In turbulent times, to make tax savings and investments work for you, you need to adopt the approach where tax-saving is an investment first and a tax-saver later for many. The investment that should make most sense is in an equity-linked savings scheme (ELSS).
These are mutual fund schemes which invest a minimum 65 percent in equity and are notified to avail tax benefits under Section 80C up to Rs 1 lakh in a financial year. These mutual funds have a 3-year lock-in, which is the least among the available investment instruments that qualify for tax savings.
Investments up to Rs 1 lakh are eligible for deduction from your total income. i.e you can save up to 30,900 in taxes by investing 1 lakh in ELSS .The new direct tax code (DTC) provides for tax exemption of long-term capital gains from equity funds. Hence, gains from all investments made in ELSS even after DTC becomes effective will also be tax free.
The best way to invest in ELSS is through systematic investment plan (SIP). The best way is to spread your ELSS investment through the entire financial year - through 12 systematic investments which helps take advantage of fluctuations in the stock market.
Top 10 Income Companies To Watch In Right Now: Single Touch Systems Inc (SITO.OB)
Single Touch Systems, Inc., incorporated on incorporated on May 31, 2000, is a mobile media solutions provider serving retailers, advertisers and brands. The Company offers its patented technologies through a modular, adaptable platform and a multi-channel messaging gateway to its customers, enabling them to reach consumers on all types of connected devices. Its solution is designed to drive return on investment for high-volume clients and/or customized branded advertisers. Its platform and tools are designed to enable brands or anyone with substantial reach to utilize the mobile device as a new means to communicate. Communication might be in the form of a reminder message in voice or Short Message Service (SMS), an abbreviated dial code or a coupon, promotion, or an advertisement. On July 26, 2013, the Company dismissed Weaver, Martin & Samyn, LLC (Weaver).
Messaging and Notifications
The Company�� Short Message Service (SMS) gateway has to be a channel for retailers to communicate with their brand loyalists on a personal level. This is accomplished through integration with the client�� customer relationship management (CRM) database. With such integration, retailers are able to send targeted mobile coupons and transactional messages based on a shopper�� CRM profile. Targeted mobile coupons can be sent based on past purchase behaviors making the content relevant and timely to a shopper. Transactional messages can add another layer of value by sending shipping and order pick-up alerts, as well as notifications for reorders, layaway and new product releases.
Abbreviated Dial Codes
The Company�� abbreviated dial codes have 10 times the recall of a common keyword-to-short-code solution. The Company has seen many of its clients using this as an on-ramp to mobility solutions.
Campaign Management and Analytics
The Company�� anywhere management platform is an easy to use Web interface that allows clients to manage and se! gment messaging campaigns with customized reporting tools. Its clients use this tool to drive campaigns related to in store events, product offerings, information and special sales. The message management systems enables the user to create a message, schedule its delivery time and frequency, segment audience groups for distribution and create message responders.
FollowMe
FollowMe provides a product to deliver location based mobile ads directly to consumers��smartphones for retailers and advertisers. The Company has found that by combining multiple real time bidding networks with its ability to serve coupons, ads and promotions at times and places when consumers are interested, it can create relevant content for consumers. FollowMe enables advertisers to deliver targeted ads in App to the smartphones of people within close proximity of a specific location. This service is offered by partnering with TheMobile Audience, a mobile demand side platform (DSP) that enables programmatic buying of mobile media across multiple real-time bidding (RTB) networks.
The Company compets with Voltari, Hippcricket and Hippcricket.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Markman Advisors]
Public companies leveraging their patent portfolios, (aka "patent plays"), are getting the market's attention. Companies such as Vringo (VRNG), ParkerVision (PRKR), MGT Capital (MGT), Worlds Inc. (WDDD.OB) and others have presented trading opportunities due to their volatility while retaining the chance for a big payoff to those investors who stay the course. Yet there exist viable patent plays that are still undiscovered. Some of these so called "plays," which are not getting enough attention, are actually real companies making and selling real products or services in contrast to pure patent monetization companies. Some known examples are Single Touch Interactive (SITO.OB) and Blue Calypso (BCYP.OB). This article is focused on another one of these patent plays, On Track Innovations Ltd. (OTIV).
Best Prefered Companies To Buy Right Now: ASA Gold and Precious Metals Limited (ASA)
ASA Gold and Precious Metals Limited is a self management investment trust. The firm invests in the public equity markets across the globe. It primarily invests in stocks of companies engaged in the exploration, mining or processing of gold, silver, platinum, diamonds, or other precious minerals. ASA Gold and Precious Metals Limited was founded in 1958 and is based in San Mateo, California.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Joe Eqcome]
Actionable Items:
Highest Positive Spread: Nuveen Mortgage Opportunity Term Fund (JLS)Focus Stock: LMP Real Estate Income Fund (RIT)Last Week's Focus Stock: ASA Gold and Precious Metals (ASA)ECB cuts its rates: The European Central Bank (ECB) will cut its benchmark rate a quarter-of-a-point to 0.5%.
Best Prefered Companies To Buy Right Now: Inter Parfums Inc.(IPAR)
Inter Parfums, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes a range of fragrances and fragrance related products worldwide. It offers fragrance products primarily under license agreements with brand owners; specialty retail and designer products; alternative designer fragrances and personal care products; Aziza line of eye shadow kits, mascara, and pencils; and a line of health and beauty aids comprising shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion, and baby oil under its Intimate and Johnson Parker brands. The company offers its products under the Burberry, Van Cleef & Arpels, Jimmy Choo, Montblanc, Boucheron, Balmain, Repetto, Gap, Banana Republic, New York & Company, Brooks Brothers, bebe, Nine West, Betsey Johnson, Lane Bryant, Anna Sui, S.T. Dupont, Paul Smith, and Jordache brands under license agreements, as well as Lanvin, Intimate, Aziza, Nickel, Tristar, Regal Collections, Royal Selections, and Apple brands. Inter Parfums, Inc. distr ibutes its products through independent distribution companies and duty-free operators to department stores, perfumeries, specialty retailers, mass-market retailers, supermarkets, and domestic and international wholesalers and distributors. The company was formerly known as Jean Philippe Fragrances, Inc. and changed its name to Inter Parfums, Inc. in July 1999. Inter Parfums, Inc. was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Omar Venerio]
The company has a current ROE of -21.54% which is lower than the industry median and the one exhibited by Inter Parfums Inc. (IPAR). In general, analysts consider ROE ratios in the 15-20% range as representing attractive levels for investment. So for investors looking those levels or more, Usana Health Sciences (USNA) and Medifast (MED) could be�options. It is very important to understand this metric before investing and it is important to look at the trend in ROE over time.
- [By Chuck Carnevale]
Inter Parfums Inc. (IPAR): Develops, Manufactures and Distributes Prestige Perfumes
Our final example, Inter Parfums Inc., is an above-average growing small-cap that validates our PE 15 standard, but with a twist. Small-cap. companies tend to carry greater risk than larger capitalization companies. As a result, it is not uncommon to see, as we do with Inter Parfums Inc., an earnings and price correlated graphic with wilder price swings.
Best Prefered Companies To Buy Right Now: Internet Gold Golden Lines Ltd (IGG)
Internet Gold Golden Lines Ltd., incorporated in April 1992, is a communications services provider. The Company�� subsidiaries are B Communications Ltd. (B Communications) (formerly 012 Smile.Communications Ltd.) and GoldMind Ltd. (formerly Smile.Media Ltd.). B Communications is the controlling shareholder of Bezeq. It owns 78.11% of the interest B Communications. Bezeq is the principal provider of communications services in Israel. The Group has four areas of operation, which include Bezeq domestic fixed-line communications, Pelephone Communications Ltd., Bezeq International Ltd. and D.B.S. Satellite Services (1998) Ltd. The Company�� subsidiary, B Communications, holds 30.44% interest of Bezeq (TASE:BZEQ). On March 14, 2011, B Communications purchased additional interest in Bezeq increasing its ownership interest to 31.37%. On March 3, 2011, Partner completed its acquisition of 012 Smile.
Bezeq domestic fixed-line communications primarily includes Bezeq�� operation as a domestic operator, including telephony services, Internet services, transmission services and data communications. Pelephone Communications Ltd. provides cellular services (cellular communications), marketing of end-user equipment, installation, operation and maintenance of cellular communications equipment and systems. Bezeq International Ltd. provides international communications services, Internet access (ISP) services, and network endpoint (NEP) services. D.B.S. Satellite Services (1998) Ltd. provides multi-channel broadcast and value added services via satellite.
Bezeq fixed-line business
Bezeq's telephony services include basic telephony services on domestic telephone lines and associated services, such as voice mail, caller identity (ID), call waiting, call forwarding, speed dial, and conference calls. Bezeq also provides national services for businesses (1-800, 1-700) that offer full or partial payment for incoming calls by businesses. As of December 31, 2010, Bezeq operated about ! 12,500 public telephones around the country, which were operated by various types of pre-paid cards. Bezeq operates a unified telephone directory for fixed-line and cellular telephony operators, as well as a unified Website, which is free of charge, in addition to its 144 (directory information) service. As of December 31, 2011, Bezeq had 2,367,000 active telephone lines.
Bezeq provides broadband Internet access infrastructure services in xDSL technology. As of December 31, 2011, Bezeq had 1,111,000 Internet subscribers. Data communications services are network services for point-to-point transfer of data, transfer of data between computers and various communications networks, services to connect communications networks to the Internet, and remote access services. The companies operating in this field are Cellcom, Partner (which acquired the Med-1 operation), HOT and Internet companies that also use leased infrastructures. Bezeq offers transmission services, including high speed services, to other communications operators and to its business customers over a variety of protocols. At December 31, 2011, the percentage of Internet subscribers connected to the next generation network (NGN) was approximately 87% of Bezeq's total Internet subscribers, and the percentage of subscribers using NGN services was 48% of all Internet subscribers connected to the NGN network.
Bezeq provides services to other communications operators, including the cellular and international operators, cable broadcasting license-holders, NEP operators, ISPs, domestic operators, and Palestinian communications providers. Bezeq�� services include infrastructure, connection to Bezeq's network, transmission, billing and collection, rental of space and provision of services in its rented properties and rights of use for seabed cables. Bezeq operates and maintains radio transmitters, including those operated by the Israel Broadcasting Authority, television transmitters of Channel 1, Educational Television and Cha! nnel 2, a! nd the transmitters of regional radio stations. Bezeq also operates digital terrestrial television (DTT) transmitters. Bezeq is responsible only for operation and maintenance of the transmitters for distribution of radio and television programs, and not for the content of the broadcasts.
Bezeq performs setup and operation work on networks and sub-networks for various customers, such as the Ministry of Defense, HOT, radio and television broadcasting companies, cellular and international communication operators, local authorities, municipalities and government agencies. Bezeq and HOT have agreements for the provision of installation and maintenance services of cable networks, on Bezeq's infrastructure, from the starting point of those licensees��operating center, up to the point of delivery at the entrance to subscribers��homes. The IP Centrex service is a virtual private exchange service. Data Center service enables provision of a solution for customers from the aspects of backup and survivability. 144 Internet site is a search engine for finding business and private telephone numbers. Bezeq�� launch of its new generation network (NGN) has enabled it to offer new services, such as Bphone (a service enabling telephone calls to be made through the Internet as calls made from a fixed-line phone), on-hold music, storage services on the network and home exchange services.
Pelephone
Pelephone provides its subscribers with an offering of voice transmission, transmission of text messages, data communications and advanced multimedia services. Pelephone�� service package includes basic call services, call completion services and auxiliary services, such as call waiting, call forwarding, voice mail, voice conference call and caller ID. Pelephone offers its customers value added services, such as Internet surfing, text messaging and information services using short message service SMS (text), multimedia messaging service (MMS) messages, voice information services using ! special p! urpose asterisks, information and entertainment services through as Internet portal. Pelephone�� value added services also include the ability to watch various television channels, such as music, sports, news and entertainment channels, and the ability to photograph and forward video files.
Pelephone provides roaming services (communications by means of cellular handsets from different locations around the world) in accordance with agreements it has with cellular operators abroad, enabling Pelephone to access their networks. Pelephone offers its customers a repair service for a monthly payment entitling the customer to a warranty for the cellular handset, or for a one-time payment at the time of repair. Pelephone offers its customers various types and brands of cellular telephones, on-board telephones and hands-free devices, as well as support for its range of services. Pelephone also supplies its customers with modems and laptop computers for surfing the Internet through the Pelephone network. Pelephone provides roaming services (communications by means of cellular handsets from different locations around the world) in accordance with agreements it has with cellular operators abroad, enabling Pelephone to access their networks. The roaming tariffs are defined in the Individual Annex. Pelephone offers its customers a repair service for a monthly payment entitling the customer to a warranty for the cellular handset, or for a one-time payment at the time of repair. Pelephone offers its customers various types and brands of cellular telephones, on-board telephones and hands-free devices, as well as support for its range of services. Pelephone also supplies its customers with modems and laptop computers for surfing the Internet through the Pelephone network.
Bezeq International
Bezeq International provides communication solutions to its customers in the private and business sectors, in four areas of operation. It includes Internet access services, International tele! phony ser! vices, NEP services, and Data and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), solutions. In the voice services sector, Bezeq International provides international direct dialing (IDD), services to business and private customers; toll-free number services for business customers overseas; international call routing and termination services (hubbing) transfer of international calls between foreign communication providers (worldwide), calling card services enabling prepaid and postpaid dialing from and to Israel, for business and private customers, and the 1809 service for dialing from Israel to other countries. Bezeq International also provides domestic telephony services by means of Voice over Broadband (VOB), access.
In the Internet services sector, Bezeq International provides Internet access services for private and business customers, including terminal equipment and support, with an emphasis on broadband Internet based on asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) or cable infrastructures; hosting services site storage and server services in a designated installation for business and private customers, including value-added services (such as monitoring and control); information security services, services securing customers Internet and local area network (LAN) connections using the required terminal equipment or software, including monitoring; data services with international data communication IP solutions for business customers, including global deployment if necessary, and wireless fidelity (WIFI) access fast wireless access solutions for private and business customers, including in various public locations (hotspots).
Bezeq International supplies of international data communication solutions for business customers, including customized global deployment. As part of the service contracts, Bezeq International supplies direct maintenance of a range of exchange manufacturers. The services are given to gateways, exchanges and NEP designated for use with both internal and ! external ! lines. As part of business information technology (IT) solutions, Bezeq International provides communications services, including data and overseas communication services, server and Website hosting services, technical maintenance and support services, networking and system services, outsourcing and out-tasking services, security and risk management solutions and IP based services. Bezeq also provides ICT solutions to business customers as part of an overall ICT solution for businesses. Bezeq International provides broad communications services, including international data and communication services, server and site hosting services, technical support and maintenance services, network and system services, outsourcing and out-tasking services, security and risk management solutions and managed IP services.
DBS
DBS�� broadcasts approximately 150 different video channels, of which 14 are pay-per-view (PPV) channels and 19 are high definition (HD), channels, 20 radio channels, 30 music channels and interactive services. The broadcasts include a basic package which each subscriber is required to purchase as well as additional channels chosen by the subscriber, whether as a package or as single and PPV channels. The main channel packages marketed by DBS in addition to the basic package are the movie, entertainment, children's, music, sports, science and nature packages. DBS also has a content Website which is operated together with Walla! which allows viewing of various forms of content, some of them at a fee. DBS markets personal video recorder (PVR), decoders which interface with DBS�� electronic broadcast schedule and enable receipt of special services, including ordering recordings in advance, recording series and pausing live broadcasts. DBS also provides its subscribers with HD broadcasts, which can be received through special decoders.
The Company competes with Cellcom Israel Ltd., or Cellcom, Partner. 013 Netvision, 012 Smile, 018 Xfone, HILAT Israel Telecom! municatio! ns Company Ltd., and Telzar International Communication Services Ltd.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Alexis Xydias]
Brokerages are beating banks and the broader market in Europe. The Stoxx 600 Financial Services Index has gained 12 percent this year, more than twice the 5.6 percent advance for a gauge of European banks. Hargreaves Lansdown Plc (HL/), the U.K.�� largest retail broker, which received record cash in its latest quarter, according to an April 17 statement, advanced 33 percent. IG Group Holdings Plc (IGG), the London-based provider of spread betting, rose 30 percent.
Best Prefered Companies To Buy Right Now: California Grapes International Inc (CAGR)
California Grapes International, Inc., formerly China Food Services, Corp., incorporated in 1992, conducts its primary business operations as an importer, exporter and distributor of staple, organic, specialty, and gourmet foods and beverages, catering to the Asian Pacific Rim. The Company owns and operates Golden Dragon Food & Beverage Import & Export Company of Hong Kong, Ltd. (GDHK) in central Hong Kong and Beijing Flying Golden Dragon International Trading Co., Ltd. in China (BFGD). Golden Dragon Holdings, Inc. has agreements with the United State food manufacturers. It acts as a buying agent for GDHK, negotiating vendor contracts and services with the United States food and beverage industry partners.
The Company focuses to offer wholesale food distribution to grocery chains and independent food stores throughout China. The Company focuses on purchasing goods directly from manufactures in the United States, Latin America and Europe, and distributes these products to distributors, grocery stores, supermarkets and hypermarkets throughout China.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By ovenerio]
As we can see in the next chart, the stock price has an upward trend in the five-year period. If you had invested $10,000 five years ago, today you could have $17,911, which represents a 12.3% compound annual growth rate (CAGR).
Best Prefered Companies To Buy Right Now: WGL Holdings Inc (WGL)
WGL Holdings, Inc. (WGL Holdings) is a holding company. The Company own subsidiaries, which sells and delivers natural gas and/or provide a range of energy-related products and services to customers in the District of Columbia and the surrounding metropolitan areas in Maryland and Virginia. The Company operates in three subsidiaries: regulated utility segment, retail energy-marketing segment and design-build energy systems segment. The Company�� wholly owned subsidiaries include Washington Gas Light Company (Washington Gas), Washington Gas Resources Corporation (Washington Gas Resources), Hampshire Gas Company (Hampshire) and Crab Run Gas Company (Crab Run). Washington Gas is a regulated public utility that sells and delivers natural gas to customers in the District of Columbia and adjoining areas in Maryland, Virginia and several cities and towns in the northern Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Washington Gas Resources owns four subsidiaries include Washington Gas Energy Services, Inc. (WGEServices), Washington Gas Energy Systems, Inc. (WGESystems), Capitol Energy Ventures Corp. (CEV) and WGSW, Inc. (WGSW).
Regulated Utility Segment
The Company�� regulated utility segment consists of Washington Gas and Hampshire. Washington Gas delivers natural gas to retail customers. Washington Gas also sells natural gas to customers who have not elected to purchase natural gas from un-regulated third-party marketers. Washington Gas recovers the cost of the natural gas to serve firm customers through gas cost recovery mechanisms. Hampshire operates and owns full and partial interests in underground natural gas storage facilities, including pipeline delivery facilities located in and around Hampshire County, West Virginia. Washington Gas purchases all of the storage services of Hampshire and includes the cost of these services in the bills sent to its customers.
As of September 30, 2011, Washington Gas had 1.083 million active customer meters. During the fiscal year ! ended September 30, 2011 (fiscal 2011), the Company delivered 1,772.5 million therms.
Washington Gas is responsible for acquiring sufficient natural gas supplies, interstate pipeline capacity and storage capacity. Washington Gas obtains natural gas supplies, which originate from multiple regions throughout the United States and Canada. It also obtains natural gas in the form of vaporized liquefied natural gas (LNG) through the Cove Point LNG terminal owned by Dominion Cove Point LNG, LP and Dominion Transmission, Inc. (collectively Dominion). As of September 30, 2011, Washington Gas had service agreements with four pipeline companies, which provided firm transportation and/or storage services directly to Washington Gas�� city gate.
Retail Energy-Marketing Segment
The retail energy-marketing segment consists of the operations of WGEServices, which sells the natural gas and electric commodity directly to residential, commercial and industrial customers. These commodities are delivered to retail customers through the distribution systems owned by regulated utilities, such as Washington Gas or other unaffiliated natural gas or electric utilities. Washington Gas delivers the natural gas sold by WGEServices, and unaffiliated electric utilities deliver all of the electricity sold. In addition, WGEServices bills its customers through the billing services of the regulated utilities, which deliver its commodities, as well as directly through its own billing capabilities. WGEServices owns multiple solar photovoltaic (Solar PV) power generating systems. As of September 30, 2011, WGEServices served approximately 172,000 residential, commercial and industrial natural gas customers accounts and approximately 183,000 residential, commercial and industrial electricity customers located in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.
Design-Build Energy Systems Segment
The design-build energy systems segment, which consists ! of the op! erations of WGESystems, provides design-build energy solutions to governmental and commercial clients. WGESystems focuses on upgrading the mechanical, electrical, water and energy-related systems of governmental and commercial facilities by implementing both traditional, as well as alternative energy technologies, in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
Other Activities
Other activities consist of the operations of CEV, an unregulated, non-utility subsidiary of Washington Gas Resources, which engages in the acquisition, management and optimization of natural gas storage and transportation assets and WGSW, which was formed to invest in solar power generation and other energy efficiency solutions for customers. In addition other activities include the operation of Crab Run, a small exploration company, and administrative with WGL Holdings and Washington Gas Resources. WGSW, a wholly owned subsidiary of Washington Gas Resources, holds a 99% partnership interest in ASD Solar, LP.
Advisors' Opinion:- [By Seth Jayson]
Calling all cash flows
When you are trying to buy the market's best stocks, it's worth checking up on your companies' free cash flow once a quarter or so, to see whether it bears any relationship to the net income in the headlines. That's what we do with this series. Today, we're checking in on WGL Holdings (NYSE: WGL ) , whose recent revenue and earnings are plotted below. - [By Vanina Egea]
Looking forward, Cabot Oil and Gas reported the execution of a definitive gas sale and purchase agreement with a subsidiary of WGL Holdings (WGL), and the execution of a binding precedent agreement with Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line for a new pipeline with committed takeaway capacity from the owned asset in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. Most important, it holds a diversified asset portfolio spread between low-risk and long reserve-life Appalachian assets, and large-volume and rapid-payout Gulf Coast properties, with further variety from large prospect inventories in the Rocky Mountains and the Anadarko Basin that have a broad mix of production and payout profiles.
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