Financial Analysis of Energy Companies

This assignment focuses on a comparative financial analysis of two Australian energy companies: Caltex Australia Limited and Origin Energy Limited. It requires students to analyze income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements for these companies over specific years (2013-2016). The analysis should include horizontal analysis techniques to identify trends and performance changes. Students are expected to present their findings in a clear and concise manner, drawing conclusions about the financial health and performance of each company.

Running head: ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
Accounting for Business
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author’s Note:
Course ID:

1ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
Executive Summary:
The current report aims to evaluate the financial statements of Caltex Australia Limited
with the help of horizontal and ratio analyses for three years ranging from 2014 to 2016. In order
to enhance the quality of analysis, Origin Energy Limited is chosen as the competitor to gain an
insight of the competitive position of Caltex Australia Limited in the Australian energy sector. It
could be stated that in terms of profitability, liquidity and rate of return, Caltex is enjoying
competitive advantage over Origin Energy in the Australian energy sector. In addition, based on
the Australian regulations, the company develops its ethical standards by conforming to a greater
degree of business risks. Thus, the investors are recommended to invest in the shares of Caltex
for maximising their overall return on investment.

2ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
Table of Contents
1. Introduction:................................................................................................................................3
2. Annual report analysis:................................................................................................................3
a. Profit and loss analysis:...........................................................................................................3
b. Balance sheet analysis:............................................................................................................5
c. Cash flow statement analysis:..................................................................................................6
3. Ratio analysis:..............................................................................................................................7
a. Profitability analysis:...............................................................................................................7
b. Efficiency analysis:..................................................................................................................9
c. Liquidity analysis:..................................................................................................................10
d. Rate of return:........................................................................................................................12
4. Corporate governance and ethical standard:..............................................................................14
a. Code of conduct:....................................................................................................................14
b. Approach of the manager to the risks:...................................................................................14
5. Conclusion:................................................................................................................................14
References and Bibliographies:.....................................................................................................16
Appendices:...................................................................................................................................18

3ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
1. Introduction:
The current report aims to evaluate the financial statements of Caltex Australia Limited
with the help of horizontal and ratio analyses for three years ranging from 2014 to 2016. In order
to enhance the quality of analysis, Origin Energy Limited is chosen as the competitor to gain an
insight of the competitive position of Caltex Australia Limited in the Australian energy sector.
The organisation is established in 1990 and it is headquartered at Sydney, Australia. The
organisation is involved in buying, refining, distributing and marketing of the petroleum goods in
Australia and Singapore. The main products of Caltex Australia Limited constitute of petrol,
diesel, auto gas, motor oil and lubricants along with convenience stores (Caltex 2018). Until
March 2015, Chevron was the owner of 50% shares of the organisation and the Australian
shareholders own the remaining 50%. However, after that period, Chevron sold its shares of the
organisation to the Australian shareholders.
2. Annual report analysis:
a. Profit and loss analysis:
In order to analyse the profit and loss position of Caltex Australia Limited, the horizontal
analysis of its income statements has been conducted and it is compared with that of Energy
Origin Limited (Refer to Appendices, Appendix 7 and Appendix 8).

4ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
% change
in 2015 % change
in 2016 % change
in 2015 % change
in 2016
Caltex Australia
Limited Origin Energy
Limited
-2000.00%
-1500.00%
-1000.00%
-500.00%
0.00%
500.00%
1000.00%
1500.00%
2000.00%
2500.00%
3000.00%
Percent change in gross profit,
operating expenses and net income
Gross profit
Total operating expenses
Net income
Figure 1: Percent change in gross profit, operating expenses and net income
(Source: Caltex 2018; Originenergy.com.au 2018)
According to the above figure, it could be stated that although gross margin of the
organisation increased by 43.95% in 2015; however, the decline is considerable in 2016 by -
962.27%. This is because the cost of goods sold of the organisation has increased considerably,
while it has failed to conduct adequate sales due to falling demand in the market (Alammar and
Kohn 2016). The trend is similar in case of Origin Energy Limited; however, it has positive gross
income over the years. On the other hand, the operating expenses of Origin Energy have
increased, while Caltex has experienced operating income in the form of other operating income.
Finally, the net income of Caltex has increased considerably over the three-year period, while the
situation is just reverse in case of Origin Energy due to greater operating costs. Hence, in terms
of profitability, Caltex is enjoying competitive advantage over Origin Energy in the Australian
energy sector.

5ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
b. Balance sheet analysis:
In order to analyse the financial position of Caltex Australia Limited, the horizontal
analysis of its balance sheet statements has been conducted and it is compared with that of
Energy Origin Limited (Refer to Appendices, Appendix 9 and Appendix 10).
% change
in 2015 % change
in 2016 % change
in 2015 % change
in 2016
Caltex Australia
Limited Origin Energy Limited
-40.00%
-30.00%
-20.00%
-10.00%
0.00%
10.00%
20.00%
Percent change in total assets, total
liabilities and total equity
Total assets
Total liabilities
Total Stockholders' equity
Figure 2: Percent change in total assets, total liabilities and total equity
(Source: Caltex 2018; Originenergy.com.au 2018)
In accordance with the above figure, it could be stated that the total asset base of Caltex
has fallen by 0.47% in 2016; however, it has increased by 3.88% in 2016. On the other hand, the
situation is just reverse for Origin Energy, in which the total assets have increased by 7.16% in
2015; however, it has fallen to 13.39% in 2016. In case of total liabilities and total equity, the
trend is just the opposite, as the investors are interested to invest in the shares of Origin Energy
due to higher returns on investment. Hence, in terms of financial position, Origin Energy is
slightly in a better position in the Australian energy sector in contrast to Caltex Australia
Limited.

6ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
c. Cash flow statement analysis:
In order to analyse the financial position of Caltex Australia Limited, the horizontal
analysis of its cash flow statements has been conducted and it is compared with that of Energy
Origin Limited (Refer to Appendices, Appendix 11 and Appendix 12).
Net cash
provided by
operating
activities
Net cash used
for investing
activities
Net cash
provided by
(used for)
financing
activities
Net change in
cash
-200.00%
-150.00%
-100.00%
-50.00%
0.00%
50.00%
100.00%
150.00%
200.00%
250.00%
300.00%
Percent change in items of cash flow statement
Caltex Australia Limited % change
in 2015
Caltex Australia Limited % change
in 2016
Origin Energy Limited % change in
2015
Origin Energy Limited % change in
2016
Figure 3: Percent change in the items of cash flow statement
(Source: Caltex 2018; Originenergy.com.au 2018)
According to the above figure, it could be stated that the operating cash flows have
experienced positive increase for Caltex Australia Limited, while the situation is just the opposite
for Origin Energy Limited. On the other hand, the investing cash flows for Caltex have declined
both in 2015 and in 2016, while in case of Origin Energy, the investing cash flows have
increased in 2015 followed by a decline in 2016. The situation is identical in case of financing

7ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
cash flows; however, the net cash at the end of the year 2016 has declined for both the
organisations. In this case, Caltex is in a better position, which denotes that Caltex is in a better
position in contrast to Origin Energy.
3. Ratio analysis:
a. Profitability analysis:
Particulars Details
Caltex Australia Limited Origin Energy Limited
2014 2015 2016 2014 2015 2016
Net profit A
2
0
52
2
61
0
53
0
(65
8)
(58
9)
Opening total
assets B
6,02
1
5,12
9
5,10
5
29,58
6
31,13
9
33,36
7
Closing total
assets C
5,12
9
5,10
5
5,30
3
31,13
9
33,36
7
28,89
8
Average total
assets
D=(B+C)/
2
5,57
5
5,11
7
5,20
4
30,36
3
32,25
3
31,13
3
Return on assets A/D 0.36% 10.20% 11.72% 1.75% -2.04% -1.89%
Table 1: Return on assets of Caltex Australia Limited and Origin Energy Limited for the
years 2014-2016
(Source: Caltex 2018; Originenergy.com.au 2018)

8ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
2014 2015 2016 2014 2015 2016
Caltex Australia Limited Origin Energy Limited
-4.00%
-2.00%
0.00%
2.00%
4.00%
6.00%
8.00%
10.00%
12.00%
14.00%
0.36%
10.20% 11.72%
1.75% -2.04% -1.89%
Return on assets
Figure 4: Return on assets of Caltex Australia Limited and Origin Energy Limited for the
years 2014-2016
(Source: Caltex 2018; Originenergy.com.au 2018)
The above figure clearly denotes that the return on assets for Caltex Australia Limited has
increased from 0.36% in 2014 to 10.20% in 2015 and it has increased further to 11.72% in 2016.
On the other hand, the ratio for Origin Energy Limited has declined from 1.75% in 2014 to -
2.04% in 2015; however, it has slightly increased to -1.89% in 2016. As commented by
Alstadsæter et al. (2016), the return on assets denotes the overall return that an organisation
earns by deploying its asset base. In this case, the ratio is greater for Caltex Australia Limited,
which signifies that it has deployed its assets for leasing resulting in greater returns. Thus, it
could be stated that Caltex is enjoying competitive supremacy over Origin Energy in the energy
sector of Australia in terms of profitability.
b. Efficiency analysis:
Particulars Details Caltex Australia Limited Origin Energy Limited

9ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
2014 2015 2016 2014 2015 2016
Cost of goods
sold A
22,73
0
18,03
8
31,88
0
10,81
1
8,40
6
8,96
4
Opening
inventory B
2,02
8
1,11
8
97
0
23
1
28
7
23
9
Closing
inventory C
1,11
8
97
0
1,08
1
28
7
23
9
24
8
Average
inventory
D=(B+C)/
2
1,57
3
1,04
4
1,02
6
25
9
26
3
243.5
0
Inventory
turnover (in
times) A/D 14.45 17.28 31.09 41.74 31.96 36.81
Table 2: Inventory turnover of Caltex Australia Limited and Origin Energy Limited for
the years 2014-2016
(Source: Caltex 2018; Originenergy.com.au 2018)

10ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
2014 2015 2016 2014 2015 2016
Caltex Australia Limited Origin Energy Limited
0.00
5.00
10.00
15.00
20.00
25.00
30.00
35.00
40.00
45.00
14.45 17.28
31.09
41.74
31.96 36.81
Inventory turnover (in times)
Figure 5: Inventory turnover of Caltex Australia Limited and Origin Energy Limited for
the years 2014-2016
(Source: Caltex 2018; Originenergy.com.au 2018)
In accordance with the above table, the inventory turnover of Caltex has increased from
14.45 times in 2014 to 17.28 times in 2015 and the trend is inherent further to 31.09 times in
2016. On the other hand, the inventory turnover for Origin Energy has fallen from 41.74 times
in 2014 to 31.96 in 2015; however, it has increased to 36.81 times in 2016. In the words of
Bodie, Kane and Marcus (2014), inventory turnover denotes the number of times a product is
manufactured and sold in the market. In this case, although there is decline in the ratio for Origin
Energy, it is still higher compared to Caltex. Thus, in terms of efficiency position, Origin Energy
is enjoying competitive supremacy over Caltex in the market.
c. Liquidity analysis:
Particulars Details
Caltex Australia Limited Origin Energy Limited
2014 2015 2016 2014 2015 2016

11ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
Current assets A
2,09
9
2,00
5
2,14
4
3,59
6
8,37
3
3,57
1
Current liabilities B
1,50
4
1,21
8
1,50
2
3,70
9
5,17
5
2,88
9
Current ratio A/B 1.40 1.65 1.43 0.97 1.62 1.24
Table 3: Current ratio of Caltex Australia Limited and Origin Energy Limited for the
years 2014-2016
(Source: Caltex 2018; Originenergy.com.au 2018)
2014 2015 2016 2014 2015 2016
Caltex Australia Limited Origin Energy Limited
0.00
0.20
0.40
0.60
0.80
1.00
1.20
1.40
1.60
1.80
1.40 1.65 1.43
0.97
1.62
1.24
Current ratio
Figure 6: Current ratio of Caltex Australia Limited and Origin Energy Limited for the
years 2014-2016
(Source: Caltex 2018; Originenergy.com.au 2018)

12ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
In accordance with the above table, the current ratio of Caltex has increased from 1.40 in
2014 to 1.65 in 2015; however, it has declined to 1.43 in 2016. On the other hand, the current
ratio for Origin Energy has increased from 0.97 in 2014 to 1.62 in 2015; however, it has declined
to 1.24 in 2016. As commented by Alem-Zadeh, Meeks and Meeks (2016), current ratio denotes
the ability of a firm to meet its current obligations with its short-term asset base. In this case, the
ratio is greater for Caltex Australia Limited, which signifies that it has deployed its assets for
leasing resulting in greater returns. Thus, it could be stated that Caltex is enjoying competitive
supremacy over Origin Energy in the energy sector of Australia in terms of liquidity.
d. Rate of return:
Particulars Details
Caltex Australia Limited Origin Energy Limited
2014 2015 2016 2014 2015 2016
Net profit A
2
0
52
2
61
0
53
0
(65
8)
(58
9)
Preferred dividend B - - - - - -
Weighted average
number of
outstanding shares C
27
0
27
0
26
3
1,25
9
1,26
5
1,57
8
Earnings per
share (A-B)/C
0.0
7
1.9
3
2.3
2
0.4
2
(0.5
2)
(0.3
7)
Table 4: Earnings per share of Caltex Australia Limited and Origin Energy Limited for the
years 2014-2016

13ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
(Source: Caltex 2018; Originenergy.com.au 2018)
2014 2015 2016 2014 2015 2016
Caltex Australia Limited Origin Energy Limited
-1.00
-0.50
-
0.50
1.00
1.50
2.00
2.50
0.07
1.93 2.32
0.42 -0.52 -0.37
Earnings per share
Figure 7: Earnings per share of Caltex Australia Limited and Origin Energy Limited for
the years 2014-2016
(Source: Caltex 2018; Originenergy.com.au 2018)
The above figure clearly denotes that the earnings per share for Caltex Australia Limited
have increased from 0.07 in 2014 to 1.93 in 2015 and it has increased further to 2.32 in 2016. On
the other hand, the ratio for Origin Energy Limited has declined from 0.42 in 2014 to -0.52 in
2015; however, it has slightly increased to -0.37 in 2016. In this case, the ratio is greater for
Caltex Australia Limited, which signifies that it has deployed its assets for leasing resulting in
greater returns. Thus, it could be stated that Caltex is enjoying competitive supremacy over
Origin Energy in the energy sector of Australia in terms of Caltex Australia Limited.

14ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
4. Corporate governance and ethical standard:
a. Code of conduct:
The main code of conduct for Caltex Australia Limited is depicted as follows:
 Based on the Australian regulations, the company develops its ethical standards by
conforming to a greater degree of business risks.
 Caltex provides identical employment opportunities to all its staffs irrespective of gender,
caste and religion.
 The organisation reports and records accurate information in its books of accounts for
providing effective information to the shareholders and other users of the financial
statements.
b. Approach of the manager to the risks:
In order to deal with various kinds of risks, the managers of Caltex undertakes the
following steps:
 Developing a mitigation strategy for the identified risk based on adequate market
research
 Creating a framework that helps in developing solutions to deal with the unanticipated
risks.
5. Conclusion:
Based on the above discussion, it could be stated that in terms of profitability, liquidity
and rate of return, Caltex is enjoying competitive advantage over Origin Energy in the Australian
energy sector. In addition, based on the Australian regulations, the company develops its ethical

15ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
standards by conforming to a greater degree of business risks. Thus, the investors are
recommended to invest in the shares of Caltex for maximising their overall return on investment.

16ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
References and Bibliographies:
Alammar, A. and Kohn, D., 2016. Proper Accounting is Vital for Sustainable Business Growth.
Alstadsæter, A., Jacob, M., Kopczuk, W. and Telle, K., 2016. Accounting for business income in
measuring top income shares: Integrated accrual approach using individual and firm data from
Norway (No. w22888). National Bureau of Economic Research.
Alem-Zadeh, A., Meeks, G. and Meeks, J.G., 2016. Historical perspectives on accounting for
M&A. Accounting and Business Research, 46(5), pp.501-524.
Bodie, Z., Kane, A. and Marcus, A.J., 2014. Investments, 10e. McGraw-Hill Education.
Bull, R.J., 2014. Accounting in business. Butterworth-Heinemann.
Caltex., 2018. Annual Reports & Reviews | Caltex Australia. [online] Available at:
https://www.caltex.com.au/our-company/investor-centre/annual-reports-and-reviews [Accessed
22 Jan. 2018].
Di Pietr, A., Art, S. and Ronen, J., 2015. Accounting and regulation. Springer.
Marley, S. and Pedersen, J., 2015. Accounting for Business: An Introduction. Pearson Higher
Education AU.
Nawaz, T., Nawaz, T., Haniffa, R. and Haniffa, R., 2017. Determinants of financial performance
of Islamic banks: An intellectual capital perspective. Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business
Research, 8(2), pp.130-142.
O'Connell, B., Carnegie, G., Carter, A., de Lange, P., Hancock, P., Helliar, C. and Watty, K.,
2015. Shaping the future of accounting in business education in Australia.

17ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
Originenergy.com.au., 2018. Reports & Presentations - Origin Energy. [online] Available at:
https://www.originenergy.com.au/about/investors-media/reports-and results.html?
page=1&tag=*&fromdate=&todate= [Accessed 22 Jan. 2018].
Rosacker, K.M. and Rosacker, R.E., 2016. An exploratory study of financial literacy training for
accounting and business majors. The International Journal of Management Education, 14(1),
pp.1-7.

18ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
Appendices:
Appendix 1: Income statement of Caltex Australia Limited for the years 2014-2016

19ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
Appendix 2: Balance sheet statement of Caltex Australia Limited for the years 2013-2016

20ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
Appendix 3: Cash flow statement of Caltex Australia Limited for the years 2014-2016

21ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
Appendix 4: Income statement of Origin Limited for the years 2014-2016

22ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
Appendix 5: Balance sheet statement of Origin Energy Limited for the years 2013-2016

23ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
Appendix 6: Cash flow statement of Energy Origin Limited for the years 2014-2016

24ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
Appendix 7: Horizontal analysis of the income statement of Caltex Australia Limited for the
years 2014-2016

25ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
Appendix 8: Horizontal analysis of the income statement of Origin Energy Limited for the
years 2014-2016

26ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
Appendix 9: Horizontal analysis of the balance sheet statement of Caltex Australia Limited for
the years 2013-2016

27ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
Appendix 10: Horizontal analysis of the balance sheet statement of Origin Energy Limited for
the years 2013-2016

28ACCOUNTING FOR BUSINESS
Appendix 11: Horizontal analysis of the cash flow statement of Caltex Australia Limited for
the years 2014-2016