Money Buzz! Europa

Category: Cover

  • Taiwan will become the second largest producer of surgical masks

    Taiwan will become the second largest producer of surgical masks

    Facing a worldwide supply shortage of surgical masks during the global COVID-19 outbreak, the Taiwanese government is fast collaborating with 30 brilliant Taiwanese smart-machinery and automation companies as a “national team.”

    The national team has effectively reduced the production cycle of mask equipment from two months to one week and will increase mask production to meet demand domestically. In the process, Taiwan will become the second largest producer of surgical masks in the world.

    Taiwan is the seventh largest machine tool manufacturer and the fourth largest machine tool exporter in the world. Taiwan’s machine tool industry has effectively scaled up, creating 60 production lines from six months to a single month, and it is poised to boost daily mask production from 4 million to 10 million pieces by the end of February to early March.

    The team comprises about 30 top companies in the machinery sector in Taiwan, including AWEA, YCM, SEYI, KAO MING, CAMPRO, CHMER, HABOR, HIWIN, TONGTAI and more, which collaborated with Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builder’s Association, Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Metal Industries Research and Development Center (MIRDC) and Precision Machinery Research and Development Center (PMC).

    Taiwan’s machinery clusters are the key factor

    With its crucial role in the global machine tool industry, Taiwan’s machinery clusters are a key factor. Based in Taichung, with over 1,500 machine tool makers and 10,000 satellite firms nearby, clusters enable flexible production, expertise sharing and shot lead times.

    Such comprehensive and high-density clusters also make Taiwan’s machine tools industries highly competitive and customer-oriented, offering high-quality products through efficient and cost-effective operations.

    In recent years, a growing number of machine manufacturers are making the leap to smart machinery production. Using a combination of automation technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial in intelligence (AI)., Taiwan’s extensive experience and expertise in these sectors are in the of aerospace, car manufacturing and automotive component industries.

  • In 2019, bet-at-home.com at the highest betting and gaming volume in history

    In 2019, bet-at-home.com at the highest betting and gaming volume in history

    • bet-at-home.com gross betting and gaming revenue of EUR 143.3 million at previous year’s level;
    • EBITDA in financial year 2019 at EUR 35.2 million;
    • Cash and short-term time deposits at EUR 54.8 million.

    In financial year 2019, the bet-at-home.com AG group achieved the highest betting and gaming volume in the company’s history with more than 3.2 billion euros. Gross betting and gaming revenue reached EUR 143.3 million, almost exactly the same as the previous year (FY 2018: EUR 143.4 million).

    Betting fees and gaming levies in the financial year 2019 were slightly below the level of the previous year at EUR 20.9 million (FY 2018: EUR 21.0 million). VAT on electronic services resulted in a burden on earnings of EUR 4.9 million in the financial year 2019 (FY 2018: EUR 7.3 million).

    Accordingly, the net betting and gaming revenue increased by 2.0% to EUR 117.5 million (FY 2018: EUR 115.1 million).

    Earnings development in the financial year 2019

    In financial year 2019, EBITDA was EUR 35.2 million, EUR 1.0 million below the reference value of the same period in the previous year (FY 2018: EUR 36.2 million). Earnings before taxes (EBT) in financial year 2019 reached EUR 33.1 million (FY 2018: EUR 35.0 million).

    As a result of a fiscal tax audit, corporate tax back payments in Austria from changes in group transfer pricing and, correspondingly, corporate tax reclaims in Malta resulted in a net additional charge of EUR 13.9 million in income taxes in the financial year 2019.

    This burden resulted in a group tax rate of 45.7% (FY 2018: 6.8%). The group tax rate for the financial year 2019, adjusted for one-time effects from the fiscal tax audit, is 18.2%.

    Overall, the consolidated profit for the period in the financial year 2019 was EUR 18.0 million (FY 2018: EUR 32.6 million).

    Dividend proposal

    Management Board and Supervisory Board will propose a dividend of EUR 2.00 per share to the Annual General Meeting on 20 May 2020.

    This proposed resolution corresponds to a dividend yield of 3.78% based on the 2019 year-end share price. The total dividend amounts to EUR 14.0 million.

  • Coca-Cola spent $4.24bn for advertising in 2019, $20bn in the last 5 years

    Coca-Cola spent $4.24bn for advertising in 2019, $20bn in the last 5 years

    • Data gathered by Learnbonds.com indicates that Coca-Cola spent a staggering $4.24 billion in 2019 for advertising and marketing.
    • Furthermore, the giant beverage manufacturer has utilized about $20 billion in advertising in the last five years.

    On average, Coca-Cola has spent an average of $4 billion in advertising over the last six years. In 2018, the company spent $4.11 billion on advertising, an increase of 3.6% from the $3.96 billion spent in 2017. In 2016 the company spent $4 billion on global advertising.

    In 2015, the Coca-Cola advertising budget was $3.98 billion while in 2014 it was $3.5 billion used the previous year. According to the report:

    Coca-Cola’s advertising campaigns boost net income by 7.9%

    Coca-Cola’s high advertising budget is reflected in its net operating income and operating income. In 2019, the firm had a net income of $37.6 billion with $10.08 billion in operating income. The net income was an increase of 7.9% from $34.3 billion recorded in 2018.

    Over the years, the company has registered an impressive net operating income with the highest figure recorded in 2012 at  $48.01 billion. The lowest net operating income was in 2009 with $30.99 billion.

    In general, between 2009 and 2019, Coca-Cola net operating income of $447.45 billion with an operating incoming of $101.87 billion.

    At the same time, Coca-Cola’s number of employees reduced from 2013 to 2018. The company had employed 130,600 employees in 2013. By December 31, 2013, the employees were 62,600. This was a decline of 52%.

    Over the last ten years, the highest employee number at Coca-Cola was 150,900 in 2012.

    The product range of Coca-Cola comprises non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks, bottled water, sports drinks, and energy drinks.

  • Top 10 richest people worth more than bottom 85 poorest countries GDP

    Top 10 richest people worth more than bottom 85 poorest countries GDP

    • Data gathered and calculated by Learnbonds.com indicates that the world’s top ten richest people have a combined wealth more than the bottom 85 poorest countries based on GDP.
    • According to the data, the top ten richest people have a cumulative wealth of $858.1 billion while the 85 countries have a combined GDP of $813.5 billion.
    • Top 10 richest people have more wealth than Saudi Arabia’s GDP.

    The list is mainly dominated by American billionaires. From the data, the world’s richest people’s cumulative wealth also surpasses the GDP of various countries considered to be economic powerhouses.

    For example, despite being one of the leading global oil producers, Saudi Arabia’s GDP is slightly lower than the cumulative wealth of the top ten wealthy people. The Middle East country has a GDP of $779.29 billion, to occupy the 18th position globally.

    At the same time, the cumulative wealth of the top richest people is almost twice the GDP of Iran ($458.5 billion) while it’s more than Belgium’s GDP of $517,609.

    Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is the richest person in the world with a networth of $123.50 billion. His fortune is slightly above Morocco’s GDP which stands at $119,04 billion.

    Bill Gates is the second richest person in the world with a net worth of $112.60 billion ranking him higher than 127 bottom countries in terms of GDP.

    Other global billionaires include Bernard Arnault & family ($108 billion), Warren Buffet ($90.40 billion), Amancio Ortega ($78.10 billion), Mark Zuckerberg ($78.10 billion),  Larry ($68.50 billion), Carlos Slim Helu, ($66 billion), Larry Page ($65.90 billion) and Steve Ballmer ($65.20 billion).

  • Ryanair reveals top 10 most popular proposal spots in Europe

    Ryanair reveals top 10 most popular proposal spots in Europe

    Ryanair revealed that London Eye is the most popular marriage proposal location in Europe. The iconic observation wheel with 360-degree views over the UK’s capital, topped Ryanair’s list of „The 10 Most Popular Proposal Spots in Europe” – voted by over 5,000 of Ryanair’s customers in the lead up to St. Valentine’s Day.

    Juliet’s Balcony in Verona, home of Shakespeare’s tragic love story, took 2nd place while Seville’s Plaza De España, where movies such as Star Wars and Lawrence of Arabia were shot, took 3rd place in the list of most popular spots in Europe to pop the question.

    The list featured some old favourite spots such as the Eiffel Tower and the Spanish Steps in Rome but also some new and emerging locations such as Germany’s Schwerin Castle and the Charles Bridge in Prague.

    RYANAIR’S TOP 10 PROPOSAL SPOT’S
    The London Eye, London, UK
    Juliet’s Balcony, Verona, Italy 
    Plaza de España, Seville, Spain
    Schwerin Castle, Schwerin, Germany 
    Eiffel Tower, Paris, France
    Oia, Santorini, Greece
    Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic
    The Canals of Venice, Venice, Italy 
    The Spanish Steps, Rome, Italy
    Cliffs of Moher, Clare, Ireland

    Ryanair’s Alejandra Ruiz said: ”With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, we asked our customers across Europe to choose the most romantic proposal spot in Europe and we are pleased to reveal the London Eye as Europe’s No. “Eye do” hotspot! Our list of the 10 most popular proposal spots features castles, cliffs and even some clichés so there’s plenty of inspiration for a proposal popping weekend getaway!”

  • Fisker Ocean to make it’s European debut at Geneva Motor Show

    Fisker Ocean to make it’s European debut at Geneva Motor Show

    • Fisker Ocean will make its European debut at Geneva International Motor Show on 3 March;
    • Thousands of reservations have been made worldwide via Fisker’s proprietary FLEXEE mobile app, downloadable from the App or Google Play stores;
    • First road test footage to be released in the coming weeks;
    • High-performance model is projected to deliver zero-to-60 mph in 2.9 seconds. 

    Fisker Inc., designer and manufacturer of eco-friendly electric vehicles and advanced mobility solutions, will debut the Fisker Ocean in Europe at Geneva International Motor Show on 3 March 2020.

    Production is projected to begin in Q4 2021, with high-volume deliveries of the Fisker Ocean targeted to ramp up in 2022. Global and localized supply chains secured across the U.S., Europe and China will result in more than 1 million vehicles projected to be produced between 2022 and 2027.

    How Fisker Ocean’s SUV looks

    At 4,640 millimeters (182.7 inches) in length, 1,930 millimeters (76 inches) in width and 1,615 millimeters (63.6 inches) in height, the all-electric SUV offers a spacious environment for both front and rear passengers. With thoughtful design touches, new spaces are created for five adults to sit comfortably – even during the longest of rides.

    With 566 liters (20 cubic feet) of trunk space, the vehicle presents practicality and utility. The space increases to 708 liters (25 cubic feet) with the parcel shelf removed, expanding to 1,274 liters (45 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded. The Fisker Ocean will come with roof rails and towing hook options. Towing capacity will be released in 2021.

    The base model will feature stylishly designed 20-inch wheels, with 22-inch wheel options for an even larger presence on and off the road.

    The Fisker Ocean will be offered in a four-wheel drive configuration on all trims except for the base model – reflecting the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. The standard four-wheel drive configuration will deliver an output of more than 225 kilowatts (more than 300 horsepower), with an ultra-high-performance version targeting zero-to -60 mph in less than three seconds (total power output to be announced in 2021).

  • Fuckup Nights Bucharest, vol II, on November 28

    On November 28, 2019 will take place the second edition of Fuckup Nights Bucharest, part of the series of events that are organized globally, dedicated to life lessons learned from professional failures. Two entrepreneurs, two corporatepeople and three professionals from sports, science, respectively entertainment areas enter in the arena of Fuckup Nights Bucharest vol II.

    These are: Andrei Gligor – Ultra runner; Florin Petolea – Director of Network and Access Implementation, Telekom Romania; Dumitru-Dorin Prunariu – The only Romanian who’s been in space; Andreea Ioniță – Deputy General Manager and Strategy Markets and Digitalization Director, E.ON Romania; Manuela Ciugudean – Entrepreneur, founder of “Penguins”, career and life coach, strategist on building personal brands; Andrei Dudoiu – Entrepreneur, founder of Human Finance, former Deputy General Manager Banca Transilvania; George Bonea – Demotivational Speaker.

    Moderator is Adrian Seceleanu, journalist at Ziarul Financiar. Each of them will give a presentation of approximately 10 minutes about the professional obstacles they have faced and how they have overcome them.

    “The Fuckup Nights concept is based on the belief that conducting difficult conversations is a step towards creating a less ego-oriented world. We learn more from failure than from success stories. And these events celebrate our attempts and do not stigmatize failure, they are FUN and a direct way to get in touch with experienced professionals,” said Diana Iosu, Project Lead at Fuckup Nights Bucharest.

    Fuckup Nights in over 300 cities

    The events now take place in over 300 cities in approximately 90 countries worldwide, and in Romania are organized independently in 4 other cities (Cluj, Iasi, Oradea and Timisoara). Speakers from different areas of interest (business, culture, entertainment, sports, etc.) are invited to each edition.

    The ones who presented their professional experiences at the first edition were Mihai Rotaru – Founder of Clever Taxi, Ionuț Stanimir – Marketing and Communication Director of BCR, Dani Oțil – the well-known presenter of the morning of Antena 1, and Irina Margareta Nistor – the most beloved film critic from Romania.

  • How much it costs to drop your loved ones off at the airport

    Dropping your loved ones off at the airport for a farewell can often be upsetting at the best of times, but when you are charged for the goodbye, it is certainly heartbreaking. 

    Major airports around the world charge a pretty-penny for dropping off passengers, with some airports charging almost €7 for a brief 5 minutes, and over €50 for 30 mins.

    Globehunters team have found the „Kiss & Fly” drop off rates for Europe’s most popular airports, helping travellers enjoy a parting kiss with no unwelcome surprises.

    5 Cheapest European Airport „Kiss & Fly” Rates (10 mins)

    • Minsk National Airport – €0.43
    • Seville – €0.63
    • Geneva – €0.90
    • Helsinki – €1.00
    • Amsterdam Airport Schiphol – €1.00

    5 Most Expensive European Airport „Kiss & Fly” Rates (10 mins)

    • Warsaw  – €6.99
    • Henri Coandă International Airport, Bucharest- €6.33
    • Bergen Airport, Flesland – €5.16
    • Bilbao – €5.00
    • Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport – €4.90

    There are 58 European airports which provide 5 minutes completely free, 27 which provide 15 minutes free and 3 which provide 30 minutes free.

    The most expensive European airport for 30 mins is Brussels Airport with a charge of €49.95. In second place is London Stansted Airport with a charge of €27.75.