Air Liquide
First Quarter 2021: Return to Growth for All Activities in an Improving Environment
Regulatory News:
Air Liquide (Paris:AI):
Key Figures (in millions of euros) |
Q1 2021 |
2021/2020 as
published
2021/2020
comparable (a)
Group Revenue
5,334
-0.7%
+3.8%
of which Gas & Services
5,103
-1.7%
+2.8%
of which Engineering & Construction
76
+44.5%
+48.5%
of which Global Markets & Technologies
155
+22.0%
+25.7%
(a) Change excluding the currency, energy (natural gas and electricity) and significant scope impacts, see reconciliation in appendix.
Commenting on sales in the 1st quarter of 2021, Benoît Potier, Chairman and CEO of the Air Liquide Group, said:
“This first quarter saw solid growth of +3.8% on a comparable basis, confirming the trend recorded in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Sales reached 5.3 billion euros, including 5.1 billion euros for Gas & Services, which grew +2.8% on a comparable basis. This growth confirms the recovery seen in all of our Gas & Services activities. Strong momentum was also seen in the Engineering & Construction and Global Markets & Technologies business lines.
In Gas & Services, which account for 96% of Group sales, growth was particularly strong in Healthcare at +10%. In the industrial sector, the Industrial Merchant activity showed positive growth for the first time since the start of the health crisis, while Large Industries grew, driven by the start-up of new units and the marked recovery in the Steel and Chemicals markets. In terms of geographies, Asia showed very strong growth, led by China, while Europe grew solidly. The Americas region posted contrasted performance, impacted by an exceptional cold wave in the United States.
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Regarding efficiencies, the Group continued to take action to improve performance. In the 1st quarter of 2021, 95 million euros in efficiencies were generated, in line with its target to achieve 400 million euros over the year. In addition, the cost reduction measures linked to the crisis have been largely maintained in the context of the gradual recovery in activity. Cash flow is high and stands at more than 23% of sales, an improvement of +100 basis points.
The investment decisions for the quarter amounted to 600 million euros. The 12-month portfolio of opportunities continued to grow and stands at 3.2 billion euros. The proportion of projects linked to the energy transition has continued to increase and is now at 46%. These investments will contribute to future growth.
Financial performance and sustainable development are at the heart of Air Liquide’s growth model. In a global health context that still differs from region to region, the Group remains committed to supplying healthcare facilities with medical oxygen. In addition, the Group set out particularly ambitious sustainable development objectives last March. A structured plan will allow it to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and to accelerate in the field of hydrogen and the deployment of decarbonization solutions for the industry.
In 2021, in a context of limited local lockdowns in the first half of the year and recovery in the second half, Air Liquide is confident in its ability to further increase its operating margin and to deliver recurring net profit(1) growth, at constant exchange rates.”
(1) Recurring net profit: Excluding significant and exceptional items with no impact on recurring operating income. Excluding the impact of a possible US tax reform in 2021.
Highlights of the 1st quarter
|
Group revenue for Q1 2021 totaled 5,334 million euros, in a still challenging but improving global health and economic environment. Sales increased by +3.8% on a comparable basis with Q1 2020, which had been affected by the health crisis in Asia, and more specifically in China, and then in Europe from mid-March 2020. The consolidated revenue of Engineering & Construction recorded strong growth of +48.5% compared to lower activity due to the pandemic in Q1 2020. Global Markets & Technologies activity was up by +25.7%, driven by the ramp-up of biogas units and sales of equipment with high technological added-value. The Group’s published revenue was down slightly by -0.7% due to negative currency (-5.1%) and significant scope (-2.7%) impacts, partially offset by the energy impact (+3.3%).
Gas & Services revenue totaled 5,103 million euros, up by + 2.8% on a comparable basis. Sales as published for Q1 2021 were down -1.7%, penalized by negative currency (-5.1%) and significant scope (-2.8%) impacts, partially offset by the energy impact (+3.4%). The significant scope impact mostly reflects the disposal of Schülke in Healthcare.
- Gas & Services revenue in the Americas region was down by -1.5% on a comparable basis, at 2,003 million euros in Q1 2021. In North America, after a strong month of January, sales were impacted as of mid-February by the historic winter storm on the Gulf Coast, notably in the Large Industries business. In Latin America, sales grew strongly in all businesses. Large Industries revenue was down by -4.2% overall in the region. Industrial Merchant recorded a sequential recovery, with a limited drop in sales of -3.2% compared to -5.2% in Q4 2020. Healthcare remains fully committed to the fight against the pandemic, notably to meet the exceptionally high demand for medical oxygen, and posted +13.3% growth in sales. Electronics revenue was close to stable (-0.6%).
- Revenue for the Europe region reached 1,797 million euros, up by +4.5% on a comparable basis. Industrial activities have returned to growth, with higher comparable sales compared to Q1 2019. Large Industries sales were stable compared to Q1 2020. Industrial Merchant activity showed a strong improvement, with sales growth of +3.6% in Q1 2021 compared to a -1.3% decline in Q4 2020. Representing more than a third of Gas & Services sales in Europe, Healthcare activities remained highly mobilized to fight against the pandemic, with sales up by +8.8%.
- Sales in the Asia-Pacific region grew strongly by +6.7% on a comparable basis, to 1,150 million euros, with all business lines recording growth in Q1. China (+12.8%) contributed significantly, and benefited from a favorable comparison basis with Q1 2020 greatly impacted by the health crisis. In the rest of the region, sales increased by +2.4%. Volumes recorded strong momentum in Large Industries, which posted a +8.7% rise in revenue. The strong sales growth in the Industrial Merchant business (+10.6%) was mainly supported by the momentum in China, with sales in the rest of the region just returning to growth. The Electronics business (+1.3%) benefited from the ramp-up of new carrier gases units but with weaker sales of Advanced Materials and Equipment & Installation.
- Revenue in the Middle East and Africa totaled 153 million euros, up by a strong +17.5% on a comparable basis in Q1. Large Industries sales benefited from a rise in demand from customers connected to the pipeline network in Saudi Arabia and a favorable comparison effect due to a customer turnaround in Q1 2020. Industrial Merchant revenue continued to rise supported by a strong activity in India and Egypt. Healthcare is mobilized in the fight against Covid-19, with strong sales growth across the entire region.
All business lines posted growth compared to Q1 2020. Healthcare sales recorded a strong increase of +10.1% on a comparable basis, with teams still mobilized in the fight against Covid-19. Large Industries revenue grew by +3.0% despite the impact of the winter storm on the Gulf Coast in mid-February, notably supported by the contribution of new production units. Industrial Merchant revenue returned to growth (+0.3%), supported by the pick-up in volumes, solid pricing of +1.6%, and strong activity in China. Sales in Electronics were up by +1.8% and by +2.8% excluding Equipment & Installation sales.
The consolidated revenue of Engineering & Construction stood at 76 million euros, up a strong +48.5%, notably with growth in sales to third-party customers. Total sales, which include internal sales, rose by +19% in Q1 2021. Order intake stood at 285 million euros, with more than 85% of orders corresponding to projects in Asia, notably in Chemicals.
The sales of Global Markets & Technologies totaled 155 million euros, up a strong +25.7% on a comparable basis, driven notably by a strong momentum in the Biogas business. Order intake for Group projects and third-party customers totaled 163 million euros.
Efficiencies(1) reached 95 million euros, increased by close to +5% compared with the 1st quarter 2020, in line with the annual objective set at more than 400 million euros. Moreover, the exceptional cost reduction plan in response to the public health crisis has continued and was adapted to the progressive recovery in overall activity, as many local lockdown measures are still in place. These cost reductions are not, due to their nature, sustainable in the long-term.
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital totaled 1,243 million euros, representing an increase of +3.9% and +9.7% excluding currency impact, once again underlining the resilience of the business model. This corresponds to 23.3% of sales, a marked improvement of +100 basis points compared with the 1st quarter of 2020. It allowed, in particular, the financing of industrial capital expenditure, which totaled 688 million euros, representing 12.9% of sales.
Following an extremely high level of investment decisions totaling more than 1 billion euros in the 4th quarter of 2020, industrial investment decisions in the 1st quarter of 2021 amounted to 569 million euros. The 12-month portfolio of investment opportunities continues to grow and stood at 3.2 billion euros at the end of March, approximately 100 million euros more than at the end of 2020. The nature of opportunities is changing, with energy transition on the rise, now representing 46% of the portfolio.
The additional contribution to sales of unit start-ups and ramp-ups is high, totaling 65 million euros over the 1st quarter of 2021. In 2021, the additional contribution to sales of unit start-ups and ramp-ups is expected to reach around 250 million euros, plus the contribution from the 16 units in the process of being acquired in South Africa, pending approval from antitrust authorities, expected by the end of June. The latter is estimated at around 60 million euros for 2021, with Air Liquide not managing energy in a first phase. Revenue should reach over 400 million euros per year in a second phase, when energy management is fully integrated, without any significant impact on operating income.
_________________
1See definition in Appendix.
Analysis of 1st 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.
REVENUE
Revenue (in millions of euros) |
Q1 2020 |
|
Q1 2021 |
|
2021/2020 published change |
|
2021/2020 comparable change |
|
Gas & Services |
5,191 |
5,103 |
-1.7% |
+2.8% |
||||
Engineering & Construction |
52 |
76 |
+44.5% |
+48.5% |
||||
Global Markets & Technologies |
127 |
155 |
+22.0% |
+25.7% |
||||
TOTAL REVENUE |
5,370 |
5,334 |
-0.7% |
+3.8% |
Group
Group revenue for Q1 2021 totaled 5,334 million euros, in a still challenging but improving global health and economic environment. Sales increased by +3.8% on a comparable basis with Q1 2020, which had been affected by the health crisis in Asia, and more specifically in China, and then in Europe from mid-March 2020. The consolidated revenue of Engineering & Construction recorded strong growth of +48.5% compared to lower activity due to the pandemic in Q1 2020. Global Markets & Technologies activity was up by +25.7%, driven by the ramp-up of biogas units and sales of equipment with high technological added-value. The Group’s published revenue was down slightly by -0.7% due to negative currency (-5.1%) and significant scope (-2.7%) impacts, partially offset by the energy impact (+3.3%).
Gas & Services
Gas & Services revenue totaled 5,103 million euros, up by + 2.8% on a comparable basis. All business lines posted growth compared to Q1 2020. Healthcare sales recorded a strong increase of +10.1%, with teams still mobilized in the fight against Covid-19. Large Industries revenue grew by +3.0% despite the impact of the winter storm on the Gulf Coast in mid-February, notably supported by the contribution of new production units. Industrial Merchant revenue returned to growth (+0.3%), supported by the pick-up in volumes, solid pricing of +1.6%, and strong activity in China. Sales in Electronics were up by +1.8% and by +2.8% excluding Equipment & Installation sales. Sales as published for Q1 2021 were down -1.7%, penalized by negative currency (-5.1%) and significant scope (-2.8%) impacts, partially offset by the energy impact (+3.4%). The significant scope impact reflects the disposal of Schülke in Healthcare and the reduction or sale of the Group’s stake in several non-strategic distributors in Japan in the second half of 2020.
Revenue by geography and business line (in millions of euros) |
Q1 2020 |
|
Q1 2021 |
|
2021/2020 published change |
|
2021/2020 comparable change |
|
Americas |
2,122 |
2,003 |
-5.6% |
|
-1.5% |
|||
Europe |
1,791 |
1,797 |
+0.4% |
|
+4.5% |
|||
Asia-Pacific |
1,139 |
1,150 |
+1.0% |
|
+6.7% |
|||
Middle East & Africa |
139 |
153 |
+10.4% |
|
+17.5% |
|||
GAS & SERVICES REVENUE |
5,191 |
5,103 |
-1.7% |
|
+2.8% |
|||
Large Industries |
1,294 |
1,445 |
+11.6% |
|
+3.0% |
|||
Industrial Merchant |
2,402 |
2,253 |
-6.2% |
|
+0.3% |
|||
Healthcare |
982 |
914 |
-6.9% |
|
+10.1% |
|||
Electronics |
513 |
491 |
-4.3% |
|
+1.8% |
Americas
Gas & Services revenue in the Americas region was down by -1.5% at 2,003 million euros in Q1 2021. In North America, after a strong month of January, sales were impacted as of mid-February by the historic winter storm on the Gulf Coast, notably in the Large Industries business. In Latin America, sales grew strongly in all businesses. Large Industries revenue was down by -4.2% overall in the region. Industrial Merchant recorded a sequential recovery, with a limited drop in sales of -3.2% compared to -5.2% in Q4 2020. Healthcare remains fully committed to the fight against the pandemic, notably to meet the exceptionally high demand for medical oxygen, and posted +13.3% growth in sales. Electronics revenue was close to stable (-0.6%).
- Large Industries revenue was down by -4.2%. In the United States, air gases volumes showed strong momentum in January, but the business was affected by the exceptional winter storm in the Gulf Coast in February, which also led to a peak in energy prices. As a result, the Cogeneration business recorded a strong rise in sales, but this did not offset lower industrial gases sales. In Latin America, oxygen and hydrogen volumes increased, notably with the ramp-up of new hydrogen units in Argentina and Mexico.
- Industrial Merchant sales (-3.2%) continued their sequential recovery that began in Q3 2020 despite the negative impact of the winter storm in the United States. Sales to the Food, Pharmaceuticals, Research and Retail & Craftsmen sectors were up, and sales to Metal Fabrication were improving, while the Construction sector remained sluggish. In North America, liquid gas sales returned to their 2019 level and cylinder gas volumes improved over the quarter. Volumes increased in Latin America, notably for cylinder gas in Brazil and liquid gas in Argentina. Pricing remained solid at +2.3%, with a neutral contribution from helium.
- Healthcare revenue rose by +13.3%, with exceptionally high medical oxygen sales in the region overall. In the United States, proximity care is gradually coming back to normal levels, with a progressive return of non-emergency surgery. Home Healthcare is growing strongly in Latin America across all therapies, and is picking up very gradually in Canada, where the reopening of clinics has allowed home care to be prescribed to new patients.
- Electronics sales were virtually stable at -0.6%: the strong growth of Carrier Gases is masked by weaker sales of Advanced Materials, as the recent price declines have not yet been offset by volume growth.
Europe
Revenue for the Europe region rose by +4.5% to 1,797 million euros. Industrial activities have returned to growth, with higher comparable sales compared to Q1 2019. Large Industries sales were stable compared to Q1 2020. Industrial Merchant activity showed a strong improvement, with sales growth of +3.6% in Q1 2021 compared to a -1.3% decline in Q4 2020. Representing more than a third of Gas & Services sales in Europe, Healthcare activities remained highly mobilized to fight against the pandemic, with sales up by +8.8%.
- Large Industries sales were stable despite oxygen volumes affected by customer shutdowns in Italy. Volumes to Steel and Chemicals customers rose, notably supported by the recovery of the automotive sector, in Germany in particular. Hydrogen volumes to the Chemicals sector increased and benefited from a favorable comparison basis in Germany. Refining demand remained weak despite a marked sequential improvement in the Benelux and Spain. Sales were up in Eastern Europe, benefiting from strong oxygen demand in Poland, the takeover of a hydrogen unit in Kazakhstan, and an exceptional sale in Russia.
- Industrial Merchant revenue grew by a strong +3.6% compared to a -1.3% decline in Q4 2020. Sales recovered to a higher level than in Q1 2019 for liquid gas and cylinder gas, with a strong sequential pick-up in volumes, especially in Italy, the Iberian Peninsula and Germany. Sales to the Metal Fabrication, Construction, Materials & Energy, Retail & Craftsmen, and Research sectors were up. Activity was still dynamic in Eastern Europe, with strong sales growth in Poland, Russia and Turkey. Pricing remained solid at +1.0%.
- Still very involved in the fight against Covid-19, the Healthcare business grew +8.8%. Growth in medical gas sales remained very strong, despite the already high basis of comparison in Q1 2020. Medical equipment sales were still high, but are gradually normalizing and will be compared to exceptionally high 2020 revenue in the coming quarters. The recovery is accelerating in Home Healthcare, supported in particular by the launch of therapies for diabetes in new regions and the development of sleep apnea treatments in Germany and the Iberian Peninsula. Sales from the Seppic subsidiary also grew strongly, thanks to high demand in Specialty Ingredients for the cosmetics sector and adjuvants for avian and swine vaccines.
Europe
|
Asia-Pacific
Sales in the Asia-Pacific region grew strongly by +6.7% to 1,150 million euros, with all business lines recording growth in Q1. China (+12.8%) contributed significantly, and benefited from a favorable comparison basis with Q1 2020 greatly impacted by the health crisis. In the rest of the region, sales increased by +2.4%. Volumes recorded strong momentum in Large Industries, which posted a +8.7% rise in revenue. The strong sales growth in the Industrial Merchant business (+10.6%) was mainly supported by the momentum in China, with sales in the rest of the region just returning to growth. The Electronics business (+1.3%) benefited from the ramp-up of new units but with weaker sales of Advanced Materials and Equipment & Installation.
- Large Industries sales recorded strong growth of +8.7%, notably supported by strong demand in China (+7.3%), which also benefited from the favorable comparison basis with Q1 2020. Hydrogen volumes showed good momentum, notably for refining in Singapore, as well as for Chemicals in South Korea with the ramp-up of a new production unit and in China.
- Industrial Merchant revenue rose by +10.6%, driven by the positive improvement in all activities in China (+33%) compared to Q1 2020 at the peak of the pandemic. Sales rose sharply in virtually all markets in China, and demand for the Automotive market is picking up across the entire region. Outside China, volumes continued to rise sequentially and sales were back to slight growth, notably driven by emerging economies in Southeast Asia. Pricing impacts at -0.6% were stable excluding the impact from helium prices decline.
- Electronics sales were up by +1.3%, and by +3.7% excluding Equipment & Installation sales. Carrier Gases posted strong growth despite a high basis of comparison, benefiting notably from the ramp-up of several production units in China, Japan and Taiwan. Advanced Materials sales were affected by the high levels of inventories accumulated in 2020 and contract renegotiations including lower prices in anticipation of a rise in volumes.
Asia-Pacific
|
Middle East and Africa
Revenue in the Middle East and Africa totaled 153 million euros, up a strong +17.5% in Q1. Large Industries sales benefited from a rise in demand from customers connected to the pipeline network in Saudi Arabia and a favorable comparison basis due to a customer turnaround in Q1 2020. Industrial Merchant revenue continued to rise supported by a strong activity in India and Egypt. Healthcare is mobilized in the fight against Covid-19, with strong sales growth across the entire region.
Engineering & Construction
The consolidated revenue of Engineering & Construction stood at 76 million euros, up a strong +48.5%, with growth in sales to third-party customers and a favorable basis of comparison due to the closure of the Chinese engineering center during one month in Q1 2020. Total sales, which include internal sales, rose by +19% in Q1 2021.
Order intake stood at 285 million euros, close to 200 million euros more than in 2020, reflecting the efforts of the sales teams and the postponement of some projects due to the health crisis. More than 85% of orders correspond to projects in Asia, including a major contract in Chemicals.
Global Markets & Technologies
The sales of Global Markets & Technologies totaled 155 million euros, up a strong +25.7%. The Biogas business recorded strong momentum, driven by the ramp-up of production plants in the United States and Europe and biomethane sales for transport in France and the United Kingdom. Technology equipment sales rose, notably for membrane-based gas purification in the United States.
Order intake for Group projects and third-party customers totaled 163 million euros, and included major contracts for helium cryogenic refrigerators, and membrane-based gas purification systems, notably for biogas.
Global Markets & Technologies
|
Investment cycle
INVESTMENT DECISIONS AND INVESTMENT BACKLOG
Industrial and financial investment decisions totaled 603 million euros in the 1st quarter of 2021. This is excluding the acquisition of 16 air separation units from Sasol in South Africa, pending approval from the antitrust authorities, expected by the end of June.
Following an extremely high level of investment decisions totaling more than 1 billion euros in the 4th quarter of 2020, industrial investment decisions in the 1st quarter of 2021 amounted to 569 million euros. Decisions for Industrial Merchant are high, with, among other decisions, new installations aimed at accelerating the development of cylinder gas in Europe, including the automation of France’s first major filling center following a successful pilot project. Industrial decisions include notably the deployment of logistics equipment for Hydrogen Energy in the United States and a manufacturing site for tanks and trailers for hydrogen mobility markets in Asia. The share of industrial decisions contributing to margin improvement (efficiencies) is increasing; it reached 17% in the 1st quarter of 2021.
Financial investment decisions reached 34 million euros in the 1st quarter of 2021, including several small acquisitions for Industrial Merchant in the United States, Europe and Asia, for Healthcare in Europe, and for Global Market & Technologies.
The investment backlog remains largely stable at 3.0 billion euros. Large Industries projects for Chemicals customers represent the highest share, Electronics projects remain significant and the Oil & Gas market represents only about 5% of the total. These investments should lead to a stable future contribution to annual sales relative to the amount at the end of 2020, i.e. approximately 1.0 billion euros per year after full ramp-up of the units.
START-UPS
Four major units started up during the 1st quarter of 2021. These start-ups relate to carrier gas production units for Electronics in Asia and production plants for Large Industries in Canada and Europe including the takeover of a hydrogen production unit in Kazakhstan.
The additional contribution to sales of unit start-ups and ramp-ups is high, totaling 65 million euros over the 1st quarter of 2021.
In 2021, the additional contribution to sales of unit start-ups and ramp-ups is expected to reach around 250 million euros, plus the contribution from the 16 units in the process of being acquired in South Africa, pending approval from antitrust authorities, expected by the end of June. The latter is estimated at around 60 million euros for 2021, with Air Liquide not managing energy in a first phase. Revenue should reach over 400 million euros per year in a second phase, when energy management is fully integrated, without any significant impact on operating income.
Investment
|
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES
The 12-month portfolio of investment opportunities continues to grow and stood at 3.2 billion euros at the end of March, approximately 100 million euros more than at the end of 2020, due to a number of new entries exceeding project signings and portfolio exits of projects deferred for more than 12 months or won by competition.
The nature of opportunities is changing, with energy transition on the rise, now representing 46% of the portfolio. These include low-carbon hydrogen production by electrolysis and CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) projects in Large Industries, and biogas production projects in Global Markets & Technologies. The share of Electronics projects remains significant, increasing compared to the already high level in 2020.
Europe and Asia account for around 80% of the opportunities. Europe remains the portfolio’s leading region thanks to the numerous energy transition projects, followed very closely by Asia, driven by Electronics projects. Then come the Americas and the Middle-East & Africa with similar levels of opportunities.
Operating Performance
Efficiencies(2) reached 95 million euros, a +4.7% increase compared with the 1st quarter 2020, in line with the annual objective set at more than 400 million euros. These efficiencies represent cost savings of 2.4%. Industrial efficiencies accounted for more than 40% of total efficiencies and were notably the result of initiatives to improve energy efficiency in Large Industries and supply chain management in Industrial Merchant and Electronics. The implementation of digital tools aimed at the Group’s transformation continued, with 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). Efficiencies linked to procurement also increased, notably in Healthcare. Airgas continued to be a major contributor to overall efficiencies generated.
Moreover, the exceptional cost reduction plan in response to the public health crisis has continued and was adapted to the progressive recovery in overall activity, as many local lockdown measures are still in place. These cost reductions are not, due to their nature, sustainable in the long-term.
Cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital totaled 1,243 million euros, representing an increase of +3.9% and +9.7% excluding currency impact, once again underlining the resilience of the business model. This corresponds to 23.3% of sales, a marked improvement of +100 basis points compared with the 1st quarter of 2020. It allowed, in particular, the financing of industrial capital expenditure, which totaled 688 million euros, representing 12.9% of sales.
Efficiencies
|
_________________
2 See definition in Appendix.
Outlook
This first quarter saw solid growth of +3.8% on a comparable basis, confirming the trend recorded in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Sales reached 5.3 billion euros, including 5.1 billion euros for Gas & Services, which grew +2.8% on a comparable basis. This growth confirms the recovery seen in all of our Gas & Services activities. Strong momentum was also seen in the Engineering & Construction and Global Markets & Technologies business lines.
In Gas & Services, which account for 96% of Group sales, growth was particularly strong in Healthcare at +10%. In the industrial sector, the Industrial Merchant activity showed positive growth for the first time since the start of the health crisis, while Large Industries grew, driven by the start-up of new units and the marked recovery in the Steel and Chemicals markets. In terms of geographies, Asia showed very strong growth, led by China, while Europe grew solidly. The Americas region posted contrasted performance, impacted by an exceptional cold wave in the United States.
Regarding efficiencies, the Group continued to take action to improve performance. In the 1st quarter of 2021, 95 million euros in efficiencies were generated, in line with its target to achieve 400 million euros over the year. In addition, the cost reduction measures linked to the crisis have been largely maintained in the context of the gradual recovery in activity. Cash flow is high and stands at more than 23% of sales, an improvement of +100 basis points.
The investment decisions for the quarter amounted to 600 million euros. The 12-month portfolio of opportunities continued to grow and stands at 3.2 billion euros. The proportion of projects linked to the energy transition has continued to increase and is now at 46%. These investments will contribute to future growth.
Financial performance and sustainable development are at the heart of Air Liquide’s growth model. In a global health context that still differs from region to region, the Group remains committed to supplying healthcare facilities with medical oxygen. In addition, the Group set out particularly ambitious sustainable development objectives last March. A structured plan will allow it to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and to accelerate in the field of hydrogen and the deployment of decarbonization solutions for the industry.
In 2021, in a context of limited local lockdowns in the first half of the year and recovery in the second half, Air Liquide is confident in its ability to further increase its operating margin and to deliver recurring net profit(1) growth, at constant exchange rates.
(1) Recurring net profit: Excluding significant and exceptional items with no impact on recurring operating income. 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:
- Comparable sales change
- Currency, energy and significant scope impacts
- 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. For the 1st quarter 2021, the calculations are the following:
(in millions of euros) |
Q1 2021 |
|
Q1 2021/2020 Published Growth |
|
Currency impact |
|
Natural gas impact |
|
Electricity impact |
|
Significant scope impact |
|
Q1 2021/2020 Comparable Growth |
|
Revenue |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Group |
5,334 |
|
-0.7% |
|
(272) |
|
133 |
|
46 |
|
(142) |
|
+3.8% |
|
Impacts in % |
|
|
|
|
-5.1% |
|
+2.5% |
|
+0.8% |
|
-2.7% |
|
|
|
Gas & Services |
5,103 |
|
-1.7% |
|
(266) |
|
133 |
|
46 |
|
(142) |
|
+2.8% |
|
Impacts in % |
|
|
|
|
-5.1% |
|
+2.5% |
|
+0.9% |
|
-2.8% |
|
|
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...).
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 |
|
Annual General Meeting of Shareholders: |
May 4, 2021 |
|
Dividend Ex-coupon Date: |
May 17, 2021 |
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Dividend Payout Date: |
May 19, 2021 |
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2021 First Half Revenue and Results: |
July 29, 2021 |
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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. |
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