The Budget in May saw a continuation of the Government’s fiscal restraint with new initiatives being funded out of the new allocation allowance along with some re-prioritisation of other spending. Revenue forecasts were also lowered again as a result of lower nominal GDP growth. The Government signalled that reaching an operating surplus would be delayed to 2015/16. However, the trending improvement in the operating balance remains in place which is important for markets and rating agencies when looking at New Zealand....
The ‘Big Four’ as they are colloquially known consists of Westpac, ANZ, Commonwealth Bank (Owner of ASB in NZ) and National Australia Bank (BNZ). All four have their respective strengths and weaknesses, and all four have a heavy presence in New Zealand. This article bypasses the conversation over which bank will offer investors the best bang for the investors buck and looks at the Australasian banking sector as a whole. The Big Four boast some of the highest net interest...
Brambles is a supply-chain logistics company operating in more than 50 countries, primarily through the CHEP and IFCO brands. The Group specialises in the pooling of unit-load equipment and associated services, focusing on the outsourced management of pallets, crates and containers. Whilst supply chain logistics is not the most glamorous of sectors, profits don’t discriminate on that basis. CHEP is regarded as the world leader in pallet and container pooling services. Their product range includes pallets, containers, and Reusable Plastic Containers...
People sometimes refer to decisions as a roll of the dice; not by chance, Crown Resorts is rolling towards a six. Crown Resorts is an ASX listed Gaming and Entertainment Company with geographic diversification, strong cash flows, and firm market positions in the cities it operates. Crown Resorts is the owner of two casinos in Australia, Crown Melbourne, and Crown Perth, with proposals for Crown Sydney and Queens Wharf in Brisbane. In addition to the Australian operations, Crown Resorts own...
SkyCity is rolling the dice with approximately $1 billion of investment over the next few years. This includes the controversial New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), the associated hotel and carpark, and a major redevelopment of their Adelaide property. The Company has also allowed $50 million for “internal building works and the purchase of additional gaming product.” The additional gaming product noted includes 230 gaming machines and 40 tables which were part of the deal made with the Crown. Along...
Overview: Arvida listed late last year, becoming the 4th retirement village operator on the NZX. They are also currently the smallest such provider, with 17 villages and aged care facilities around the country. As with its listed peers, Arvida is looking to expand, and this week announced the acquisition of three Auckland villages. Pros: The $62million Auckland purchase is instantly earnings accretive due to the high occupancy levels of 97 percent in the acquired villages, and the “strong care focus”....
Overview: The ‘Big Four’ as they are colloquially known consists of Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, ANZ and NAB. All four have their respective strengths and weaknesses, and all four have a heavy presence in New Zealand. Today we are going to bypass the conversation over which bank will offer investors the best bang for their buck and look at the Australian banking sector as a whole. Pros: The Big Four boast some of the highest net interest margins in the world,...
Overview: The exit of Chevron from the NZ fuel market was flagged last week when the company sold their holding in the New Zealand Refining in a block sale to institutions and broking firms. This complete exit was confirmed when Z Energy announced an agreement to purchase Chevron’s downstream fuel business, principally the Caltex brand and the associated assets. Pros: The $785 million acquisition will be earning accretive from the get go, with earnings per share expected to rise by...
Overview: SkyCity is rolling the dice with approximately $1 billion of investment over the next few years. This includes the controversial New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), the associated hotel and carpark, and a major redevelopment of their Adelaide property. The Company has also allowed $50 million for “internal building works and the purchase of additional gaming product.” Pros: The additional gaming product noted includes 230 gaming machines and 40 tables which were part of the deal made with the...
Introduction The Health and Safety Reform Bill (The Bill) is expected to come into power in the second half of this year (2015). The Bill is a result of the Pike River disaster (2010) and is the “biggest change to health and safety in 20 years” Hon. Simon Bridges (MP). Mr Bridges claims in his press release “Good health and safety is good for business. It is an investment in improved productivity.” In this essay I will critically analyse the topic...
