Key figures
Revenue: +5.9%
Net profit: +5.3%
Operating margin: 16.6%
excluding natural gas effect
Cash flow: +6.0%

Highlights

• Geographic Expansion: new contracts in Mexico, start-up of new production units in Russia, expansion in South Africa.
  
• Acquisitions in process: LVL Médical and Gasmedi, major players in Home Healthcare in France and in Spain.
  
• Electronics: signing of several contracts with next generation flat screen manufacturers.
  
• Hydrogen: investments for chemicals (Germany and China), and in 10 hydrogen distribution stations for mobility (Germany).
  
•  Investments up, particularly in the energy sector.

Air Liquide’s Board of Directors, which met on July 27, 2012, reviewed the consolidated accounts at June 30, 2012.

1st half 2012 Group revenue was €7,533 million, up +5.9% on a reported basis versus 1st half 2011. In Gas & Services, revenue reached €6,837 million, up +5.6% on a reported basis. On a comparable growth basis, the momentum in most developing economies (+10%), especially Central and Eastern Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East, compensates for the weaker level of activity reported in advanced economies (+1%). North America, where industry is benefitting from low natural gas prices, shows a growth rate of +6%. Asia is still affected by lower Equipment and Installation sales to the Electronics sector versus 2011.
 
Operating Income Recurring is up +4.4% at €1,244 million. The operating margin adjusted for the effect of natural gas was 16.6%, helped by efficiency gains which reached €126 million in the 1st half, and by generally solid pricing in an environment which remains inflationary. Net profit Group share stands at €790 million, up +5.3% versus 1st half 2011.

Cash flow at € 1,422 million shows a further increase of +6%. The portfolio of opportunities is still at a high level at more than €4 billion while investment decisions show a significant increase (+18%) compared to 1st half 2011.

Benoît Potier, Chairman and CEO of the Air Liquide Group, stated: “In the first half of 2012, activity levels reflect the caution of many of our customers around the world, in the context of an economic environment which is still affected by the sovereign debt crisis in Europe and by further slackening of global growth. Yet, the Group has delivered once again a solid performance which will be enhanced in the second half by a large number of plant start ups. Competitiveness and development initiatives defined in the ALMA program thus continue to bear fruit. Medium term, growth initiatives as well as the seizing of acquisition opportunities demonstrate our Group’s ability to constantly adapt its actions in the pursuit of growth over the long term. Therefore the Group has decided € 1.2 billion in new investments during the first 6 months of 2012. Finally, the exceptional level of the Engineering and Construction order intake and a 12-month portfolio of opportunities which is at its highest level strengthen our confidence in the long term. In this context, the Group has delivered a satisfying first half and barring a major economic downturn, Air Liquide continues to aim for growth in net profit in 2012.”

• Geographic Expansion: new contracts in Mexico, start-up of new production units in Russia, expansion in South Africa

• Acquisitions in process: LVL Médical and Gasmedi, major players in Home Healthcare in France and in Spain

• Electronics: signing of several contracts with next generation flat screen manufacturers

• Hydrogen: investments for chemicals (Germany and China), and in 10 hydrogen distribution stations for mobility (Germany)

• Investments up, particularly in the energy sector

Key 1st half 2012 figures:

 * on a comparable basis: excluding impact of currency, natural gas and significant perimeter

** after adjustment for the free share allocation on May 31, 2012

Limited review procedures have been completed in relation to the consolidated interim financial statements, and an unqualified review report is in the process of being issued by the statutory auditors.