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Air Liquide SA said Tuesday that net profit and revenue rose in 2019.
Net profit at the industrial-gas supplier AI, -0.19% rose to 2.24 billion euros ($2.45 billion) from EUR2.11 billion a year earlier, the company said.
Revenue for the year increased to EUR21.92 billion from EUR21.01 billion, Air Liquide said. Analysts had forecast net profit of EUR2.23 billion on revenue of EUR22.08, according to a consensus compiled by FactSet.
“Overall, and despite the expected global economic slowdown observed in the fourth quarter, the group delivered robust results,” the company said.
The increase was partly driven by the gas and services and global markets and technologies segments. The acquisition of Tech Air in the first quarter and the disposal of Fujian Shenyuan in September contributed positively as well, the company said.
Air Liquide said it will propose a dividend of EUR2.70 a share at the next annual general meeting.
Looking ahead, the company said it expects to increase its operating margin and deliver net profit growth at constant exchange rates.
