Air Liquide narrowly beats recurring operating income forecast in 2025

Core Viewpoint - Air Liquide reported a recurring operating income of 5.58 billion euros for 2025, slightly exceeding analyst expectations of 5.56 billion euros, driven by efficiencies, pricing management, and dynamic asset portfolio management [1][1][1] Financial Performance - The recurring operating profit increased from 5.39 billion euros in 2024 to 5.58 billion euros in 2025, reflecting a positive growth trend [1][1][1] - Analysts from Vara Research had anticipated a sales figure of 5.56 billion euros on average, indicating that Air Liquide's performance was above market expectations [1][1][1] Business Operations - The company specializes in supplying industrial gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen to various sectors, including factories and hospitals, highlighting its critical role in industrial operations [1][1][1] - The growth in operating income is attributed to effective pricing strategies particularly in the Industrial Merchant unit, showcasing the company's ability to manage costs and optimize revenue streams [1][1][1]