The Linde Group - Resources

Afternoon all,

Today I embarked on the journey to find resources in regards to The Linde Group, specifically the opportunities and challenges the firm is facing. Immediately I stumbled upon the following resources.

It is evident that the firm is going forward with its  zero-emissions mobility research. The article located here is just one example: Linde Group introduces the fuel cell powered bicycle. It is evident that there is still many opportunities within the chemical industry as every company is searching for a 'cleaner & greener' approach to running a business. 

The company is also doing exceptionally well in terms of revenues and earnings: The article is located here: Linde reveals interim report, continued growth in Gases Division amidst increased revenues and earnings

The Linde Group also provides interesting YouTube videos on various topics which are located here: The Linde Group | Video Library

When looking into the chemical sector, in particular the gas industry, I found the following article that I found to be particularly in depth in regards to the Chemical Industry, it can be located here: The Chemical Industry in an on Demand World 

This article states that in addition to the normal business threats, industry consolidation, regulatory compliance and globalisation, that it also faces threats via the technological advancements, health, safety & privacy issues and the increasing demand of customers, it results in a volatile market for chemical companies.

Overall it appears that within the industry there is a balance of opportunities and threats to the sector. However, if companies, such as The Linde Group, apply an effective strategy that works towards more environmental friendly products and services, the opportunities will outweigh the threats. 

Hope you're all enjoying the term, I most definitely am loving this subject! Look forward to reading about more of your companies.

Thanks for reading,
Mia

The Linde Group - Initial Thoughts

Good evening readers, 

The company I have been allocated is 'The Linde Group'. I thought I would share with you my initial insights on the companies' website. Through a quick skim of the website I can provide a brief synopsis of the companies' operations and activities. The Linde Group is a German company, that is the world leading supplier of industrial, process and specialty gases.  It is one of the most profitable engineering companies, with products and services found in nearly every industry. The company spans over 100 countries, with 65,000 employees. Overall, this is not a small company I have been given. 

The website itself is user friendly, easy to navigate (especially when finding the 'Investor Relations' section) and has a concise domain. 

The link below will direct you on where to find the annual reports for each year, The Linde Group Annual Reports are at 31 December each year: 
Financial Publications Archive

Some questions that formed whilst reading the 2014 Annual Report were: 

• What is EBIT?
• What is the profit to attributable non-controlling interest mean?
• What is the other comprehensive income statement really telling me? 
• Why is this so long?

It appeared to me that for the 2014 year, the company had wanted to keep tackling the 'cleaner energy' challenge by continuing research on hydrogen as zero-emissions method of transport, this was a challenge and a critical area to the company in my eyes. As a result, the 2014 year spent €106 million, on research and development. An increase from the 2013 year where €92 million was spent.   

The group has put an apparent strategy in place that covers the following aspects: becoming a world leader in key financial figures and market reputation, using an earnings-based growth, sustainability through clean energy, high performance organisation and the setting of measurable medium-term targets.

The key things, in regards to figures, I noted were:

• An increase in revenue since 2013.
• An increase in cost of sales since 2013.
• Gross profit, and overall profit was higher in 2013.
• There was an increase in current & non-current liabilities and assets, as well as an increase in equity since 2013.  

In conclusion, I am feeling okay about the company I have been given. Many people who have completed this assignment said it was easy for them because they had an Australian company. Although, I am more daunted by it because of the product and service the company provides as I have limited to no knowledge about 'gases'.

Hope to start reading about all of your companies and thoughts in regards to your allocated company. 

Thanks for reading everyone,
Mia

A Welcome Message ♡

Good afternoon to all those involved in ACCT11059 - Using Accounting for Decision Making,

Welcome to my blog! Interesting fact, this is not my first blog, once upon a time when spare time existed I ran a blog called Youthful Minimalist. If you're more in finding out more about me, read the 'About Me' section of my blog.

My initial thoughts on this subject (yes, I know it's only day three!) is that the course coordinators, past and present, have created wonderful pieces of assessment for this subject. I am just short of a third of the way through my degree (Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Accounting), and this by far has already been the most addictive subject. 

PeerWise. Is. Addictive. 

Perhaps it's the competitive side to me that enjoys scrolling through the leader boards, or maybe it's just such a different approach to learning! Nevertheless, if you haven't got onto PeerWise, it's definitely something I suggest! It's an easy (and fun) 5 marks.  

I'm looking forward to receiving my company on Monday, as am I also looking forward to hearing from all of you.

Many thanks,
Mia!