Posts by Rich of Observationz

  • Hard News: Going Underground,

    Auckland's population will be 2.3 million by 2050

    If they live in the present inner suburbs, that would be fine. The city could grow to 4 or 5 million on its current footprint and become *easier* to get around (because proper public transit would become economically viable).

    If they live north of Albany and south of Drury, we're stuffed.

    Back in Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 5550 posts Report

  • Hard News: Going Underground,

    build a new port at Te Atatu

    Was that ever considered? You could have a huge Auckland yuppie quarter if *all* the wharves were shifted out West. One would need to dynamite a big channel through Meola Reef though. And raise/replace the bridge, possibly?

    Back in Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 5550 posts Report

  • Hard News: Going Underground,

    Maybe Swampy style protest actions could delay the motorway until we get a Labour/Green government.

    Back in Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 5550 posts Report

  • Hard News: Going Underground,

    Suppose then Stephen, that instead of buying said pub, I found a space, negotiated a lease, fitted it out (at a cost of $30,000), and built up custom through marketing and tolerating losses. In total, that involved sinking $50k into the business, plus the aforementioned $50k for assets and working capital.

    What's my return then?

    Back in Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 5550 posts Report

  • Hard News: Madness in Mt Albert,

    Reasonably successful OMOV systems in political parties:
    - the US primary system, where you don't even need to be a financial member to vote. It's about the only democratic thing in the US system.

    - the UK Lib Dems elect their leader by a postal ballot of all members. They also select candidates by a ballot of local party members (albeit from a shortlist generated with national involvement).

    - here in NZ, the Greens give each party member a vote on list positions and a delegated vote on the leader.

    Maybe NZ is different because parties are too small for mass membership?

    Back in Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 5550 posts Report

  • Hard News: Going Underground,

    Ya know, Haussmann looked awfully like John Banks.

    Back in Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 5550 posts Report

  • Hard News: Going Underground,

    The lesson I took from it was to avoid Mercedes sedans. Oh, and Paris.

    Also:
    - when coked off your head, make sure the guy driving isn't as munted as you are

    - unflattering photographs rarely kill anyone

    - in a republic, at least you get to elect the lunatics

    Back in Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 5550 posts Report

  • Hard News: Going Underground,

    imagine Wellington's entrance as only the Old Hutt Road funneling through Aotea Quay today?

    I'd prefer a big car park up by the Cake Tin and a $10 charge if you want to advance further by car.

    Back in Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 5550 posts Report

  • Hard News: Going Underground,

    profit:shareprice is a bizarre measure. Sorry.

    You're welcome to think that. It's the one I prefer (it equates to the P/E ratio, just the other way up). The market capitalisation is the best indication of what the whole business is worth - what people are willing to pay for it. It directly translates into ability to pay a dividend.

    If I buy some shares, then I'm interested in what dividend they pay and in the chances of growth or decline in the value of the business. Banks have a limited upside, big downside and a fairly high return. Apple has a big upside, limited downside and a fairly poor return.

    Your 20% figure (return on ordinary equity) ignores the goodwill in the business. Anyone buying shares has to pay for that goodwill, so it's included in the return.

    Imagine I buy a (leased) pub for $80k. The stock and fixtures are worth $30k, and I put $20k in the bank as working capital. The pub thus has tangible assets of $50k. It makes $5k a year. Am I making 10% (return on assets) or 5% (return on my $100k investment)?

    Back in Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 5550 posts Report

  • Hard News: Going Underground,

    Being able to lend one dollar to twenty different people at once is pretty lucrative, though we tend to get suckered into looking at the interest charge to only one of those people.

    You misunderstand fractional reserve banking, like a lot of people.

    The bank has to pay interest on *all* those dollars. Banks make their money on the margin between the rate they can lend at and the rate they have to pay on deposits.

    Back in Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 5550 posts Report

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