Golar LNG: Dividend Ready

(KBHM) Shipowner John Fredriksen has a reputation for being a large believer in dividend payouts. Golar LNG (owned 45.80% by Fredriksen), said in their Q4 report, which was released on Tuesday, that they have a bright view of the LNG market and that a "a large part of the companys market value will be paid back to shareholders through dividends..." These payouts are said to be given over the next 3-5 years.

Although the tentative dividend plan impressed analysts, profits were lower than expected. Q4 profits were reported at $17.5m versus expected $25m. However, Q4 2011 profits were reported at $5m. Golar LNG (ticker: GOL) stock rose over 200% in 2011.

Fredriksen's track record for delivering dividends is outstanding. His known and proven strategy consits of paying out profits to shareholders (as he owns large stakes himself), and for debt repayments, consolidation, investments and expansion, he goes to the equity and debt markets to raise capital. Buyers beware; never chase profit (200% increase in 2011), but Fredriksen has proved, time and time again, he has an instinct for timing the market not many others can compete with.

Russian Opposition to Create 'Mega Party'

(KBHM) Opposition activists announced plans to create a wide association of all liberal democrats in a mega party. After the demonstrations following the accusations of a rigged election this seems as a logical and strategic move for the opposition.

The political opposition to Vladimir Putin has been famously weak, and in some cases rumored to be Kremlin-backed. Boris Nemtsov, one of the co-chairs and initiators said: "We think that if the law about party creation is simplified, Putin will try to shatter the democratic camp by founding a whole series of parties that will fight amongst themselves".

He further impresses the importance of standing together against Putin: "If five or six centers of attraction appear on the democratic front, it will be a catastrophe and everyone will receive 2 percent of the vote. This threat is obvious and understood, therefore we started to think about how to start a super party."

A reform in the Russian political system is not only accute for the Russian people, but also for oversea investors. Under Putins reign, foreign investment has been limited, due to a non efficient judicial system and non excisting property rights. Boris Nemtsov has been a long time opposer of Putin and his party. Nemtsov has on several occasions been arrested for anti-Putin demonstrations. The only question is - will the Russian people take this man seriously, and give him a chance to change Russia?