Regulatory News:
Air Liquide (Paris:AI):
Key Figures
(in millions of euros)
Q1 2023
2023/2022 as published
2023/2022
comparable(a)
Group Revenue
7,174
+4.2%
+6.2%
of which Gas & Services
6,893
+4.6%
+6.7%
of which Engineering &
Construction
87
-19.0%
-18.6%
of which Global Markets &
Technologies
194
+2.4%
+2.8%
(a) Change excluding the currency, energy (natural gas and
electricity) and significant scope impacts, see reconciliation in
appendix.
Commenting on sales in the first quarter of 2023, François
Jackow, Chief Executive Officer of the Air Liquide Group,
stated:
“Air Liquide started 2023 with a very solid performance. In the
first quarter, growth was higher than in the fourth quarter and its
investment momentum remained strong.
Group sales increased by +6.2% on a comparable basis,
after growth of +4.5% in the fourth quarter. As published, sales
were up by +4.2% year-over-year, integrating in particular the
decline in energy prices, whose variations are passed on to Large
Industries customers. Revenue reached 7.2 billion euros,
including 6.9 billion euros for the Gas & Services
business.
The Gas & Services business, which represents 96% of
the Group’s revenue, was up +6.7% on a comparable basis and
that of Global Markets & Technologies was up +2.8%, with
divestitures impacting growth this quarter. Sales to third-party
Engineering & Construction customers decreased by
-18.6%; the outlook remaining solid with a high level of internal
and external order intake.
Within Gas & Services, all our geographies posted comparable
growth, in particular the Americas. By business line, Industrial
Merchant and Electronics remained on a strong upward
trend; growth in Healthcare accelerated and Large
Industries recovered compared to the fourth quarter in a more
favorable energy price environment in Europe.
In line with the priorities of its strategic plan,
ADVANCE, Air Liquide continued to improve its operational
performance. The Group generated significant efficiencies of 91
million euros, up +18.1% year-over-year despite an inflationary
environment unfavorable to savings on purchases, and continued
dynamic management of its business portfolio. The Group’s ability
to create value allows it to adjust its prices in Industrial
Merchant (+13%) while preserving sales volumes. The cashflow
progressed by +14.3% in the first quarter.
Investment decisions amounted to close to 800 million
euros. 12-month investment opportunities continued to
rise, reaching 3.4 billion euros. More than 40% of these
opportunities are related to the energy transition, with in
particular decarbonization projects in the United States.
In 2023, the Group will continue deployment of its ADVANCE
strategic plan. Air Liquide is confident in its ability to further
increase its operating margin and to deliver recurring net profit
growth, at constant exchange rates(1)."
(1) Operating margin excluding energy passthrough impact. Net
profit recurring excluding exceptional and significant transactions
that have no impact on the operating income recurring.
Highlights of the 1st quarter
2023
- Sustainable development
- Signature by Air Liquide and Sasol
of Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) to secure a total capacity of
480 MW of renewable power to supply Sasol’s Secunda site, in
South Africa, where Air Liquide operates the biggest oxygen
production site in the world. For Air Liquide, this will
represent an annual reduction in its CO2 emissions of more than
850,000 tonnes that will notably contribute to the targeted
reduction by 30% to 40% of the CO2 emissions associated with oxygen
production by 2031.
- Appointment of Diana Schillag,
member of the Executive Committee in charge of Healthcare
activities, Group Procurement and Efficiency Programs, as Head of
Sustainable Development and the Group’s Societal Programs,
including the Air Liquide Foundation in addition to her current
role. Diana Schillag will take up her new responsibilities on May
4, the day after the Group General Meeting, replacing Fabienne
Lecorvaisier, who will leave the Group on that date to focus on
non-executive mandates.
- Annual publication of the Air Liquide
Sustainability Report, highlighting progress in this area as
well as additional objectives, in particular for scope 3 and
biodiversity.
- Inclusion in the Dow Jones Sustainability
Europe Index, an index established by S&P Global that assesses
the progress of companies in terms of sustainable development.
- Hydrogen
- Decision with TotalEnergies to create
a 50/50 joint venture to develop a network of more than 100
hydrogen refueling stations for trucks on major European
highways. This initiative will facilitate access to hydrogen,
making it possible to develop its use in the transportation of
goods and contribute to strengthening the hydrogen sector.
- Selection of Air Liquide’s autothermal
reforming (ATR) technology for a demonstration project, owned and
operated by INPEX CORPORATION, for the large-scale production of
hydrogen and low-carbon ammonia, a first in Japan.
- Launch of a project for an innovative
industrial-scale ammonia cracking pilot plant in the port of
Antwerp, Belgium. Transformed into ammonia, hydrogen can be
easily transported over long distances. Equipped with innovative
technology, this unit will enable the conversion of ammonia into
hydrogen (H2), with an optimized carbon footprint.
- Industry & Decarbonization
- Investment of around 60 million
euros to modernize two Air Separation Units (ASU) operated by
Air Liquide in the Tianjin industrial area, China, as
part of the renewal of a long-term contract with YLC, a
subsidiary of the Bohua group. The electrification of these two
ASUs will prevent the emission of 370,000 tonnes of CO2 per year,
which is comparable to the emissions related to the electricity
consumption of more than one million Chinese households.
- Decarbonization and reduction of
energy consumption: as part of a long-term contract,
implementation of an innovative solution to support the conversion
of the Verallia plant in Pescia, Italy, from traditional combustion
to optimized oxycombustion on the occasion of the
construction of a new glass furnace on the site.
- Announcement of the signature of 52
new long-term contracts for on-site production in its Industrial
Merchant business line in 2022, following a record number of 48
new contracts in 2021 and continuous progress for more than five
years.
- Corporate
- Early bond redemption, for a total of
382 million US dollars, at the end of a Tender Offering process
for two series of US dollar bonds maturing in 2026 for the first
and 2046 for the second. This transaction enables the Group to
reinforce its financing structure.
Group revenue totaled 7,174 million euros in the
1st quarter of 2023, up a strong +6.2% on a comparable
basis. As published Group sales were up +4.2% with an
energy impact (-2.0%) negative for the first time in 2 years and
neutral currency (-0.1%) and significant scope (+0.1%) impacts.
Gas & Services revenue reached 6,893 million
euros, up sharply by +6.7% on a comparable basis. As
published revenue for Gas & Services were up
+4.6% in the 1st quarter of 2023, with a negative energy
impact of -2.1% and neutral currency (-0.1%) and significant scope
(+0.1%) impacts.
- Gas & Services revenue in the Americas region
totaled 2,629 million euros in the 1st quarter of
2023, showing a dynamic comparable growth of +9.2%.
Industrial Merchant sales were up sharply by +13.2%, supported by
price increases that remained high (+9.9%) and volumes which are
back to positive. The increase in prices in proximity care in the
United States and the dynamism of Home Healthcare in Canada were
the main contributors to the strong growth in Healthcare revenue
(+11.2%). Large Industries sales were down -3.0% impacted by
customer turnarounds. Lastly, Electronics sales remained stable
(-1.0%) this quarter, with no new unit start-ups.
- Revenue in Europe was up +5.5% during the 1st
quarter of 2023 and reached 2,639 million euros. In
Industrial Merchant, the strong increase in sales of +22.1%
benefited from price increases that remained very high at +21.8%.
Healthcare sales were up +5.7%, driven by strong development of
diabetes treatment in Home Healthcare and higher medical gas prices
in response to inflation. Strongly impacted by high energy prices
in the 2nd half of 2022, activity in Large Industries saw a rebound
in the 1st quarter of 2023: lower energy prices supported sales
down by -4.1%, a sharp upturn following a -18% decline in the 4th
quarter of 2022.
- Sales in Asia-Pacific were up +4.8% on a
comparable basis in the 1st quarter of 2023 and amounted to
1,385 million euros. They were supported by price
increases of +9.9% in Industrial Merchant, leading to sales rising
by +11.0%, and by the continued strong growth in revenue in the
Electronics business (+10.5%). In Large Industries, sales were down
by -5.1%, impacted in particular by weak demand and customer
turnarounds.
- Revenue in the Middle East and Africa reached 240
million euros, up +4.6%. Industrial Merchant sales were
down slightly, impacted by divestitures in the Middle East in 2022.
Large Industries revenue grew strongly in Egypt and South Africa.
The Home Healthcare business also posted strong growth.
While the dynamism of the Industrial Merchant and Electronics
activities continued in the 1st quarter of 2023, Healthcare became
the 3rd growth driver. Industrial Merchant revenue continued
to grow strongly (+14.8%), supported by a high price effect
of +12.9% and growing volumes. Large Industries sales, down
-3.6% in a context of weak demand, showed a strong
sequential improvement linked to the recovery of activity in Europe
in a more favorable environment of reduced energy prices.
Electronics revenue posted dynamic growth (+10.4%),
driven in particular by the ramp-up of carrier gas units, dynamic
growth in sales of specialty materials, and strong Equipment &
Installations sales in all regions. Lastly, Healthcare
revenue growth accelerated (+7.7%) in the 1st quarter, due
especially to the increase in medical gas prices in an inflationary
context and the dynamism of Home Healthcare, particularly in Europe
and Canada.
Consolidated revenue from Engineering & Construction
totaled 87 million euros in the 1st quarter of 2023, down
-18.6% compared to the high sales in the 1st quarter of
2022. Order intake amounted to 366 million euros, up sharply
(+39%) compared to the 1st quarter of 2022.
Sales in Global Markets & Technologies totaled 194
million euros in the 1st quarter, up +2.8%. Organic
growth reached +16.0%, excluding the divestiture of the
biogas distribution for mobility and the manufacture of small-scale
cryogenic vessels businesses. Order intake for Group projects and
third-party customers amounted to 240 million euros, up +12%
compared to 2022.
In the 1st quarter of 2023, industrial and financial
investment decisions amounted to 0.8 billion
euros. The investment backlog stood at a very high
level of 3.5 billion euros, stable compared to the 4th
quarter of 2022.
The additional contribution to sales of unit start-ups
and ramp-ups totaled 66 million euros in the 1st quarter of
2023. Over the year, it is expected to be between 300 and 330
million euros.
The 12-month portfolio of investment opportunities
increased to the high level of 3.4 billion euros at the end
of March.
In an inflationary environment, the price effect in the
Industrial Merchant activity remained very high, in the 1st
quarter of 2023, at +12.9%. Efficiencies(1) reached
91 million euros, up +18.1% compared to the 1st
quarter of 2022. Portfolio management continued in the 1st
quarter with 2 acquisitions in Industrial Merchant in the
United States and Italy, and the divestiture of Large Industries
activities in Trinidad and Tobago.
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in net
working capital amounted to 1,600 million euros, up
sharply by +14.3% compared to the 1st quarter of 2022 and by
+12.3% excluding currency impact and an exceptional
indemnity payment received in the 1st quarter. In particular, cash
flow from operating activities ensures the financing of
industrial investments, which amounted to 815 million
euros.
In the 1st quarter of 2023, the Group was active in the field of
energy transition in order to reduce CO2 emissions from
its own assets and those of its customers. It includes in
particular the electrification of several ASUs in China, the
signing of major renewable energy power purchase agreements
in South Africa and the implementation of an oxy-combustion
solution for a customer in the glass industry. In addition, the
Group announced 2 projects in the hydrogen value chain:
upstream, the construction of an industrial-scale pilot ammonia
cracking unit, and downstream, the creation of a joint venture
with TotalEnergies to develop a network of hydrogen stations
in Europe. Finally, an additional “scope 3” objective and
new biodiversity commitments were also announced in the 1st
quarter.
Analysis of 1st quarter 2023 revenue
Unless otherwise stated, all variations in revenue outlined
below are on a comparable basis, excluding currency, energy
(natural gas and electricity) and significant scope impacts.
REVENUE
Revenue
(in millions of euros)
Q1 2022
Q1 2023
2023/2022 published
change
2023/2022 comparable
change
Gas & Services
6,590
6,893
+4.6%
+6.7%
Engineering & Construction
108
87
-19.0%
-18.6%
Global Markets & Technologies
189
194
+2.4%
+2.8%
TOTAL REVENUE
6,887
7,174
+4.2%
+6.2%
Group
Group revenue totaled 7,174 million euros in the
1st quarter of 2023, up a strong +6.2% on a comparable
basis. Global Markets & Technologies sales were up
+2.8% and showed an organic growth of +16.0%, excluding the
impact of divestitures. Engineering & Construction
revenue was down -18.6% compared to a high level in the 1st
quarter of 2022. As published Group sales were up
+4.2% with an energy impact (-2.0%) negative for the first
time in 2 years and neutral currency (-0.1%) and significant scope
(+0.1%) impacts.
Gas & Services
Gas & Services revenue reached 6,893 million
euros, up sharply by +6.7% on a comparable basis.
While the dynamism of the Industrial Merchant and Electronics
activities continued in the 1st quarter of 2023, Healthcare became
the 3rd growth driver. Industrial Merchant revenue continued
to grow strongly (+14.8%), supported by a high price effect
of +12.9% and growing volumes. Large Industries sales, down
-3.6% in a context of weak demand, showed a strong
sequential improvement linked to the recovery of activity in Europe
in a more favorable environment of reduced energy prices.
Electronics revenue posted dynamic growth (+10.4%),
driven in particular by the ramp-up of carrier gas units, dynamic
growth in sales of specialty materials, and strong Equipment &
Installations sales in all regions. Lastly, Healthcare
revenue growth accelerated (+7.7%) in the 1st quarter, due
especially to the increase in medical gas prices in an inflationary
context and the dynamism of Home Healthcare, particularly in Europe
and Canada.
As published revenue for Gas & Services were
up +4.6% in the 1st quarter of 2023, with a negative energy
impact of -2.1% and neutral currency (-0.1%) and significant scope
(+0.1%) impacts.
Revenue by geography and business
line
(in millions of euros)
Q1 2022
Q1 2023
2023/2022 published
change
2023/2022 comparable
change
Americas
2,331
2,629
+12.8%
+9.2%
Europe
2,718
2,639
-2.9%
+5.5%
Asia-Pacific
1,340
1,385
+3.4%
+4.8%
Middle East & Africa
201
240
+19.4%
+4.6%
GAS & SERVICES REVENUE
6,590
6,893
+4.6%
+6.7%
Large Industries
2,413
2,202
-8.8%
-3.6%
Industrial Merchant
2,638
3,038
+15.2%
+14.8%
Healthcare
955
1,016
+6.4%
+7.7%
Electronics
584
637
+9.0%
+10.4%
Americas
Gas & Services revenue in the Americas region totaled
2,629 million euros in the 1st quarter of 2023,
showing a dynamic growth of +9.2%. Industrial Merchant sales
were up sharply by +13.2%, supported by price increases that
remained high (+9.9%) and volumes which are back to positive. The
increase in prices in proximity care in the United States and the
dynamism of Home Healthcare in Canada were the main contributors to
the strong growth in Healthcare revenue (+11.2%). Large Industries
sales were down -3.0% impacted by customer turnarounds. Lastly,
Electronics sales remained stable (-1.0%) this quarter, with no new
unit start-ups.
Americas Gas & Services Q1 2023 Revenue
- Revenue in Large Industries was down -3.0%,
impacted by customer turnarounds, especially in air gases in Mexico
and in hydrogen in the United States. Oxygen volumes increased
sequentially on the US Gulf Coast, supported in particular by the
commissioning of a new Air Separation Unit. Sales of cogeneration
units were also up in the United States.
- In Industrial Merchant, the strong increase in sales
(+13.2%) was supported by price increases that
remained high (+9.9%) in an inflationary context, and by
volumes that are once again increasing (>+3%) for hardgoods,
bulk or cylinders. Volumes were up in most sectors, notably
Manufacturing, Construction, Energy and Food.
- Sales growth in Healthcare accelerated to +11.2%
in the 1st quarter of 2023. Price increases in proximity care in
the United States, the dynamism of Home Healthcare in Canada,
particularly for the treatment of sleep apnea, and the development
of the Medical Gases and Home Healthcare businesses in Latin
America were the drivers of this strong growth.
- Revenue from Electronics (-1.0%) was stable in
the 1st quarter, with no additional contribution from new carrier
gas production units. High Equipment & Installations sales
offset lower volumes of specialty and advanced materials.
Europe
Revenue in Europe was up +5.5% during the 1st quarter of
2023 and reached 2,639 million euros. In Industrial
Merchant, the strong increase in sales of +22.1% benefited from
price increases that remained very high at +21.8%. Healthcare sales
were up +5.7%, driven by strong development of diabetes treatment
in Home Healthcare and higher medical gas prices in response to
inflation. Strongly impacted by high energy prices in the 2nd half
of 2022, activity in Large Industries saw a rebound in the 1st
quarter of 2023: lower energy prices supported sales down by -4.1%,
a sharp upturn following a -18% decline in the 4th quarter of
2022.
Europe Gas & Services Q1 2023 Revenue
- In the 1st quarter of 2023, revenue in Large Industries
declined -4.1%, a strong improvement compared to a decrease
of -18% in the 4th quarter of 2022. In a context of declining
energy prices, the beginning of the year was marked by stronger
demand, particularly from customers in Chemicals. Hydrogen volumes
saw a clear improvement compared to the 4th quarter of 2022,
especially in Benelux and Germany. Sales in the quarter also
benefited from the start-up of a new Air Separation Unit in
Poland.
- The Industrial Merchant business line posted extremely
strong sales growth, +22.1%, supported by price
increases that remained very high, at +21.8%, in an
inflationary context. Volumes remained resilient, especially those
of packaged gases. Automotive and Metallurgy were the main markets
that supported the increase in volumes this quarter.
- Sales growth in the Healthcare business increased by
+5.7%. Diabetes treatment was the first contributor to the
strong growth in Home Healthcare sales, followed by sleep apnea.
Growth in the Medical Gases revenue was supported by rising prices
in an inflationary context. The development of sales of specialty
ingredients remained dynamic.
Europe
- Air Liquide will implement for Verallia, the European
leader and the world’s third largest producer of glass packaging
for beverages and food products, a customized solution allowing
to reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption. The Group is
thus mobilizing its innovation capabilities and its know-how to
accompany the conversion of Verallia’s plant in Pescia, Italy, from
a traditional combustion process to an optimized
oxy-combustion on the occasion of the construction of a new
furnace on the site. Air Liquide will supply the oxygen to replace
the air usually injected into the furnace, as well as its HeatOxTM
proprietary technology to recover the heat emitted by the glass
furnace.
- Air Liquide announces the construction of an industrial
scale ammonia (NH3) cracking pilot plant in the port of
Antwerp, Belgium. When transformed into ammonia, hydrogen
can be easily transported over long distances. Using innovative
technology, this plant will make it possible to convert, with an
optimized carbon footprint, ammonia into hydrogen. With this
cracking technology, Air Liquide will further contribute to the
development of hydrogen as a key enabler of the energy
transition.
Asia-Pacific
Sales in Asia-Pacific were up +4.8% in the 1st quarter of
2023 and amounted to 1,385 million euros. They were
supported by price increases of +9.9% in Industrial Merchant,
leading to sales rising by +11.0%, and by the continued strong
growth in revenue in the Electronics business (+10.5%). In Large
Industries, sales were down by -5.1%, impacted in particular by
weak demand and customer turnarounds.
Asia-Pacific Gas & Services Q1 2023 Revenue
- Large Industries sales were down by -5.1% in the
1st quarter. Demand remained low, particularly in air gases for the
Steel industry in Japan and in Chemicals. Sales were also impacted
by customer maintenance turnarounds in air gases, including one
extended stoppage in China.
- Industrial Merchant revenue was up sharply by
+11.0%. Price increases stood at a very high level of
+9.9%, and were sustained broadly in all countries. Volumes
were up slightly, particularly in the Automotive, Food, Energy and
Technology sectors. In China, following a start to the year marked
by a wave of covid-19 and the New Year period, volumes began to
rise again in March.
- Electronics posted a strong increase in revenue
(+10.5%). Sales of Carrier Gases, Equipment &
Installations and Specialty Materials posted double-digit growth.
The development of Carrier Gases was driven by the ramp-up of
several units and the high prices of helium. Sales of Specialty
Materials, which were up sharply, notably in Japan and Singapore,
benefited from the increase in rare gas prices. All countries
contributed to growth, particularly China and Singapore.
Asia-Pacific
- Air Liquide will invest around 60 million euros to
revamp two Air Separation Units (ASUs) the Group operates in
the Tianjin industrial basin, in China. This announcement
comes within the context of the renewal of a long-term industrial
gases supply contract with Tianjin Bohua Yongli Chemical Industry
Co., Ltd (“YLC”), a subsidiary of the Bohua Group. As part
of this modernization plan, Air Liquide will significantly
reduce the CO2 emissions linked to the production of oxygen
and other gases with the adaptation of these ASUs so they can run
on electrical power instead of steam. In addition, the Group
has signed a three-party Memorandum of Understanding with
YLC and the Tianjin Binhai District, notably to explore the
implementation of Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS)
solutions.
Middle East and Africa
Revenue in the Middle East and Africa reached 240 million
euros, up +4.6%. In Large Industries, air gases sales
saw strong growth in Egypt and South Africa. In Industrial
Merchant, sales were down slightly, with the +8.0% increase in
prices not fully offsetting the impact of the divestitures in the
Middle East in 2022; excluding this impact, growth was up +9%. The
strong increase in Home Healthcare sales was supported by the
development of diabetes treatment in Saudi Arabia and the
contribution of an acquisition in South Africa.
Middle East and Africa
- Air Liquide and Sasol have signed two Power Purchase
Agreements (PPA) with TotalEnergies and its partner
Mulilo for the long-term supply of a total capacity of 260
MW of renewable power to Sasol’s Secunda site, in South
Africa, where Air Liquide operates the biggest oxygen
production site in the world. This is the second set of PPAs signed
by Air Liquide and Sasol, after the PPAs announced in January with
Enel Green Power for a capacity of 220 MW. Together, these PPAs
represent a total of 480 MW of the joint commitment by Air
Liquide and Sasol to pursue the procurement of a total capacity
of 900 MW of renewable energy. These will significantly
contribute to the decarbonization of the Secunda site.
Engineering & Construction
Consolidated revenue from Engineering & Construction totaled
87 million euros in the 1st quarter of 2023, down
-18.6% compared to the high sales in the 1st quarter of
2022.
Order intake amounted to 366 million euros, up sharply
(+39%) compared to the 1st quarter of 2022. Orders for third-party
customers represented more than half of the total and included a
large hydrogen liquefier in the United States. Group projects
include Air Separation Units and an industrial scale pilot ammonia
cracking unit.
Global Markets & Technologies
Sales in Global Markets & Technologies totaled 194
million euros in the 1st quarter, up +2.8%. Organic
growth reached +16.0%, excluding the divestiture of the
biogas distribution for mobility and the manufacture of small-scale
cryogenic vessels businesses. Sales of technological equipment for
gas liquefaction (Turbo-Brayton), extreme cryogenics and
aeronautics saw steady growth. Revenue from hydrogen mobility was
up sharply, supported by the ramp-up of the hydrogen liquefier in
the United States, which started up in 2022.
Order intake for Group projects and third-party customers
amounted to 240 million euros, up +12% compared to
2022. This notably included more than 10 Turbo-Brayton LNG
reliquefaction units, hydrogen refueling stations and equipment for
the Electronics industry.
Global Markets &
Technologies
- Air Liquide and TotalEnergies announce their decision to
create an equally owned joint venture to develop a
network of hydrogen stations, geared towards heavy duty
vehicles on major European road corridors.
This initiative will help facilitate access to hydrogen,
enabling the development of its use for goods transportation and
further strengthening the hydrogen sector.
Investment cycle
INVESTMENT DECISIONS AND INVESTMENT BACKLOG
In the 1st quarter of 2023, industrial and financial
investment decisions amounted to 0.8 billion
euros.
The industrial investment decisions for the 1st quarter
of 2023 amounted to 791 million euros. They include for the
Large Industries business in Europe the replacement of
several existing units reaching the end of their life cycle by a
new generation Air Separation Unit, improving the energy efficiency
and reducing CO2 emissions, with the ambition of eventually using a
significant share of renewable energy. Decisions for the
Electronics business relate in particular to an ultra pure
nitrogen unit in the United States. In Industrial Merchant,
five on-site nitrogen generators will be invested to support the
development of a customer’s activity in several provinces of
China.
Financial investment decisions amounted to 6
million euros in the 1st quarter of 2023 and included two
small acquisitions in Industrial Merchant in the United
States and Italy.
The investment backlog stood at a very high level of
3.5 billion euros, stable compared to the 4th quarter of
2022. Its composition is balanced between Large Industries and
Electronics. These investments should lead to a future contribution
to annual revenue of approximately 1.3 billion euros per
year after full ramp-up of the units.
START-UPS
Several units started-up in the 1st quarter of 2023,
mainly three large Air Separation Units for Large Industries in
Europe and the United States.
The additional contribution to sales of unit start-ups
and ramp-ups totaled 66 million euros in the 1st quarter of
2023. Over the year, it is expected to be between 300 and 330
million euros.
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The 12-month portfolio of investment opportunities
increased to the high level of 3.4 billion euros at the end
of March. Projects related to the energy transition
account for more than 40% of the portfolio. Opportunities
are well balanced between America, supported by the Inflation
Reduction Act, Europe, where large electrolyzer and carbon capture
projects are at the advanced development phase, and Asia, with
projects for Large Industries and Electronics. The portfolio of
opportunities beyond 12 months includes other significant projects
related to the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States and the
energy transition in Europe and Canada.
Operating Performance
In an inflationary environment, the price effect in the
Industrial Merchant activity remained very high, in the 1st
quarter of 2023, at +12.9%, demonstrating the Group's
ability to transfer the sharp rise in costs. Prices also increased
in Large Industries, Electronics and Healthcare.
Efficiencies(2) reached 91 million euros in the
1st quarter, up +18.1% compared to the 1st quarter of 2022.
In a context of high inflation unfavorable to procurement
efficiencies, limiting the cost increase remained a priority and
increased focus was put on operational efficiencies. Thus,
industrial efficiencies posted a strong growth and
contributed to more than half of the total. They included in Large
Industries energy efficiency and in Industrial Merchant the
logistical gains linked to the optimization of deliveries of gas.
The pursuit of the global program of continuous improvement,
facilitating the replication of initiatives, also contributed to
efficiencies.
Portfolio management continued in the 1st quarter with
2 acquisitions in Industrial Merchant in the United States
and Italy, and the divestiture of Large Industries activities in
Trinidad and Tobago.
In terms of sustainable development, Air Liquide and
Sasol have signed long-term power purchase agreements for the
supply of a total capacity of 480 MW of renewable energy to the
Sasol site in Secunda in South Africa, which will represent for Air
Liquide an annual reduction in its CO2 emissions of more than
850,000 tonnes. The electrification of 2 ASUs in China will also
reduce CO2 emissions by 370,000 tons per year. Moreover, an
additional “scope 3” objective and new biodiversity
commitments were also announced in the 1st quarter.
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in net
working capital amounted to 1,600 million euros, up
sharply by +14.3% compared to the 1st quarter of 2022 and by
+12,3% excluding currency impact and an exceptional
indemnity payment received in the 1st quarter. In particular, cash
flow from operating activities ensures the financing of
industrial investments, which amounted to 815 million
euros.
Sustainable development
- Aware of the importance of contributing to the achievement of
carbon neutrality throughout its value chain and the importance of
its customer relationships, the Group made a pledge that 75% of
its 50 largest customers will have a stated carbon neutrality
commitment by 2025 and 100% by 2035.
- New biodiversity objectives:
- Air Liquide committed to submit a set of engagements towards
biodiversity conservation to Act4nature International.
- Air Liquide committed to develop and implement an aggregated
biodiversity KPI by 2025, allowing the Group to monitor and
communicate on its biodiversity performance. This will be defined
in 2023 and be deployed thereafter.
- Air Liquide committed to reinforce its biodiversity
assessment criteria into the investment process for all new
projects by 2024.
Outlook
Air Liquide started 2023 with a very solid performance. In the
first quarter, growth was higher than in the fourth quarter and the
investment momentum remained strong.
Group sales increased by +6.2% on a comparable basis,
after growth of +4.5% in the fourth quarter. As published, sales
were up by +4.2% year-over-year, integrating in particular the
decline in energy prices, whose variations are passed on to Large
Industries customers. Revenue reached 7.2 billion euros,
including 6.9 billion euros for the Gas & Services
business.
The Gas & Services business, which represents 96% of
the Group’s revenue, was up +6.7% on a comparable basis and
that of Global Markets & Technologies was up +2.8%, with
divestitures impacting growth this quarter. Sales to third-party
Engineering & Construction customers decreased by
-18.6%; the outlook remaining solid with a high level of internal
and external order intake.
Within Gas & Services, all the geographies posted comparable
growth, in particular the Americas. By business line, Industrial
Merchant and Electronics remained on a strong upward
trend; growth in Healthcare accelerated and Large
Industries recovered compared to the fourth quarter in a more
favorable energy price environment in Europe.
In line with the priorities of its strategic plan,
ADVANCE, Air Liquide continued to improve operational
performance. The Group generated significant efficiencies of 91
million euros, up +18.1% year-over-year, despite an inflationary
environment unfavorable to savings on purchases, and continued
dynamic management of its business portfolio. The Group’s ability
to create value allows it to adjust prices in Industrial Merchant
(+13%) while preserving sales volumes. The cashflow progressed by
+14.3% in the first quarter.
Investment decisions amounted to close to 800 million
euros. 12-month investment opportunities continued to
rise, reaching 3.4 billion euros. More than 40% of these
opportunities are related to the energy transition, with in
particular decarbonization projects in the United States.
In 2023, the Group will continue deployment of its ADVANCE
strategic plan. Air Liquide is confident in its ability to further
increase its operating margin and to deliver recurring net profit
growth, at constant exchange rates(3).
Appendices - Performance indicators
Performance indicators used by the Group that are not directly
defined in the financial statements have been prepared in
accordance with the AMF position 2015-12 about alternative
performance measures.
The performance indicators are the following:
- Currency, energy and significant scope impacts
- Comparable sales change
- Efficiencies
Definition of Currency, energy and significant scope
impacts
Since industrial and medical gases are rarely exported, the
impact of currency fluctuations on activity levels and results is
limited to euro translation impacts with respect to the financial
statements of subsidiaries located outside the eurozone. The
currency impact is calculated based on the aggregates for the
period converted at the exchange rate for the previous period.
In addition, the Group passes on variations in the cost of
energy (electricity and natural gas) to its customers via indexed
invoicing integrated into their medium and long-term contracts.
This indexing can lead to significant variations in sales (mainly
in the Large Industries Business Line) from one period to another
depending on fluctuations in prices on the energy market.
An energy impact is calculated based on the sales of each
of the main subsidiaries in Large Industries. Their consolidation
allows the determination of the energy impact for the Group as a
whole. The foreign exchange rate used is the average annual
exchange rate for the year N-1. Thus, at the subsidiary level, the
following formula provides the energy impact, calculated for
natural gas and electricity respectively:
Energy impact = Share of sales indexed to energy year (N-1) x
(Average energy price in year (N) - Average energy price in year
(N-1))
This indexation effect of electricity and natural gas does not
impact the operating income recurring.
The significant scope impact corresponds to the impact on
sales of all acquisitions or disposals of a significant size for
the Group. These changes in scope of consolidation are
determined:
- for acquisitions during the period, by deducting from the
aggregates for the period the contribution of the acquisition,
- for acquisitions during the previous period, by deducting from
the aggregates for the period the contribution of the acquisition
between January 1 of the current period and the anniversary date of
the acquisition,
- for disposals during the period, by deducting from the
aggregates for the previous period the contribution of the disposed
entity as of the anniversary date of the disposal,
- for disposals during the previous period, by deducting from the
aggregates for the previous period the contribution of the disposed
entity.
Comparable sales change
Comparable changes for sales exclude the currency, energy and
significant scope impacts described above. The calculations are
the following:
(in millions of euros)
Q1 2023
Q1 2023/2022 Published
Growth
Currency impact
Natural gas impact
Electricity impact
Significant scope
impact
Q1 2023/2022 Comparable
Growth
Revenue
Group
7,174
+4.2%
(11)
(123)
(14)
13
+6.2%
Impacts in %
-0.1%
-1.8%
-0.2%
+0.1%
Gas & Services
6,893
+4.6%
(10)
(123)
(14)
13
+6.7%
Impacts in %
-0.1%
-1.9%
-0.2%
+0.1%
Efficiencies
Efficiencies represent a sustainable cost reduction
resulting from an action plan on a specific project. Efficiencies
are identified and managed on a per project basis. Each project is
followed by a team composed in alignment with the nature of the
project (purchasing, operations, human resources...).
Sales and investments key figures synthesis
The following tables gather data already available in
this report. They complement the key figures indicated in
the table on the first page.
Sales
Q1 2023 split of revenue and comparable
growth in %
Total
Large Industries
Industrial Merchant
Electronics
Healthcare
Americas
100%
18%
68%
4%
10%
+9.2%
-3.0%
+13.2%
-1.0%
+11.2%
Europe
100%
41%
31%
2%
26%
+5.5%
-4.1%
+22.1%
N.C.
+5.7%
Asia-Pacific
100%
35%
28%
33%
4%
+4.8%
-5.1%
+11.0%
+10.5%
N.C.
Middle-East and Africa
100%
N.C.
N.C.
N.C.
N.C.
+4.6%
Gas & Services
100%
32%
44%
9%
15%
+6.7%
-3.6%
+14.8%
+10.4%
+7.7%
Engineering & Construction
-18.6%
Global Markets & Technologies
+2.8%
GROUP TOTAL
+6.2%
N.C.: Not communicated.
Investments
(in billions of euros)
Q1 2023
12-month portfolio of investment
opportunities(a)
3.4
Investment decisions(b)
0.8
Investment backlog(a)
3.5
Additional contribution to revenue of unit
start-ups and ramp-ups(b) (in million euros)
66
(a) At the end of the reporting period.
(b) Cumulated value from the beginning of the
calendar year until the end of the reporting period.
The slideshow that accompanies this release
is available as of 7:20 am (Paris time) at
www.airliquide.com. Throughout the year, follow
Air Liquide on Twitter: @AirLiquideGroup.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders: May 3, 2023
Dividend Ex-coupon Date: May 15, 2023
Dividend Payout Date: May 17, 2023
2023 First Half Revenue and Results: July 27, 2023
A world leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry
and Health, Air Liquide is present in 73 countries with
approximately 67,100 employees and serves more than 3.9 million
customers and patients. Oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are essential
small molecules for life, matter and energy. They embody Air
Liquide’s scientific territory and have been at the core of the
company’s activities since its creation in 1902.
Taking action today while preparing the future is at the heart
of Air Liquide’s strategy. With ADVANCE, its strategic plan for
2025, Air Liquide is targeting a global performance, combining
financial and extra-financial dimensions. Positioned on new
markets, the Group benefits from major assets such as its business
model combining resilience and strength, its ability to innovate
and its technological expertise. The Group develops solutions
contributing to climate and the energy transition—particularly with
hydrogen—and takes action to progress in areas of healthcare,
digital and high technologies.
Air Liquide’s revenue amounted to more than 29.9 billion euros
in 2022. Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange
(compartment A) and belongs to the CAC 40, CAC 40 ESG, EURO STOXX
50, FTSE4Good and DJSI Europe indexes.
1 See definition in Appendix. 2 See definition in Appendix. 3
Operating margin excluding energy passthrough impact. Net profit
recurring excluding exceptional and significant transactions that
have no impact on the operating income recurring.
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230426005791/en/
Investor Relations IRTeam@airliquide.com
Media Relations media@airliquide.com
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