Iain M. Banks: Profits & Dividends

Meaning of Iain M. Banks Money Quote: saying we often choose between profit and human needs and earning more before helping those in need. Iain M. Banks said:

 

 

“We have chosen to put profits before people, money before morality, dividends before decency, fanaticism before fairness, and our own trivial comforts before the unspeakable agonies of others” — Iain M. Banks

In this quote, Iain Banks is criticizing the priorities of corporations and capitalism. The best interpretation is that Banks believes the current economic system puts financial gains and shareholder wealth over human well-being and ethical standards. He argues that profits, money, and dividends are valued above people, morality, and decency.

Banks sees this as misguided, suggesting a well-functioning system should not lose its humanity and compassion for vulnerable groups in the pursuit of profits.

The overall message is that Banks views the maximization of wealth as coming at too high a cost, if it means compromising dignity, fairness and care for people’s basic welfare and rights. He advocates for a more balanced approach that does not sacrifice morality for the sake of profits and dividends.

Birthday: February 16, 1954 – Death: June 9, 2013

Warren Buffett: Paying Income Tax

Meaning of Warren Buffett Money Quote: saying those paying taxes are not taxed on capital gains, dividends. Warren Buffett said:
 

 

“We’re paying maybe 25 percent of the income tax, but the payroll tax is over a third of the receipts of the federal government. And they don’t take that from me on capital gains. They don’t take that from me on dividends” — Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett is referring to how capital gains and dividends are taxed at lower rates than regular income for most taxpayers. When someone sells an investment like stocks or real estate for more than they paid, the profit or “capital gain” is taxed. However, the capital gains tax rate is typically lower than the rate for ordinary income.

Dividends from stock investments are also usually taxed at a lower rate than regular wages or self-employment income. By pointing this out, Buffett is suggesting that the tax system favors investment income over earned income through work.

Max Levchin: Apple Stock Dividend Plans

Entrepreneur and investor Max Levchin appears heartbroken that Apple doesn’t plan to build a costly product with it’s excess cash – instead they plan a stock buyback and plan to pay dividends to stock holders.
 

 

“Saddened by Apple’s plan for a huge dividend. Apparently, they have nothing truly capital-intensive in the product pipeline” — Max Levchin

The quote “Saddened by Apple’s plan for a huge dividend. Apparently, they have nothing truly capital-intensive in the product pipeline” by Max Levchin is expressing disappointment in Apple’s decision to pay out a large portion of its profits to shareholders as dividends rather than investing more aggressively in research and development.

Levchin seems to be implying that if Apple had truly innovative new products in the works that required substantial funding to develop, it would make more sense to retain those earnings to fuel further innovation over the long run.

But since their “product pipeline” apparently lacks such capital-intensive projects, Apple appears content to reward investors financially through dividends rather than pouring resources into ambitious new technologies or initiatives according to Levchin’s view.

The quote suggests Apple may be prioritizing short-term returns over long-term growth and industry leadership through daring new products.

Saddened by Apple's plan for a huge dividend. Apparently, they have nothing truly capital-intensive in the product pipeline.

— Max Levchin (@mlevchin) March 19, 2012