph. On the graph there is a menue for market value or price history. There is a menu for several time spans. Also a check box for splits and a button for more charting.

On the main page there is a customize button on the bottom left but no choice for ROI or amount invested. Am I completely missing it? (wouldn't be the first time!).

After sending my first response within a minute or two I went back and figured out what you were talking about. So as I now see it you can get the ROI in the main portfolio window but you can't do it in the 'holdings' window?