Air Liquide Group reported solid financial growth in the first half of 2024, driven by significant operating margin improvements and strategic investments in decarbonization, while positioning itself favorably in the evolving industrial gas market.

Target Information

Air Liquide Group has demonstrated robust financial performance in the first half of 2024, achieving significant increases in both sales and operating margin despite a challenging market. The growth in sales on a comparable basis was +2.6%, with Gas & Services, representing the majority of the Group's revenue, benefiting particularly from the Healthcare sector and strong activity in the Americas.

The company's ADVANCE strategic plan plays a crucial role in driving its operational efficiencies, enabling it to achieve a notable improvement in its operating margin of +100 basis points, excluding energy impacts. The Group's efforts have led to a substantial return on capital employed (ROCE) of 10.7%, reflecting its successful execution of this long-term growth strategy.

Industry Overview in France

The industrial gas industry in France, where Air Liquide is headquartered, is increasingly focused on sustainability and the energy transition. French firms face growing pressure to better their carbon footprints, spurred by do