Personal Finance: REITs such as CBL offer investor benefits
Posted: February 29, 2012 at 4:33 pm
Shopping center developer CBL & Associates announced a 5 percent hike Friday in its quarterly dividend. Chattanooga-based CBL is a member of a special class of pass-through investment vehicles known as real estate investment trusts, or REITs. These securities are often favored as income plays, and represent an excellent way for investors to gain broad exposure to real estate assets without the hassle of being a landlord.
Congress enacted legislation in 1960 that created REITs as a means of enhancing real estate investment opportunities for the general public. Recognizing the capital intensity and long-term nature inherent in large real estate ventures, Congress established a special class of ownership aimed at expanding the breadth of participation and spreading the risk of property investing.
Most large real estate trusts in the U.S. are publicly traded on the major exchanges just like other stocks and are therefore quite accessible to most investors.
Many smaller REITs are not publicly traded and hence unsuitable for all but the most sophisticated investors, owing to their inherent lack of liquidity and transparency.
To qualify as a REIT, a company must distribute at least 90 percent of its taxable income each year in the form of dividends to shareholders. In return, the company is not required to pay corporate income tax, since the profits are passed through to shareholders.
This is a considerably higher payout fraction than most companies maintain, hence dividend yields tend to be greater on average than for most common stocks.
REIT investments generally fall into one of two specific categories. Equity REITs own and often operate physical properties like shopping malls, warehouses, and industrial buildings. CBL, which owns Hamilton Place and Northgate malls, is an example of such an equity REIT.
Mortgage REITs are involved in the financing of properties through ownership of mortgages or direct lending to real estate owners.
REITs have gained wide acceptance as an essential asset class within a well diversified portfolio. Returns have demonstrated a relatively low correlation with traditional equity classes, contributing important diversification.
And historical performance has been impressive, although no guarantee of future results. Over the past three decades, the total return for equity REITs has outpaced the S&P 500 by over one percentage point per year.
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Personal Finance: REITs such as CBL offer investor benefits
Kraton Performance Polymers and the National Center for Asphalt Technology Announce Exceptional Performance Results of …
Posted: at 4:33 pm
HOUSTON, Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Kraton Performance Polymers, Inc. (NYSE: "KRA"), a leading global producer of styrenic block copolymers or "SBCs," in partnership with the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT) is pleased to announce the findings of The NCAT Pavement Test Track project that tested and compared the performance of Kraton HiMA technology against competing asphalt pavement technologies.
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The NCAT Pavement Test Track, a road and bridge industry-renowned, accelerated pavement-testing facility has been operating for eleven years. It is a cooperative project with individual test sections sponsored by highway transportation agencies and commercial interest groups to validate and develop new technologies for improving roadways to make them smoother, quieter, safer, last longer, and more economical. It is NCAT's proving ground to help validate those technologies in an accelerated fashion. To view an edited video about the NCAT Test Track, please click here.
Kraton Polymers sponsored test section North 7 (N7) to determine if a highly modified binder using its HiMA technology could reduce the total pavement thickness and still achieve adequate and even superior performance. Kraton kept the same gradation and mix design and simply replaced the binder, which gave the Kraton section a total thickness of 5 3/4 inches versus seven inches (18% reduction in thickness) from the control section. "Even though there is no cracking to date, NCAT has conducted an analysis based on actual pavement strain and back calculated modulus data along with laboratory fatigue tests," said Bob Kluttz, Sr. Scientist, Research and Development at Kraton Polymers. "The analysis shows many times the fatigue life of the control indicating that our thinner section may significantly outperform the control in bottom up fatigue cracking as well. At the end of the 2009-2011 trafficking cycle the average rut depth of section N7 was 2.2 mm versus 7.1 mm for the control section S9," he concluded.
"Partnerships between the NCAT Pavement Test Track and private industries such as Kraton Polymers are key to the continued success of both organizations," says Test Track Manager Buzz Powell. "Funding for projects on public roads is scarce, and the test track gives Kraton a solid proving ground for their new technologies," he concluded.
Polymer modification of asphalt binder is the government transportation agency solution of choice to enhance the durability of roads exposed to heavy traffic or harsh climates. The added performance that an asphalt binder achieves through polymer modification is required to meet the evolving expectations of drivers, road agencies and authorities, and the wider community. As pioneers in asphalt modification, Kraton Polymers leads the paving industry by offering new and innovative polymers that deliver greater performance and processability.
The current NCAT test track sponsors include the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), numerous state departments of transportation and four private industry groups. NCAT's annual budget is about $5 million.
For additional information about Kraton HiMA technology, please contact Marcie Coronado at Marcie.coronado@kraton.com or 281-504-4975. For information regarding the test track and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Karen Hunley at the National Center for Asphalt Technology at Karen.hunley@auburn.edu or (334) 844-7328.
Telit Wireless Solutions Announces High-Performance GPS/GLONASS Module for Navigation Devices
Posted: at 4:33 pm
RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Telit Wireless Solutions (AIM: TCM.L - News), a global leader in machine-to-machine (M2M) wireless technology, today announced a new dual GPS/GLONASS module that dramatically improves navigation performance by providing access to both the Russian GLONASS global navigation satellite system and U.S. GPS.
Telit Location Solutions new Jupiter SL869 provides three times the usual satellite visibility by accessing to up to 22 satellites compared to the six or eight satellites normally available through standard GPS, providing optimum performance for any navigation application, from personal and asset tracking to automotive solutions.
The Jupiter SL869 reduces the delay from several minutes to seconds for a navigation device to acquire its position after being powered on. The module also reduces the incidence of lost satellite coverage, especially problematic in urban areas with tall buildings, by enabling additional satellite fixes that reduces blind spots. Finally, the module enables more accurate positioning, better pinning a person, car or an assets true location on a digital map.
Accessing the combined GPS/GLONASS constellations is a major step forward in navigation, providing the best satellite geometry to obtain the most accurate position possible more often, said George Arnott, vice president, Telit Location Solutions, a business unit of Telit. The difference in performance between standard GPS and GPS/GLONASS is like night and day. Telit is proud to be one of the first OEM module providers to offer this innovation to the global market.
With the identical form factor of previous product generations, the Jupiter SL869 can easily replace standard GPS modules in devices and applications. The product also features automatic jamming immunity, automatically blocking up to eight radio frequency interferers, increasing the performance of the GPS.
With its first official product launch under the Telit umbrella, Telit Location Solutions has released a leading-edge navigation module thats destined to have a major impact on the GPS industry, said Oozi Cats, CEO of Telit. As with all Telit products, customers will also receive premier global support from design to deployment.
Formerly known as Navman Wireless OEM before being acquired by Telit in January 2012, Telit Location Solutions has more than 20 years of experience serving the GPS market and has sold millions of its high-performance Jupiter GPS modules worldwide.
For further information about Telit, visit http://www.telit.com.
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Building consumer trust critical to online marketing success, researchers find
Posted: at 4:32 pm
So what makes consumers more willing to give out their personal information? A paper just published in the Journal of Service Researchby professors at The University of Alabama, Troy University and Loyola Marymount examined the factors that affect a consumers willingness to reveal basic and sensitive personal information online.
The researchers found four basic factors that individually, or in combination, affect the likelihood that consumers will divulge personal information. Specifically, their study suggests that (a) sensitive information is riskier to divulge and therefore less likely to be disclosed, (b) giving consumers control over how their information will be used by the firm can increase disclosure, particularly if that information is sensitive in nature, (c) customizing the web experience to provide enhanced web benefits can increase disclosure particularly if the firm also enhances consumer control and lowers consumer privacy concerns specific to their website, and (d) web strategies that lower privacy concerns can increase disclosure particularly when the requested information is sensitive.
While the acquisition of sensitive information is often the goal of online marketers, our research suggests that control, customization and trust-building activities to reduce privacy concerns are critical to convincing consumers that it is in their best interest to divulge such information, saidDr. David Mothersbaugh, professor of marketing at the Culverhouse College of Commerce at The University of Alabama and one of the authors of the study.
Given consumers reluctance to provide sensitive information, firms should be vigilant in obtaining the least amount of sensitive information possible, while still effectively marketing to their customers, saidDr. Sharon Beatty, professor of marketing at Culverhouse and another author of paper. They also should note the importance of building trust in their firm, as well as providing consumers control to the use of the information, before attempting to obtain this information.
Some firms are already changing their websites to conform to what the research has found. Google recently changed its privacy policy to emphasize both a consumers control over the personal information they share, as well as the perceived benefits of Google using such information.
A section called privacy tools gives consumers, according to Google, meaningful choices to protect your privacy through features like encrypted searches, incognito mode in Chrome, off-the-record chatting, and general personalization opt outs. As Google states on the website, our new policy simply makes it clear that we use data to refine and improve your experience by getting consumers better search results, ads and other content (google.com).
This is, or should be, the goal of any website, the researchers said.
New privacy policies and features to help users control personal information will help make such goals transparent and, in theory, easier to achieve, saidDr. Katherine Lemon, Accenture Professor at Boston College and editor of the journal. More firms can follow Googles lead to redesign their websites and privacy polices so they can encourage customers to willingly disclose additional information.
In recognizing the burdens of disclosure and the difficulty of overcoming consumer concerns, firms should consider, the researchers said, matching their information requests to the specific needs at hand.
A one-size-fits-all strategy to information gathering is not appropriate,Mothersbaugh said. Firms must consider both their information needs and the privacy concerns of their various consumer segments and request the least sensitive information possible for effectively marketing to each of those segments.
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The Institute for Engineering Career Development: The Fastest Way to Advance Your Engineering Career – Guaranteed
Posted: at 4:31 pm
Breaking News: Institute for Engineering Career Development launches soft skills training program tailored specifically for engineers to help them in their personal and career development.
Ridgewood, New Jersey (PRWEB) February 29, 2012
This innovative and affordable engineering and personal development program has been designed specifically for engineers who desire to improve their soft skills and leadership abilities in order to make the leap from engineer to manager. Utilizing the power of the web, IECDs platform consists of monthly live, content-rich webinars with Fasano, a licensed professional engineer, accomplished speaker, and engineering career coach where he will provide insights and tools to assist engineers to achieve greater success through developing superior people skills.
Some of the topics that Fasano will expand upon include how to become a clear communicator; the need for honing your networking skills to build solid professional relationships; conflict resolution techniques, and why sharpening your public speaking skills is a must to excel in the field of engineering. The IECD has already been referred to as a top engineering leadership program.
While I thoroughly enjoy giving keynote presentations and seminars throughout the country, I wanted to share my knowledge of successfully building a stellar engineering career to a wider audience, hence the IECD was born, says Fasano. Making this program affordable and easy to access was one of my top priorities. I know firsthand how well defined soft skills can enhance ones engineering career. Whether the engineers goal is to rise up through the ranks of the firm where he or she is employed, or become a thriving entrepreneur, becoming a member of the IECD will accelerate their progress towards achieving their goals.
Fasano is so sure of the success of his program that he is offering an ironclad guarantee. If after three months of utilizing this program, members dont witness any improvements in their career or personal development, they are eligible for a full refund. Engineers can become members of the Institute for Engineering Career Development community for as little as $10 per month and immediately start improving their soft skills and leadership abilities through monthly webinars and executive coaching. Fasano also offers executive coaching through the IECD, both live and through email for those who desire one-on-one training to fast track their progress from engineer to manager.
This revolutionary new developmental training community for engineers was launched on February 1st, and until April 1st, 2012, enrollment fees will be waived. To join this vibrant community of like-minded ambitious engineering professionals, visit http://EngineerSuccessProgram.com
Anthony Fasano, AKA Your Professional Partner, CEO and founder of Powerful Purpose Associates, is a nationally recognized professional coach and inspirational speaker specializing in the area of engineering career development, as well as leadership skills. Fasano has been a keynote speaker at hundreds of events and has had a huge impact on many professionals including engineers in their transition from engineer to manager. Fasano sends out brief but powerful daily e-mail messages to professionals worldwide called A Daily Boost from Your Professional Partner, which help inspire professionals to career success. To sign up for these motivational tips, go to the Free Career Resources page at http://www.PowerfulPurpose.com.
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Anthony Fasano Powerful Purpose Associates 201-857-2384 Email Information
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Professional, personal development classes available at NMSU-Carlsbad
Posted: at 4:31 pm
From the Current-Argus
CARLSBAD New Mexico State University-Carlsbad is now offering classes for community members to help them shape professional and personal skills.
According to Jade Ybarra, an administrative assistant at NMSU-C, the college's Community Education Program offers a multitude of benefits that meet several needs of the Carlsbad community.
"One of the goals of NMSU-C is to provide learning opportunities to all of its residents and also the opportunity to meet others in our community with the same interest," Ybarra said Tuesday.
"Our program provides these opportunities through classes in different categories such as arts and crafts, computer skills, languages and hobbies and leisure."
The first class will be held Thursday on the fundamentals of Microsoft Word. This course is set up to help students gain speed and confidence, become more familiar with the word processing program and to be more productive on their laptop or desktop computer.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, the second class, called "Fun Making Collages," will allow students to use magazine clippings, wall paper, lace, buttons and other craft material to build a collage of memories, Ybarra said.
On March 29, NMSU-C will offer another computer-based class - the Microsoft Excel fundamentals class. It will enable students to become familiarized with the MS program, including how to keep track of their personal accounting more efficiently.
"Microsoft Excel is demanded
At the end of the month, residents can hone their artistic skills with a class on making artistic Easter eggs on March 31.
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Professional, personal development classes available at NMSU-Carlsbad
Episode 3 – Analysis Planning Implementation and Evaluation.mp4 – Video
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Episode 7 – Case Study – The LOFAR Course.mp4 – Video
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Online Education Showcase – Video
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Math + Fun – Video
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