AI Air Liquide SA

• Strong sales growth
• High momentum in development projects for the energy transition and in Electronics

 

Regulatory News:

Air Liquide (Paris:AI):

Key Figures (in millions of euros)

Q3 2021

2021/2020 as published

2021/2020 comparable (a)

Group Revenue

5,834

+17.2%

+7.1%

of which Gas & Services

5,585

+16.9%

+6.5%

of which Engineering & Construction

81

+36.9%

+35.1%

of which Global Markets & Technologies

168

+16.9%

+15.9%

(a) Change excluding the currency, energy (natural gas and electricity) and significant scope impacts, see reconciliation in appendix.

Commenting on 3rd quarter sales for 2021, Benoît Potier, Chairman and CEO of Air Liquide, stated:

“The third quarter confirms the continued sales growth observed in the first half-year. All activities are increasing: Gas & Services in all regions of the world, Engineering & Construction and Global Markets & Technologies, in a more favorable market environment.

Revenue in the third quarter amounted to 5.8 billion euros, i.e. +17.2% as published and +7.1% in comparable terms. This good performance illustrates Group’s strong positioning on its markets and the robustness of its business model, in the context of a strong surge in energy prices.

Within Gas & Services, which accounts for 96% of sales, activity is particularly supported by the momentum of the Electronics industry, the continued recovery of the Industrial Merchant business and the robustness of Healthcare activities. Mobilization of teams continued this quarter in fighting the pandemic in several regions of the world, particularly in the supply of medical oxygen. Geographically, activity levels are particularly strong in the Americas and Europe, and more contrasted in Asia.

The Group continues its momentum of improving its operating margin, driven by operational efficiencies of 314 million euros over the first nine months, in line with the annual target of more than 400 million euros, and active price management taking into account the inflationary context. Cash flow remains high above 23% of sales excluding energy impact.

12-month investment opportunities are increasing, now reaching 3.3 billion euros, with more than 40% related to the energy transition. In this context, the Group approved investments of nearly 900 million euros this quarter, notably in Large Industries and Electronics. One third of industrial investment decisions will contribute to the energy transition. The robust and diversified investment backlog, currently running at 3.1 billion euros, is particularly promising for future growth.

True to its growth model combining financial performance and societal performance, Air Liquide has multiple initiatives this quarter to promote hydrogen as a key solution to fight global warming.

In 2021, Air Liquide is confident in its ability to further increase its operating margin and to deliver recurring net profit1 growth at constant exchange rates.”

1Excluding exceptional and significant items that have no impact on the operating income recurring. Excluding the impact of a possible US tax reform in 2021.

Highlights of the 3rd quarter 2021

• Hydrogen and the energy transition:
  • Many partnerships to develop hydrogen and decarbonize industry:
    • Launch of the world’s largest clean hydrogen infrastructure fund on October 1 with TotalEnergies, VINCI and several international companies.
    • Memorandum of Understanding with Borealis, Esso S.A.F., TotalEnergies and Yara International ASA to develop an infrastructure for CO2 capture and storage that will contribute to the decarbonization of the Normandy industrial basin.
    • Cooperation project with TotalEnergies to decarbonize hydrogen production on the TotalEnergies platform in Normandy.
    • Partnership with Airbus and VINCI Airports to develop the use of hydrogen and accelerate decarbonization in the aviation sector.
    • Construction project in Germany of an industrial-size renewable hydrogen production unit that will be linked to the existing local Air Liquide pipeline infrastructure.
    • Project to invest in a large-scale hydrogen and carbon monoxide production unit that includes CO2 recycling.
  • Signing of a long-term renewable electricity purchase contract in Belgium to reduce the carbon footprint of our production plants.
  • Increased support to the Energy Observer, becoming a main partner for four years, of this laboratory vessel that demonstrates the key role of hydrogen in the energy transition.
  • Equipment and services provided to the world’s largest hydrogen station in Beijing, China.
  • Long-term contract with Shagang in China for the construction and operation of a low-carbon air separation unit.
• Healthcare:
  • Continued mobilization of teams in the fight against the pandemic, worldwide.
• Corporate:
  • Successful launch of a long-term bond issue for a total of 500 million euros.

Group revenue for the 3rd quarter of 2021 totaled 5,834 million euros. The momentum in the first half-year continued this quarter, with sales up +7.1% on a comparable basis with the 3rd quarter of 2020 and about +6% compared to the 3rd quarter of 20191. Consolidated sales of Engineering & Construction grew +35.1% relative to lower activity level due to the pandemic-induced slowdown in 2020. Global Markets & Technologies continued double-digit growth: sales increased +15.9% in the 3rd quarter, buoyed by the strength of the biogas market and equipment sales for hydrogen mobility. The impact of energy this quarter was particularly strong at +8.9%, on top of positive currency (+0.5%) and significant scope (+0.7%) impacts. All in all, the Group reported a very robust +17.2% growth in as published revenue.

3rd quarter 2021 revenue for Gas & Services rose by +6.5% to 5,585 million euros, confirming the upward trend recorded in the first half-year, despite a less favorable basis of comparison. As published revenue for Gas & Services was up +16.9% in the 3rd quarter, benefiting from a strong energy effect (+9.3%) and positive currency (+0.4%) and significant scope (+0.7%) impacts.

• Gas & Services revenue in the Americas totaled 2,144 million euros in the 3rd quarter, an increase of +8.2%. Large Industries sales rose +7.4% driven by high demand and the ramp-up of new units. The Industrial Merchant business continued to recover, with a +7.5% increase in revenue. Electronics sales gained +6.6% in a thriving market. Lastly, Healthcare grew +14.5% and remains heavily involved in the fight against Covid-19.
• In the 3rd quarter, revenue in Europe rose by +5.8% to 2,038 million euros. Large Industries sales (+7.6%) expanded on strong demand in the Steel and Chemicals sectors and on increasing volumes in Refining. Up +7.2%, the Industrial Merchant business pursued its pick-up in sales across all markets and countries. Healthcare revenue increased +2.6%, despite exceptional high sales of ventilators in the 3rd quarter of 2020 to meet pandemic needs. It benefited from sustained sales of medical oxygen to hospitals and strong demand in Home Healthcare.
• Revenue in Asia-Pacific rose +4.1% in the 3rd quarter to 1,197 million euros. Large Industries revenue declined (-5.5%) due to the impact of China’s Dual Energy Control and customer maintenance turnarounds. The upward trend in the Industrial Merchant business continued with a +8.3% increase in sales, fueled by strong activity in China and the recovery in the rest of Asia. Electronics sales were up +10.8% in a very dynamic market with double-digit growth in sales of Carrier gases and high revenue generated by Equipment & Installations.
• Revenue in the Middle-East and Africa rose +10.4% to 206 million euros in the 3rd quarter. The sales of hydrogen in Saudi Arabia continued to recover, driven by the customer demand in the Yanbu basin. The surge in air gas volumes was very substantial as the 16 Sasol air separation units made their first contribution (an acquisition finalized in June). These sales were recognized as part of the significant scope effect, hence excluded from the comparable growth. In the Industrial Merchant business, sales continued to rise and are above the levels of the 3rd quarter of 2019. The Healthcare business stayed very buoyant supplying very large volumes of medical oxygen in pandemic-hit countries.

2 See remark in the text box page 4.

Large Industries sales rose +3.4%, despite the measures imposed in China to limit energy consumption at some customer plants. The Industrial Merchant business recovered further, with sales increasing +7.5% as gas sales were above 2019 levels and pricing impact accelerated significantly. Healthcare also recorded a strong performance: sales rose by +6.2%, despite a very high basis of comparison in 2020. Electronics posted strong sales growth of +10.4% in a very dynamic market.

Consolidated revenue from Engineering & Construction gained +35.1% to 81 million euros in the 3rd quarter.

Global Markets & Technologies posted a +15.9% increase in sales to 168 million euros in the 3rd quarter. Biogas retained strong momentum with new units ramping up and significant price impacts related to energy price increase. Revenue also includes hydrogen refueling station sales for mobility in Asia.

Efficiencies amounted to 314 million euros over the first nine months of the year, a slight increase of +0.9% compared with 2020, in line with the annual objective fixed at more than 400 million euros.

Cash flow from operating activities before changes in net working capital amounted to 3,701 million euros at the end of September 2021, an increase of +1.4% and of +4.6% excluding currency impact. This corresponds to a high level of 22.2% of sales and of 23.4% excluding energy impact. When including changes in working capital, the net cash flows from operating activities increased by +5.1% and +7.9% excluding currency impact.

Industrial investment decisions reached 866 million euros in the 3rd quarter, totaling more than 2.2 billion euros since the beginning of the year. Development momentum remained strong within Large Industries, particularly with the project to invest in a large-scale hydrogen and carbon monoxide production unit with integrated CO2 recycling. Momentum was also strong for investment decisions within the Electronics business with Carrier gases contracts signed in the United States and in China.

The 12-month portfolio of investment opportunities increased by more than 200 million euros to reach the very high total of 3.3 billion euros during the 3rd quarter.

The additional contribution to revenue of unit start-ups and ramp-ups remained high at 100 million euros during the 3rd quarter of 2021, including the acquisition of 16 air separation units from Sasol in South Africa. Thus, at the end of September, this figure amounted to 230 million euros, in line with the estimated contribution of 320 million euros for 2021.

Analysis of 3rd quarter 2021 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.

Due to the exceptional impact of the pandemic in the 3rd quarter of 2020, a comparison with 2019 3rd quarter sales has been introduced for context in reviewing 3rd quarter 2021 performance. The comparisons between 2021 and 2019 are calculated by adding 2020 and 2021 comparable effects. They are given as a reference point and do not constitute an alternative performance measure. The comparable growths mentioned below are calculated compared to the same period of 2020 except when 2019 is mentioned.

REVENUE

Revenue (in millions of euros)

Q3 2020

Q3 2021

2021/2020 published change

2021/2020 comparable change

Gas & Services

4,777

5,585

+16.9%

+6.5%

Engineering & Construction

60

81

+36.9%

+35.1%

Global Markets & Technologies

143

168

+16.9%

+15.9%

TOTAL REVENUE

4,980

5,834

+17.2%

+7.1%

   

Revenue by Quarter (in millions of euros)

Q1 2021

Q2 2021

Q3 2021

Gas & Services

5,103

5,247

5,585

Engineering & Construction

76

93

81

Global Markets & Technologies

155

172

168

TOTAL REVENUE

5,334

5,512

5,834

2021/2020 Group published change

-0.7%

+12.4%

+17.2%

2021/2020 Group comparable change

+3.8%

+15.2%

+7.1%

2021/2020 Gas & Services comparable change

+2.8%

+13.7%

+6.5% 

Group

Group revenue for the 3rd quarter of 2021 totaled 5,834 million euros. The momentum in the first half-year continued this quarter, with sales up +7.1% on a comparable basis with the 3rd quarter of 2020 and about +6% compared to the 3rd quarter of 2019. Consolidated sales of Engineering & Construction grew +35.1% relative to lower activity level due to the pandemic-induced slowdown in 2020. Global Markets & Technologies continued double-digit growth: sales increased +15.9% in the 3rd quarter, buoyed by the strength of the biogas market and equipment sales for hydrogen mobility. The impact of energy this quarter was particularly strong at +8.9%, on top of positive currency (+0.5%) and significant scope (+0.7%) impacts. All in all, the Group reported a very robust +17.2% growth in as published revenue.

Gas & Services

3rd quarter 2021 revenue for Gas & Services rose by +6.5% to 5,585 million euros, confirming the upward trend recorded in the first half-year, despite a less favorable basis of comparison. Large Industries sales rose +3.4%, despite the measures imposed in China to limit energy consumption at some customer plants. The Industrial Merchant business recovered further, with sales increasing +7.5% as gas sales were above 2019 levels and pricing impact accelerated significantly. Healthcare also recorded a strong performance: sales rose by +6.2%, despite a very high basis of comparison in 2020. Electronics posted strong sales growth of +10.4% in a very dynamic market. As published revenue for Gas & Services was up +16.9% in the 3rd quarter, benefiting from a strong energy effect (+9.3%) and positive currency (+0.4%) and significant scope (+0.7%) impacts.

Revenue by geography and business line (in millions of euros)

Q3 2020

Q3 2021

2021/2020 published change

2021/2020 comparable change

Americas

1,916

2,144

+11.9%

+8.2%

Europe

1,615

2,038

+26.2%

+5.8%

Asia-Pacific

1,101

1,197

+8.7%

+4.1%

Middle East & Africa

145

206

+42.2%

+10.4%

GAS & SERVICES REVENUE

4,777

5,585

+16.9%

+6.5%

Large Industries

1,212

1,743

+43.9%

+3.4%

Industrial Merchant

2,217

2,384

+7.5%

+7.5%

Healthcare

866

921

+6.3%

+6.2%

Electronics

482

537

+11.5%

+10.4%

Americas

Gas & Services revenue in the Americas totaled 2,144 million euros in the 3rd quarter, an increase of +8.2%. Large Industries sales rose +7.4% driven by high demand and the ramp-up of new units. The Industrial Merchant business continued to recover, with a +7.5% increase in revenue. Electronics sales gained +6.6% in a thriving market. Lastly, Healthcare grew +14.5% and remains heavily involved in the fight against Covid-19.

• Revenue for Large Industries rose +7.4% during the 3rd quarter on strong demand in the Steel, Chemicals and Refining markets, as well as the contribution of start-ups and ramp-ups in the United States, Canada and Latin America. Hurricane Ida had only a limited impact.
• The Industrial Merchant business continued to recover. Sales grew +7.5% in the 3rd quarter. In the United States, gas sales were solid, even with supply chain pressures, since it was critically important to supply hospitals with oxygen in those states affected by the pandemic. Sales of Hardgoods increased, but remained under their level in the 3rd quarter 2019. Sales were up in practically all end markets, but the non-residential Construction market in the United States remained low. Price effects increased markedly on a sequential basis, from +3.2% in the 2nd quarter to +5.0% in the 3rd quarter.
• Healthcare revenue rose +14.5% in the 3rd quarter on a combination of fast-growing sales of medical oxygen to cope with Covid-19 needs and the gradual pick-up in the Home Healthcare and the hospital business. In the United States, medical oxygen volumes were high, especially in the states hardest hit by the pandemic this quarter, and business was also strong in proximity care. Sales increased sharply in Latin America, in both Hospital care and Home Healthcare, notably oxygen therapy in Brazil and Argentina, and for the treatment of sleep apnea in Brazil.
• Electronics sales rose +6.6%, fueled by a steep increase in Carrier gases volumes benefiting from a new unit ramp-up. Equipment and Installation sales were lower than the high level recorded in the 3rd quarter of 2020.

Europe

In the 3rd quarter, revenue in Europe rose by +5.8% to 2,038 million euros. Large Industries sales (+7.6%) expanded on strong demand in the Steel and Chemicals sectors and on increasing volumes in Refining. Up +7.2%, the Industrial Merchant business pursued its pick-up in sales across all markets and countries. Healthcare revenue increased +2.6%, despite exceptional high sales of ventilators in the 3rd quarter of 2020 to meet pandemic needs. It benefited from sustained sales of medical oxygen to hospitals and strong demand in Home Healthcare.

• Large Industries sales rose +7.6% benefiting from strong demand in the Steel and Chemicals industries. Hydrogen volumes for Refining were up as activity increased and the new unit in Kazakhstan ramped up. A start-up of a new unit in Russia also boosted air gases.
• Industrial Merchant revenue rose +7.2%, lifted by a dynamic recovery in activity. Sales of liquid gases enjoyed strong growth in all countries, especially in Italy, Germany and Iberian Peninsula. Cylinder gas sales, which had proved more resilient to the pandemic, were also up in all countries. The recovery was even more pronounced in Eastern Europe, particularly in Poland, Russia and Turkey, with liquid gas sales growing more than +25% (excluding the divestiture of activities in Greece). All major markets are trending upward, primarily Metal Fabrication, Materials and Energy. Pricing impact improved steadily sequentially and stood at +2.2% in the 3rd quarter.
• Healthcare posted sales growth of +2.6% on a very high basis of comparison in the 3rd quarter of 2020 (which included exceptional ventilator sales related to the pandemic). Growth in sales of medical oxygen was sustained throughout the region especially in Russia, which was hit hard by the Covid-19 and where 4 additional air separation units were certified for the supply of medical oxygen to hospitals. Activity remained robust in the Home Healthcare business, notably for the treatment of diabetes. Sales of Specialty Ingredients were particularly buoyant in the 3rd quarter, especially for the cosmetic and vaccine adjuvant markets.

 

Europe

• Air Liquide has signed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with TotalEnergies, for a total capacity of 15 megawatts of offshore wind electricity in Belgium. Following PPA agreements in the United States, Spain, and the Netherlands, this PPA signed by the Group in Belgium illustrates Air Liquide's commitment to lead the way in the energy transition and to lower its carbon footprint, in line with its Sustainability Objectives.
• Air Liquide is planning to build a renewable hydrogen production plant by electrolysis in Oberhausen, Germany. With a total capacity to reach 30 megawatts (MW), a first phase of the project is expected to be operational by early 2023. What is unique about this project is that the electrolyzer will be integrated into the existing local pipeline infrastructure of Air Liquide to supply key industries and mobility with renewable hydrogen in one of the most industrialized regions of Germany. To accelerate the implementation of this project, public funding has been granted by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy. This worldscale electrolyzer will be the first to be built in the framework of the partnership between Air Liquide and Siemens Energy.
• Air Liquide and TotalEnergies have joined forces to decarbonize hydrogen production at TotalEnergies’ platform in Normandy. The project* first stage is to acquire TotalEnergies’ existing hydrogen production plant and connect it to Air Liquide’s pipeline system. The next stage will see Air Liquide invest in a new CO2 capture unit at the production plant purchased from TotalEnergie. The Group has also announced an investment in an electrolyzer in the basin. This spending is part of the plan to develop the world’s first low-carbon hydrogen pipeline network, which will provide the industrial infrastructure for the development of hydrogen mobility. An agreement was also signed with other industries operating in the basin to develop a carbon capture and storage solution (CCS).

*This project is subject to the legal requirement to inform and consult with the employee representative bodies at TotalEnergies-Plateforme Normandie, and to approval by the competent authorities.

Asia-Pacific

Revenue in Asia-Pacific rose +4.1% in the 3rd quarter to 1,197 million euros. Large Industries revenue declined (-5.5%) due to the impact of China’s Dual Energy Control and customer maintenance turnarounds. The upward trend in the Industrial Merchant business continued with a +8.3% increase in sales, fueled by strong activity in China and the recovery in the rest of Asia. Electronics sales were up +10.8% in a very dynamic market with double-digit growth in sales of Carrier gases and high revenue generated by Equipment & Installations.

• Large Industries sales fell -5.5% in the 3rd quarter, impacted by customer maintenance turnarounds in China and Singapore, and measures imposed in China to limit energy consumption. Indeed, 5 customers were forced to stop production, and 3 of these were back to full capacity by mid-October. The strong demand from Steel customers in Japan partially offset these impacts.
• Industrial Merchant sales grew +8.3% over the quarter, driven by strong activity in China and the recovery across the rest of Asia. In China, the sales increase was supported by small on-site gas production units and cylinder gas. In the rest of Asia, revenue was close to 2019 level. High-growth markets are mainly Metal Fabrication, Materials, Energy and Technology. Pricing impacts were +0.3% and +0.8% excluding the adverse effect of helium.
• Electronics revenue increased +10.8%. Sales of Carrier gases benefited from a dynamic market, the ramp-up of existing units and start-up of two new plants in China and in Singapore. Equipment and Installation sales were very strong.

 

Asia-Pacific

• South Korea is a global leader in developing a low-carbon hydrogen-based economy and clean transport. Based on demand from industry and its expertise across the entire hydrogen value chain, Air Liquide is actively contributing to the rapid development of low-carbon hydrogen production in South Korea by partnering with local industry and institutions.

• We recently signed an agreement with SK E&S, a global clean energy and solutions provider, to supply the world’s largest hydrogen liquefaction plant with a capacity of 90 tons per day of liquid hydrogen to serve the mobility market.
• Air Liquide and LOTTE Chemical have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to co-invest in new hydrogen refueling stations.
• Air Liquide Korea is also helping to develop the hydrogen ecosystem through its participation in the two Korean hydrogen mobility consortiums, HyNet and KOHYGEN, dedicated respectively to the deployment of hydrogen stations for light commercial vehicles and HGVs. Air Liquide is the only industrial gas company participating in both consortiums.

   

Middle East and Africa

Revenue in the Middle-East and Africa rose +10.4% to 206 million euros in the 3rd quarter. The sales of hydrogen in Saudi Arabia continue to recover, driven by the customer demand in the Yanbu basin. The surge in air gas volumes was very substantial as the 16 Sasol air separation units made their first contribution (an acquisition finalized in June). These sales were recognized as part of the significant scope effect, hence excluded from the comparable growth. In the Industrial Merchant business, sales continued to rise and are above the levels of the 3rd quarter of 2019. The Healthcare business stayed very buoyant supplying very large volumes of medical oxygen in pandemic-hit countries.

Engineering & Construction

Consolidated revenue from Engineering & Construction gained +35.1% to 81 million euros in the 3rd quarter.

Order intake totaled 300 million euros holding to the positive trend seen in the first half-year. The bulk of the projects are in Asia with several oxygen production plants, as well as Electronics or hydrogen production projects. Group orders accounted for about two-thirds of the total.

Global Markets & Technologies

Global Markets & Technologies posted a +15.9% increase in sales to 168 million euros in the 3rd quarter. Biogas retained strong momentum with new units ramping up and significant price impacts related to energy price increase. Revenue also includes hydrogen refueling station sales for mobility in Asia.

Order intake for Group projects and third-party customers totaled 185 million euros, up +80% compared with 2020. These are mainly new Turbo-Brayton LNG reliquefaction projects and hydrogen refueling stations.

Global Markets & Technologies

 

• Airbus, Air Liquide and VINCI Airports are working together to develop the use of hydrogen at airports and build the European airport network to accommodate future hydrogen aircrafts. The airport of Lyon-Saint Exupéry (France) will host the first installations as early as 2023. This partnership reflects the three groups’ shared ambition to combine their respective expertise to support the decarbonization of air travel.

• From 2023: deployment of a gaseous hydrogen distribution station at Lyon-Saint Exupéry airport. This station will supply both land vehicles (runway buses, trucks, handling equipment, etc.) at the airport and those of its partners, but also trucks circulating in the vicinity
• Between 2023 and 2030: deployment of liquid hydrogen infrastructure that will allow hydrogen to be loaded into the tanks of future aircraft.

• Air Liquide and Faurecia announced the signature of a joint development agreement to design and produce on-board liquid hydrogen storage systems for the automotive industry. Through this technology partnership, the two companies will accelerate the deployment of zero-emission heavy-duty mobility. The partnership will leverage the companies’ complementary competencies from their respective core businesses which will be fundamental to accelerate the technology’s time-to-market.

 

• Air Liquide will bring its recognized expertise across the entire liquid hydrogen value chain, including extreme cryogenics, storage technologies, recharging interfaces and its infrastructure knowledge.
• Faurecia will bring its expertise in architectures and systems integration, its recognized competencies in testing and simulation, its know-how and its presence in the global automotive industry, as well as its privileged relationships with vehicles manufacturers.

INVESTMENT CYCLE

INVESTMENT DECISIONS AND INVESTMENT BACKLOG

Industrial and financial investment decisions reached the high level of 873 million euros in the 3rd quarter of 2021. They account for 2.8 billion euros year to date including the acquisition of Sasol’s 16 Air Separation Units in South Africa, compared to 2.1 billion at the end of September 2020.

Industrial investment decisions reached 866 million euros in the 3rd quarter, totaling more than 2.2 billion euros since the beginning of the year. Development momentum remained strong within Large Industries, particularly with the project to invest in a large-scale hydrogen and carbon monoxide production unit with integrated CO2 recycling. Momentum was also strong for investment decisions within the Electronics business with Carrier gases contracts signed in the United States and in China.

Financial investment decisions totaled 7 million euros for the quarter, corresponding mainly to three small acquisitions in the Industrial Merchant business in China.

The investment backlog remained high at 3.1 billion euros, evenly distributed across various business sectors and geographies. The Chemicals market represented around one third of the investment backlog, the Electronics market around one quarter, and the Steel market just over 15%. Investment backlog in the Oil & Gas market remained limited at 6% of the total. The future contribution to annual revenue after full ramp-up of the units is expected to be 1.1 billion euros.

Investment

• Air Liquide, TotalEnergies and VINCI, have combined forces with other large international companies to sponsor the creation of the world’s largest fund exclusively dedicated to clean hydrogen infrastructure solutions. The first commitments have already reached 800 million euros, on a target of 1.5 billion. With the announced support of public policies and the use of debt financing, the fund should be able to participate in the development of hydrogen projects for a total amount of around 15 billion euros.

 

START-UPS

In Large Industries, two large-scale air separation units were commissioned during the 3rd quarter of 2021 in Russia and the United States. Moreover, from the 3rd quarter, the Electronics business supplied all the Carrier gases to a customer site in China and to a Semiconductor megafab in Singapore.

The additional contribution to revenue of unit start-ups and ramp-ups remained high at 100 million euros during the 3rd quarter of 2021, including the acquisition of 16 air separation units from Sasol in South Africa. Thus, at the end of September, this figure amounted to 230 million euros, in line with the estimated contribution of 320 million euros for 2021.

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The 12-month portfolio of investment opportunities increased by more than 200 million euros to reach the very high total of 3.3 billion euros during the 3rd quarter.

Energy transition projects represented 42% of the portfolio of opportunities. These notably included projects for hydrogen production by electrolysis, hydrogen liquefaction and carbon capture and storage (“CCS”). The share from the Electronics business also remained high.

Europe accounted for more than one third of opportunities, owing to the numerous projects linked to the energy transition, followed by Asia with opportunities in Electronics. Then came the Americas, which had opportunities in Electronics and Large Industries, followed by the Middle-East & Africa.

Operating Performance

Efficiencies amounted to 314 million euros over the first nine months of the year, a slight increase of +0.9% compared with 2020, in line with the annual objective fixed at more than 400 million euros. These efficiencies represent cost savings of 2.9%, to be compared with 2.6% in 2020. Industrial efficiencies accounted for a little more than 50% of total efficiencies and were, in particular, the result of supply chain optimization projects in the Industrial Merchant and Healthcare business lines, and of energy efficiency improvements and maintenance operation optimizations in Large Industries. The implementation of digital tools aimed at the Group’s transformation continued, with, in particular, the acceleration of the roll-out of remote operation centers for Large Industries production units (Smart Innovative Operations, SIO) and new optimization tools for delivery routes in Industrial Merchant (Integrated Bulk Operations, IBO). The shared service centers are developing and efficiencies related to procurement are being pursued.

Cash flow from operating activities before changes in net working capital amounted to 3,701 million euros at the end of September 2021, an increase of +1.4% and of +4.6% excluding currency impact. This corresponds to a high level of 22.2% of sales and of 23.4% excluding energy impact. When including changes in working capital, the net cash flows from operating activities increased by +5.1% and +7.9% excluding currency impact.

At the end of September 2021, gross industrial capital expenditure amounted to 2,180 million euros, an increase of +12.8% compared with 2020. They represented 13.1% of sales.

Portfolio management was very active during the first 9 months of the year, particularly with the acquisition of 16 air separation units from Sasol in South Africa. The Group also finalized 5 divestitures, including its activities in Greece, and carried out several small acquisitions in the Healthcare and Industrial Merchant business lines in North America, Europe and Asia.

Net debt totaled 11,552 million euros, a strong decrease compared with 12,013 million euros at June 30, 2021, benefiting mainly from high cash flow from operating activities. The net debt-to-equity ratio, adjusted for the seasonal effect of the dividend payment, reached 53.6%, representing a decrease compared with December 31,2020 (55.8%).

Outlook

The third quarter confirms the continued sales growth observed in the first half-year. All activities are increasing: Gas & Services in all regions of the world, Engineering & Construction and Global Markets & Technologies, in a more favorable market environment.

Revenue in the third quarter amounted to 5.8 billion euros, i.e. +17.2% as published and +7.1% in comparable terms. This good performance illustrates Group’s strong positioning on its markets and the robustness of its business model, in the context of a strong surge in energy prices.

Within Gas & Services, which accounts for 96% of sales, activity is particularly supported by the momentum of the Electronics industry, the continued recovery of the Industrial Merchant business and the robustness of Healthcare activities. Mobilization of teams continued this quarter in fighting the pandemic in several regions of the world, particularly in the supply of medical oxygen. Geographically, activity levels are particularly strong in the Americas and Europe, and more contrasted in Asia.

The Group continues its momentum of improving its operating margin, driven by operational efficiencies of 314 million euros over the first nine months, in line with the annual target of more than 400 million euros, and active price management taking into account the inflationary context. Cash flow remains high above 23% of sales excluding energy impact.

12-month investment opportunities are increasing, now reaching 3.3 billion euros, with more than 40% related to the energy transition. In this context, the Group approved investments of nearly 900 million euros this quarter, notably in Large Industries and Electronics. One third of industrial investment decisions will contribute to the energy transition. The robust and diversified investment backlog, currently running at 3.1 billion euros, is particularly promising for future growth.

True to its growth model combining financial performance and societal performance, Air Liquide has multiple initiatives this quarter to promote hydrogen as a key solution to fight global warming.

In 2021, Air Liquide is confident in its ability to further increase its operating margin and to deliver recurring net profit1 growth at constant exchange rates.

3Excluding exceptional and significant items that have no impact on the operating income recurring. Excluding the impact of a possible US tax reform in 2021

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 euro zone. The currency effect 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 effect 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 excludes the currency, energy and significant scope impacts described above.

For the 3rd quarter 2021 the calculations are the following:

(in millions of euros)

Q3 2021

Q3 2021/2020 Published Growth

Currency impact

Natural gas impact

Electricity impact

Significant scope impact

Q3 2021/2020 Comparable Growth

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group

5,834

+17.2%

24

342

99

34

+7.1%

Impacts in %

 

 

+0.5%

+6.9%

+2.0%

+0.7%

 

Gas & Services

5,585

+16.9%

22

342

99

34

+6.5%

Impacts in %

 

 

+0.4%

+7.2%

+2.1%

+0.7%

 

 

(in millions of euros)

YTD 2021

YTD 2021/2020 Published Growth

Currency impact

Natural gas impact

Electricity impact

Significant s cope impact

YTD 2021/2020 Comparable Growth

 

Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group

16,680

+9.4%

(474)

646

213

(237)

+8.5%

Impacts in %

 

 

-3.1%

+4.3%

+1.4%

-1.7%

 

Gas & Services

15,935

+8.4%

(464)

646

213

(237)

+7.5%

Impacts in %

 

 

-3.2%

+4.4%

+1.5%

-1.8%

 

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...).

Year to date revenue

By Geography

Revenue

(in millions of euros)

YTD 2020

YTD 2021

YTD Published change

YTD Comparable change

Americas

5,891

6,203

+5.3%

+7.6%

Europe

5,055

5,695

+12.6%

+6.9%

Asia-Pacific

3,337

3,523

+5.6%

+7.1%

Middle East & Africa

414

514

+24.5%

+15.9%

GAS & SERVICES REVENUE

14,697

15,935

+8.4%

+7.5%

Engineering & Construction

164

250

+52.8%

+54.7%

Global Markets & Technologies

392

495

+26.2%

+27.9%

GROUP REVENUE

15,253

16,680

+9.4%

+8.5%

By Business Line

Revenue

(in millions of euros)

YTD 2020

YTD 2021

YTD Published change

YTD Comparable change

Large Industries

3,642

4,659

+27.9%

+6.0%

Industrial Merchant

6,726

6,979

+3.7%

+8.2%

Healthcare

2,825

2,756

-2.5%

+8.3%

Electronics

1,504

1,541

+2.5%

+6.6%

GAS & SERVICES REVENUE

14,697

15,935

+8.4%

+7.5%

The slideshow that accompanies this release is available as of 9:00 am (Paris time) at www.airliquide.com.

Throughout the year, follow Air Liquide on Twitter: @AirLiquideGroup.

UPCOMING EVENTS

2021 Full Year results: February 16, 2022

Capital Markets Day: March 22, 2022

 

A world leader in gases, technologies and services for Industry and Health, Air Liquide is present in 78 countries with approximately 64,500 employees and serves more than 3.8 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.

 

Air Liquide’s ambition is to be a leader in its industry, deliver long term performance and contribute to sustainability - with a strong commitment to climate change and energy transition at the heart of its strategy. The company’s customer-centric transformation strategy aims at profitable, regular and responsible growth over the long term. It relies on operational excellence, selective investments, open innovation and a network organization implemented by the Group worldwide. Through the commitment and inventiveness of its people, Air Liquide leverages energy and environment transition, changes in healthcare and digitization, and delivers greater value to all its stakeholders.

 

Air Liquide’s revenue amounted to more than 20 billion euros in 2020. Air Liquide is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange (compartment A) and belongs to the CAC 40, EURO STOXX 50 and FTSE4Good indexes.

 

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211021006013/en/

Investor Relations IRTeam@airliquide.com +33 1 40 62 51 50 Media Relations media@airliquide.com +33 1 40 62 58 49