Sunday, February 28, 2010

Investor confidence back after tax settlement

Australians bank shares are expected to outperform market expectations now that the $2.2 billion tax settlement has been finalised, Craigs Investment Partners broker Chris Timms says.

The Bank of New Zealand, Westpac, ASB and ANZ-National - all Australian-owned - last week ended about five years of legal battles with Inland Revenue by agreeing to pay back $2.2 billion.

It is believed to be the largest single tax settlement in New Zealand history and stems from a High Court ruling in October that found the BNZ and Westpac owed a combined $1.6 billion in taxes and penalties relating to foreign-structured finance transactions.

Mr Timms said the settlement gave investors confidence all the unexpected shocks had been cleared out, particularly that the amount of money the banks had provided for was more than what they were paying out.

"They are provisioning for more than they paid.

"It removes all the uncertainty.

"We are going overweight in banks - carrying more than the market index weighting."

The listed Australian banks on Craigs' list are the ANZ Banking Group, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, National Australia Bank and Westpac.

Craigs expected the global recovery to continue in 2010 and Australia to record almost 3% growth in gross domestic product in 2010.

The move to go overweight in bank stocks was based on both the recovery story and the expectation the bad-debt cycle had peaked, potentially allowing provisioning released by the end of the year.

Craigs was exiting the property sector as a funding source for the bank buy-up, he said.

"Craigs is confident in its forecast of 4.1% global economic growth in 2010.

"Stimulus packages and accommodative monetary policies should remain in place during the early part of 2010, globally."

Potential United States inflation risks would likely be offset by US unemployment and continued private balance sheet repair, facilitating continuing Federal Reserve support, Mr Timms said.

Craigs was positive on global equity markets and was growing more confident the current "tightrope" economic recovery would blossom into real demand.

Structural issues should remain, but should not prevent continued progress in the near and medium term.

The broker was forecasting a 15% rise in Australian equities, against 11% for the US and 13% for Europe.

The target was based on conservative earnings expectations for 2010, with a return to strong earnings-per-share growth in 2001 and an expectation the market would trade on its historical mean price-earnings ratio, Mr Timms said.

Craigs would also take overweight positions in consumer discretionary stocks, mining and services, and industrials and cyclicals.

To fund those positions, the broker was going underweight in the defensive sectors - consumer staples, financials and property, and was exiting Westfield Group.

The upward trend of progression for global markets should move from a straight-line V-shaped recovery, to trading within ranges for periods but with an upward bias, he said.

Catalysts to the upside would move the ranges up and catalysts to the downside would cause a "saw-tooth" pattern to emerge.

"We have observed saw-tooth patterns of market performance emerge after previous downturns.

The example is the most recent recessions experienced in the US and Europe, which bottomed in March 2003."

As markets rebounded towards the top end of historical valuations on all measures, Craigs believed earnings revisions - based initially on a cyclical recovery - would be the most important driver of market performance in 2010, Mr Timms said.

"We believe the Australian market will require continued upwards momentum in earnings revisions and this is reflected in our 2011 forecasts for earnings-per-share growth of 30.2%, compared to consensus at 22%."


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Monday, February 15, 2010

Strategic Capital Corporation funds money from selling structured settlement payments in 18 days

Strategic Capital Corporation recently helped a customer sell structured settlement payments and get the money in a record 18 days.

The company gives customers a simple, foolproof way to speed selling structured settlement payments: just submit all the required documents on time.

“Of course, quick closings also depend on factors not in your control or your transfer (factoring) company’s control—like how fast the state and court systems operate and the efficiency of the annuity issuer. It’s a fact that Illinois and Virginia process the transfer transaction faster than any other state,” notes David Meyerowitz, President and CEO of Strategic Capital Corporation.

“But bottom line: you will get your money faster if you complete all of the documents in the structured settlement annuity package—especially the annuity policy--and submit them as soon as possible.”

A single missing document can cause significant funding delays. On the other hand, Strategic Capital Corporation can get you your money in as little as 18 days in certain states if you submit all the information requested in the structured settlement annuity package—including the Annuity Policy.

Take the time to review the checklist included in the structured settlement annuity package. It should list all the documents necessary to complete the transaction. If anything is unclear, contact the experts at the company buying the payments to clarify which documents are necessary to submit—and when.

The goal of a good structured settlement transfer company is to help clients receive money in the fastest time frame possible.

The quickest, easiest way to sell structured settlement payments

1. Complete and return every page in the package. You must sign all required documents and return every document requested so the purchaser can provide the necessary information to the court and insurance company.

2. Provide a copy of the Annuity Policy as early in the process as possible. This document provides accurate and essential information to the company buying the payment.

3. Submit a copy of the Final Divorce Decree and Property Settlement (if you are divorced) to verify whether your ex-spouse is entitled to a portion of the funds. The sooner you submit this document, the less chance there will be delays with funding.

4. Sign and return the affidavit as soon as possible.

5. Provide all supporting documents and information for the court that explains why the money is necessary at this time.

6. Get it right the first time by contacting an expert. The professionals at the structured settlement transfer company will make sure the right documentation is submitted at the right time. This is a proven way to speed funding.

7. Submit a clear copy of your picture ID. Just increase the shade settings on the photocopier to improve the image quality.


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Saturday, November 28, 2009

Cash For Personal Injury Structured Settlement

Personal Injury Settlement is the legal term to describe the compensation paid for physical injuries to the victim. Injuries like broken arms, broken legs, any physical disfigurement, burns and different type of scarring come under this category. Generally such injuries happen in work environments, road accidents and medical negligence. The victim can sue the responsible authorities for compensation against these types of injuries.

If injuries are minor they are mostly settled outside the court. Insurance companies can make one time down payment after negotiating with the victim. But if injuries are major and victim got some serious injuries leading to permanent disability, mental trauma or major financial loss a personal lawyer is required who can help you professionally in recovering for damages.In most cases, the personal injuries are a result of workplace hazards or road accidents. For instance people working in production and construction industries get affected with diseases like asbestosis or lung cancer. Industrial wastes, pesticides, radiations etc can cause severe damage to workers health.

Sometimes personal injuries also arise due to medical negligence at hospitals. All these conditions in which it is difficult to assess the total damages legal court of justice is the best place for such settlements.

If settlement amount is huge, the court allows the companies to pay damages in installments. In such cases, victim receives small amounts of money every month.

But it is generally observed that injured person need immediate money to meet his medical expenses. Under such circumstances you can sell your settlement to some third party and can obtain instant cash for your personal injury settlement.


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Sunday, November 15, 2009

How to Purchase Structured Settlements

What are Structured Settlements?
When law suits are settled, damages may be awarded in a lump sum, or a series of payments. A settlement which is awarded in a series of payments over time is called a structured settlement. Structured settlements are generally created by using a third party intermediary to provide the financing.
How to Purchase Structured Settlements

Are you looking to invest cash in structured settlements?
State and federal law may restrict the sale of structured settlements, and there are many legal complications that can arise. Since you'll be exchanging cash for the right to receive future payments, you'll want to make sure that you are protected.
Work with an established broker.
Look for a structured settlement financing company who is a member of the National Structured Settlements Trade Association who also places settlements with private investors.
Get multiple quotes to ensure you get the best deal.
Retain an attorney to review the agreement to ensure your interests are protected.


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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Purchase Structured Settlements

Companies that purchase structured settlements will buy out your future payments in exchange for advancing you money now, minus their fee. These companies can provide needed cash in a lump sum, far more than your monthly allotment, if that is what you choose to do, instead of staying on the monthly or yearly plan that your structured settlement sets forth.

If you have been involved in a lawsuit for personal injury, product defects, medical malpractice, or wrongful death of a family member, you may have mediated a settlement offer. Many times, since settlements in personal injury cases can be so large, the payouts are structured, or set up to be paid out in increments over time. This can be over several months, or years, and in some cases for a lifetime of payments. This amounts to a guaranteed income for the person who has settled their lawsuit for monetary compensation.

When a large sum is spread out over many months, or years, there can be some tax advantages, and it does assure the recipient of future income. By taking a large lump sum all at once, the person who receives it gets a large amount of money all at one time, with nothing set aside for future expenses. People who are hurt and have ongoing medical expenses will need a lot of money for their future care, and a structured settlement is good for that purpose.

Sometimes, however, the recipient has a good reason for wanting a large amount of cash immediately, instead of the smaller amounts over time. They might want to go to college, or buy a house, or have another good reason for needing some, or all, of their settlement money up front. This is a good time to consult the companies who purchase structured settlements.

There is a fee charged, from around 10 to 30 percent of the money advanced, and the transaction is similar to getting a payday advance, except for a lot more money, and the repayments go directly to the company that bought out your settlement. It is possible to have them purchase just a part of your settlement, so you get a lump sum now, and whatever remains would continue as before, but in a lesser amount. You would still get some future income, just not as much.

When deciding to sell a settlement, it may be necessary to obtain court approval. That is one way that the legal system acts on your behalf, to be sure you are doing this for a good reason, because the structured payment system was decided upon for a good reason also. Take time to examine several companies who purchase structured settlements before you take action. Oftentimes, smaller competitors offer better rates and terms than the big names like Peachtree and JG Wentworth.


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Thursday, October 15, 2009

Structured Settlement Buy Out

Structured settlement buy out can turn a future asset into cash. Advanced funding will provide the individual in a current financial tight spot with the capability of acquiring the funds to help eliminate financial problems. Being the recipient of a structured agreement doesn't mean one has to wait for periodic payments since many financial institutions provide a tangible way to receive those future payments now. A buyer of structured settlement annuity will look at the annuity contract and evaluate the potential to purchase. Reasons to sell a contract between an individual and an insurance company include better rates of return through other various investments, or better tax-efficient estate planning.

Current tax laws require that selling an annuity means being subject to paying income tax. Selling to a buyer of structured settlement annuity before the age of 59 & 1/2 may mean paying a 10% federal tax penalty. Get some legal advice and tax advice before making a final decision on a structured settlement buy out. Consider options carefully especially when the situation may call for freeing up assets to use for other needs. Some financial institutions online, offer a free, no obligation assessment from a specialist on staff. Compare several sources before signing a final contract.

Ask about tax-deferred accumulation of interest and capital gains when considering a structured settlement buy out. Compare the impact of paying income tax on withdrawals to taxes on dividends or capital gains from reinvesting dollars in stocks and bonds. Consulting a tax advisor on these types of issues would be a wise decision. Tax evaluation can be rather confusing so it is best to get some advice from someone who understands tax issues before finding a buyer of structured settlement annuity or selling a structured agreement. Realize that there may be tax consequences associated with receiving a lump sum amount.

Unexpected expenses can plague anyone at anytime and usually there is no warning before it happens. Being a recipient of a structured agreement will give some leverage during this time of decision. There are various reasons that people seek for a structured settlement buy out. Sometimes obtaining additional cash is the best option to find the light at the end of the tunnel. Pray about worries and trust God for the answers. Do some research online and consider all the options available before making a decision. "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

It is true that a structured settlement buy out will provide a lump sum of cash now, however, it is also true that there is security in knowing that those settlement payments will come on time every month. When opting for a lump sum amount consider the possibility of being tempted to spend the money and not have any left for the future. When an injured person has long-term special needs those periodic payments provide some security for those needs to be met. Get some financial advice before finding a buyer of structured settlement annuity and weigh all the costs before cashing in.

Do some research and find a reputable company before signing a contract to sell an annuity. Obtain quotes from various companies and do business with the company offering the highest payoff. Companies that purchase structured settlements or annuities do so to make a profit off their purchase. Insurance companies may refuse to cooperate with the sale of a settlement and it may be necessary to obtain court approval. When a sale has to go through the process of approval through the court it can take up to 90 days to get the payoff. Consult an attorney before signing a contract; have the attorney look over the contract and see if the amount to be paid is adequate for the settlement.

When facing debt problems there may a solution by seeking a buyer of structured settlement annuity. The ability to receive a lump sum amount on an annuity instead of monthly payments may be the answer to paying off high interest credit card debt. The savings in interest alone could make it worth selling not to mention the savings in other fees credit card companies charge. Other reasons to consider cashing in might include paying for a divorce, starting a business, purchasing a home, paying medical expenses, tuition for college, among other things. With the ability to pay off outstanding debts or finance other endeavors, consumers find satisfaction by cashing in structured settlements or annuities. Some companies online offer buy outs on lottery winnings and advertise no costs or processing fees for services. Free quotes are available through most financial sources on the Internet.


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Monday, September 28, 2009

Woodbridge Structured Funding, LLC, Announces a New Wholesale Division for Structured Settlement Factoring Companies

Scott Schwartz, Executive Vice President of Woodbridge Structured Funding, LLC announced the formation of a new division specializing in providing capital to structured settlement factoring companies at competitive rates.

Schwartz stated, "Our investors are aggressively seeking high returns investing in Lottery payments and Structured Settlements. Our retail division is unable to meet demand so we decided to offer other Structured Settlement factoring companies the opportunity to share in our very competitive cost of funds."
Factoring structured settlements allows structured settlement recipients to receive immediate tax-free payments of lump sum cash for their future payments. Woodbridge has established a deep network of both institutional and individual investors who acquire these future payments for typical annual yields of 7 to 9%.
Woodbridge Structured Funding, LLC, has seen dramatic growth recently in their investor demand to purchase future lottery payments and structured settlements. The investment option of offering secure insurance backed annuities has become extremely viable in the current investor marketplace. Woodbridge looks to increase the number of annuities available to its investors by opening up the wholesale division to service other structured settlement factoring companies by providing capital from their investors.


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