Newport Asset Allocation Models Included in Quicken 2005 Software

Business Wire, Oct 14, 2004

ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Newport Group announced today that its asset allocation models have once again been selected by Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ: INTU) as part of several versions of Quicken(R) 2005 for Windows(R), the latest edition of its best-selling personal finance software.

"Newport continues to offer a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use, investment tool for Quicken users," said Mendel Melzer, Newport's Chief Investment Officer and President of Newport Group Securities, Inc. "Our asset allocation framework helps Quicken users see how differently weighted portfolios are likely to have different levels of volatility, as well as how risk is related to expected return."

Intuit is a leading provider of business and financial management solutions for small and mid-sized businesses, consumers and accounting professionals. The company's flagship products and services, including QuickBooks(R), Quicken and TurboTax(R) software, simplify small business management and payroll processing, personal finance, and tax preparation and filing. ProSeries(R) and Lacerte(R) are Intuit's leading tax preparation software suites for professional accountants. Newport's financial modeling feature is available in Quicken 2005 Deluxe, Premier, and Premier Home & Business versions.

Newport currently services over 500 retirement and executive benefit plans, with total client assets of over $6 billion. The company has consistently earned accolades for its customer service and "Total Plan Management" of retirement plans, including consulting, asset management, communication and education, and administration.

"As a leading provider of qualified and non-qualified retirement plans, Newport's purpose is aligned with Quicken: helping people reach their financial goals," Melzer added. "Participants in Newport 401(k) and executive benefit plans use our model portfolios to help them make decisions about their investments. Because more people have bought Quicken than all other personal finance software combined, millions of users will be able to benefit from Newport's investment expertise."

About The Newport Group

Founded in 1984, The Newport Group is a leading retirement services and asset management firm--specializing in the creative design, funding, and administration of qualified and non-qualified retirement plans. Through its innovative and customized solutions, Newport is uniquely positioned to satisfy the distinct financial needs of employers and employees, and has done so for hundreds of the country's largest and best-known companies. Visit Newport at www.newportgroup.com.