Air Liquide : 2022 Shareholder's guide

2022 Shareholder's guide

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Air Liquide's ambition is to contribute to a more sustainable world. The Group's growth model is now based on the principle of global performance that combines economic success and sustainable development. Our Shareholders have always been at the heart of our story, and it is thanks to you that we are able to build the future together. For us, building the future means creating and developing innovative solutions, based on technology and scienti c expertise, that support industrial and healthcare progress. It means acting every day for our customers, our patients and, beyond them, being useful to society as a whole.

Interview with 04 Benoît Potier,

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Strategic Plan

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Governance

Chairman and CEO

At the heart of the 14 future for a more sustainable world

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Building the future together

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Performance

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Interview

Could you tell us more regarding the Group's financial performance?

Interview with

Benoît Potier

Chairman and CEO of Air Liquide

The year 2021 was characterized by the covid-19 pandemic, inflation and a sharp rise in energy prices. How would you describe Air Liquide's performance?

First of all, I would like to say a few words about the beginning of 2022, which has been so painfully marked by the conflict in Ukraine. My thoughts are naturally with our 14 employees who are still based there and we are monitoring their situation closely.

Their safety is a constant concern. I am also thinking of the millions of refugees, mainly women and children, forced to flee their country. Faced with this real tragedy, the Group is organizing itself to contribute humanitarian aid, notably through the Air Liquide Foundation, but also through local initiatives, notably in Poland and Romania.

As for our performance in 2021, I would say that it was a very good year, given the complex environment in which we were operating. Indeed, we stepped up to the plate on all fronts. Throughout the world, Air Liquide teams demonstrated an incredible ability to both react and adapt to many challenges, whether in response to the covid-19 crisis, the significant acceleration in inflation or the energy transition challenge. The Group's resilience was thoroughly tested in 2021 and our success is due to our 66,400 employees who give their all to our customers and patients on a daily basis. I would like to give them my heartfelt thanks and once again express my great pride in them.

In 2021, Air Liquide delivered another year of profitable growth. The Group posted an 8.2% increase in sales to reach 23.3 billion euros in revenue, and a 13.3% increase in recurring net profit.

Growth was achieved across all activities, with Engineering & Construction and Global Markets & Technologies benefiting from projects relating to the energy transition. In the Gas & Services activity, which represents 95% of Group revenue, growth in all business lines and geographical areas are up significantly, particularly in Asia (+6%), Europe (+7%) and the Americas (+8%).

Our operating margin is increasing thanks to an inflation-adapted pricing policy, high e›ciency gains reaching 430 million euros and strong business portfolio management. Amid a landscape of high energy prices, the Group was able to counter rising costs thanks to our strong business model.

Finally, 2021 saw a high volume of investments that reached 3.6 billion euros. The Group's financial performance in 2021 was truly exceptional.

"Our global presence, our inventor DNA and the soundness of our business model enable us to play a decisive role in the markets that will unlock the future."

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