The Fund History
The Atkins Investment Group was originally established in 1995 through the generosity of the University of New Hampshire’s first M.B.A. class (class of 1968). Nine years later, alumnus Gerald F. Atkins donated $40,000 to the group, increasing total assets under management to approximately $50,000. After this donation, the group was officially named the Atkins Investment Group. In the spring of 2011, the group received another generous donation of $37,500 from a combined contribution from alumnus Mel Rines, the General Electric Company, and the Whittemore School of Business & Economics.
The first class of the Atkins Investment Group numbered 28 students. Much of their time was initially spent on formulating policies and procedures for managing the fund. Once the students began to invest in individual securities, Professors Ahmad Etebari and Stephen Ciccone joined the group to act as academic advisers. They have been advisers to the group ever since. The Atkins Investment Group has grown to the current size of 41 students, managing a portfolio that spans all sectors of the market.
Student Responsibilities
Student analysts are the core members responsible for the group’s investment idea generation. This process starts with macroeconomic analysis and finishes with company-specific analysis. Analysts utilize a variety of methods to conduct research, consisting of internally developed valuation models, such as a Discounted Cash Flow Model, a Comparable Company Analysis, and Precedent Transactions.
Weekly, students conduct in-depth presentations for the executive officers, advisers, and the rest of the student members, illustrating their research and investment proposals. After a Q&A session, the group votes on the proposed investment ideas. Trades are made shortly afterward.
Stock proposal presentations made by student members generally include, but are not limited to:
Macroeconomic and industry analysis
Corporate overviews and a S.W.O.T. analysis
An in-depth summary of company financials
Technical analysis
Future growth outlook
Corporate Valuation
Final investment rationale