In the top right corner of your internet browser, just below your login name, click the heading titled "My Portfolios" to access the main area. If you have already set up one or more virtual portfolios, the page will be a summary of every stock you are tracking.
Getting Started
To get started, click the "Create New Portfolio" option at the top. A popup window will appear requesting a portfolio name, privacy setting, stock symbol list and description. If this is your first time using this feature, the popup will already be visible.
Name your portfolio and then begin entering ticker symbols in approprate box. Separate each with a comma (e.g. AAPL, GOOG, GS, IBM). The privacy level will be public by default, but the dropdown menu will allow you to make it private if you choose. A description is also required, but anything will do.
Once you have input this information (and don't worry, you can change it at any time) click "Create Portfolio." You will then be directed to a summary page of your newly created portfolio.
Tracking Performance
If you are tracking a real money portfolio, you'll likely want to take advantage of the Date Added, Cost Per Share and Quantity headings.
First, click the date of one of the stocks in your new portfolio. A calendar pop up will appear that will allow you to select the exact date this stock was added to your portfolio. Select the appropriate date and click "Save." You'll notice that the closing price for that security on the date will fill the "Cost Per Share" box automatically. You can choose to use this price or change it to your exact fill.
Next, click the zero under the "Quantity" column. Input a number of shares and click "Save." The dollar and percentage performance of that holding will now be tracked in your custom portfolio. If the gain columns are not automatically populated, refresh the page and it should update.
Once finished, your portfolio will look something like this:
Stocks can be added or removed at any time. To add, use the box above or below the list of ticker symbols. To remove a security, simply hover over the ticker and click the red x.
You can also add notes for each stock by typing them in the corresponding box. These will remain with your portfolio and can be removed or edited at any time.
Customizable Layout
As with most other GuruFocus features, the layout is fully customizable. Each of the column headings can be dragged and dropped to new arrangements. Users can also edit which metrics are displayed. To do this, simply click the "Add View" or "Customize This View" heading located below the name of your portfolio. Here you will be presented with a complete list of valuation metrics to choose from.
Check the boxes beside ones you wish displayed and uncheck those you want removed. When finished, name you new view and click "Save." The newly created view settings will now be accessible at any time in the gray bar horizontal bar below the portfolio name. You will also be able to seemlessly switch between view layouts.
To add another portfolio, click the "Create New Portfolio" icon at the top left of the screen. Users can create and maintain an unlimited number of personal portfolios.
Automated Alerts
Once your portfolio is created, take advantage of the "Email Alert" feature. This can be accessed by clicking the far right heading in the gray horizontal views bar. From the user-friendly alert page, you can set parameters that you want to be made aware of. There are pre-defined alerts applicable to all stocks in your portfolio that can be activated by clcking the corresponding boxes.
Below, users can set stock-specific notificiations. Price target alerts are set by filling in the price box and choosing 'rises above' or 'falls below' in the adjacent drop-down menu. The "Customized Alerts" feature on the right side allows you to set alerts on an array of fundamental, growth, performance and valuation metrics. There are no limits to the number that can be set.
Once set, be sure to "Save Settings" at the bottom of the alert section. Otherwise they will not be lost when you navigate to another page. Custom alerts can also be removed or modified at any time.
Wishlist
Many users use the email alert system for stocks on their watch or "wish" list. By setting up a peronsal Watch List Portfolio, users can add stocks to it after reasearching them. They may also choose to add notes regarding estimated value or pending company actions. With the previously discussed "Email Alerts" feature, users are notified when prices fall to desirable levels or fundamental metrics meet the investor's criteria. This helps to avoid lost work and maintain a virtual database of your research.
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