Core Insights - Air Liquide reported a solid third-quarter 2025 performance with €6.6 billion in revenue, reflecting a +1.9% increase on a comparable basis, driven by strong Healthcare and Industrial Merchant sales despite currency and energy challenges [1][3] - The company reaffirmed its 2025 profit growth outlook and highlighted record investment momentum in hydrogen, semiconductors, and healthcare markets [1][5] Financial Performance - The business model demonstrated resilience with record-high efficiency gains of +23% and strong cash flow growth of +7% excluding foreign exchange effects [3] - Healthcare sales increased by 4.9% and Industrial Merchant sales rose by 2.7%, with the Americas leading geographically at +4.8% growth [3] Strategic Acquisitions and Investments - Air Liquide announced the acquisition of South Korea's DIG Airgas, marking its largest deal since the 2016 Airgas purchase in the U.S., aimed at expanding its footprint in Asia's industrial gas market [2][5] - The company is investing €250 million in a semiconductor gas complex in Germany and advancing the 200 MW ELYgator electrolyzer project in the Netherlands [2] Investment Backlog and Future Outlook - Air Liquide has a record investment backlog of €4.9 billion, positioning the company to capitalize on global demand for clean hydrogen, AI-driven semiconductor manufacturing, and medical gases [3][5] - The robust pipeline exceeds €10 billion, with continued efficiency gains expected to lift the operating margin by +460 basis points cumulatively by the end of 2026 [5] Regional Investments - In the U.S., Air Liquide is investing $50 million to expand hydrogen production along the Gulf Coast and an additional $50 million to supply advanced semiconductor plants [4] - The company is also advancing €130 million in new gas production facilities in Singapore and ramping up operations in Europe to support the energy transition [4]

A Strategic Acquisition in South Korea François Jackow, Chief Executive Officer Jérôme Pelletan, Chief Financial Officer Ronnie Chalmers, Group VP, Head of Asia-Pacific Paris, August 22, 2025 1 A Strategic Acquisition in South Korea - August 22, 2025 A Timely Strategic Growth Acquisition Highly complementary Profitable growth Positioned on growth markets 2 THIS DOCUMENT IS PUBLIC A Strategic Acquisition in South Korea - August 22, 2025 A Timely Strategic Growth Acquisition Positioned on growth markets Korea ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Earnings per share (EPS) increased by 5% year-over-year to $3.95, or 8% when excluding currency translation effects [17][22] - Operating profit rose by 4% to $2,400 million, resulting in an operating margin of 30.1%, which is 120 basis points higher than the previous year [17][22] - Sales remained flat at $8,100 million compared to the prior year, with a sequential decline of 2% [15][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas, packaged gases experienced weakness due to manufacturing uncertainty, while bulk volumes grew low to mid-single digits [12][22] - EMEA showed robust margin performance despite lower industrial activity, with margins improving due to management actions and pricing [34][62] - APAC saw stable trends in battery and electronics, but lower prices for rare gases and helium impacted overall performance [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas segment had the highest price increase at 3%, reflecting inflationary pressures [12][22] - Industrial activity remains sluggish across most geographies, particularly in the U.S. and Western Europe, with expectations of continued softness in demand [71][72] - India is highlighted as a growth region, with ongoing investments and volume growth anticipated [73] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company emphasizes a defensive operating model that has proven resilient during economic uncertainty, focusing on stable end markets such as healthcare and electronics [6][8] - Management is committed to maintaining a strong backlog of $10 billion, with over $7 billion in gas project sales under long-term contracts [13][22] - The company is actively pursuing clean energy projects, with expectations of $8 billion to $10 billion in opportunities over the next few years [39][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates continued volatility in end market trends due to global trade policy changes, but expresses confidence in navigating uncertainty [14][24] - The outlook for 2025 includes cautious guidance, with EPS expected to grow by 3% to 5%, factoring in recessionary conditions [22][23] - Management remains optimistic about long-term growth driven by secular trends in electronics and emerging markets like India [111] Other Important Information - The company raised its annual dividend by 8%, marking 32 consecutive years of dividend growth [21] - Capital expenditures (CapEx) for the quarter were $1,300 million, with a significant portion allocated to project backlog [18][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of Dow's Alberta project delay on Linde - Management confirmed that contractual protections are in place for delays, and they will work with Dow to explore alternatives while safeguarding Linde's interests [29][30] Question: EMEA margin performance and future expectations - Management indicated that EMEA margins are a result of consistent management actions and expect margins to grow as volumes improve [34] Question: Clean energy market opportunities - Management remains confident in the $50 billion clean energy opportunity, with a focus on low carbon hydrogen projects and a projected $8 billion to $10 billion in the near term [39][40] Question: Guidance on FX impact and manufacturing demand - Management noted that the FX headwind was primarily felt in the Americas, with manufacturing demand showing weakness in sectors like automotive and agriculture [47][54] Question: SG&A expense reduction - Management attributed the 9% reduction in SG&A to restructuring efforts and lower incentive compensation due to performance [80][87] Question: Drivers of operating margin improvement - Management highlighted that productivity and pricing actions contributed to the 120 basis point margin improvement, with ongoing initiatives to enhance efficiency [92][96]